A couple of strong games for the Dallas offense without star wideout Ceedee Lamb is giving fans the sense that the Cowboys are getting it together.
They'll have another chance to show that in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers when the teams meet Sunday afternoon in Charlotte, N.C.
The Cowboys (2-2-1), fresh off a 37-22 road victory against the New York Jets, have demonstrated the ability to click in coach Brian Schottenheimer's offense.
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott is second in passing yards (1,356) and tied for third in touchdown passes (10), with just three interceptions. George Pickens has averaged 15.5 yards per catch for the Cowboys.
"Dak is doing an incredible job of reading progressions," Schottenheimer said. "And the first open guy is going to get the ball and I think that's what you're seeing."
That's evident with four different players finishing as the top receiver for Dallas across the last four games. Ryan Flournoy racked up 114 receiving yards last week.
With a perfect record at home, the Panthers (2-3) aim to continue riding the momentum that developed during last week's comeback victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Carolina still needs to improve its slow starts. Other than a shutout of the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers have endured miserable first halves this season.
Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after gaining 206 yards on the ground against Miami. He's likely to see a significant role again, as Chuba Hubbard (calf) was ruled out for a second straight game.
Dowdle is in his first season with the Panthers after four campaigns with the Cowboys.
"There are going to be emotions, but we have to set those things aside," Canales said of the connection between Dowdle and this week's opponent.
It might be more important for the Panthers to crank up their passing attack. Dallas ranks last in passing defense, allowing 284.6 yards per game through the air.
The Cowboys have a sturdy offense on the ground with Javonte Williams posting 89.4 rushing yards per game. He gained a season-high 135 yards against the Jets.
Schottenheimer said there's a physical element to the offense that's paying off.
Carolina's defense has been working on altering rushing stunts and finding new avenues into the offensive backfields.
"That's a group that needs to continue to grow to make an impact with a pass rush," Canales said.
Cowboys Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton returned to the practice field Wednesday after finishing up concussion protocol and was a full participant Thursday and Friday. He appears ready to go on Sunday, though the Cowboys will again be without Lamb (ankle), right guard Tyler Booker (ankle), and wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (foot). Linebacker Jack Sanborn (concussion) is also out, while cornerbacks Trevon Diggs (knee), DaRon Bland (shoulder) and Caelen Carson (knee) are among seven Cowboys listed as questionable.
For the Panthers, in addition to Hubbard, cornerback Akayleb Evans (hamstring), defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (toe) and right tackle Taylor Morton (elbow) are all out. Cornerbacks Chau Smith-Wade (chest) and Mike Jackson (ribs), as well as tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) and wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad), are all questionable.
Sunday's game will be the fourth road contest for Dallas. The Cowboys are 12-5 all-time against Carolina, and have won seven of 10 all-time visits to Charlotte.
--Field Level Media