3 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys' brutal loss vs. Panthers

The Dallas Cowboys suffered a brutal loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. This was a game that the Cowboys needed to get before a date with the Washington Commanders.

So, what went wrong? A lot. But some things also went right. Here are the three biggest takeaways in the Cowboys' Week 6 loss.

MORE: Former Dallas Cowboys star shown love from ex-teammates before Panthers game

Forgot To Buckle Up

Games with 200+ yards from scrimmage this season

Rico Dowdle: 2
Rest of NFL combined: 1 pic.twitter.com/m3Nqie4oN4
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) October 12, 2025

Former Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle told the team earlier last week that the defense better buckle up for his performance in Week 6.

Well, the Cowboys forgot to buckle up. Dowdle ran all over the Dallas defense, proving that this unit is far from being good.

Elite Pickens

George Pickens’ 6 receiving TDs this season, a career-high, are tied for the most by a Cowboys player through the first six games of a season since the NFL merger. Dez Bryant also had six TD catches through the first six games in 2013
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 12, 2025

If you're looking for a glass-half-full moment from the Week 6 performance, it's the play of wide receiver George Pickens.

Without CeeDee Lamb, Pickens has been everything this offense needed and more. Pickens finished the game with 168 receiving yards and one touchdown reception.

MORE: 4 most important Dallas Cowboys on offense not named Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb

Lost Running Game

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott hands the ball to running back Javonte Williams. | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Dowdle would have his career game when the Cowboys' running game looked completely lost. Javonte Williams finished with just 29 yards rushing, while rookie Jaydon Blue made zero impact on his three carries.

This team has major issues, and showed everyone one of them in the worst possible moments in this loss.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys. | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

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