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Carolina Panthers: Key Players to watch against Dallas Cowboys

By Brandon Croce

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 7: Dontari Poe #92 of the Atlanta Falcons gets set for a play against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 7: Dontari Poe #92 of the Atlanta Falcons gets set for a play against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Dontari Poe

One player on the defensive side of the ball for the Carolina Panthers that can really dictate the flow of the game will be defensive tackle Dontari Poe. The free agent signing will be playing in his first game as a Carolina Panther and will be tasked with trying to slow down Ezekiel Elliott.

This is exactly the type of game that the Panthers had in mind when bringing Poe aboard. He is a big body that can clog running lanes in the middle of the field. He also seemingly has a favorable matchup as the stout Cowboys’ offensive line will be without one of their key members, Travis Frederick.

The Cowboys are expected to lean heavily on Elliott with the lack of weapons at wide receiver. If Poe can dominate the point of attack, the Panthers’ defense should have a great day.

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