Cowboys-Panthers preview

AP

Express-News Cowboys beat writer Tom Orsborn looks at five things to watch for during the team's Monday night game against the Panthers (7:30 p.m., ESPN).
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1. The 'real' Steve Smith: Terence Newman got burned repeatedly last week by the Giants' Steve Smith. Next up: The "real" Steve Smith, Carolina's feisty, speedy playmaker, a four-time Pro Bowler (left, against Ken Hamlin in 2007). If Dallas doesn't pressure Jake Delhomme, Newman can be expected to struggle again.
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2. Sagging sackmasters: The Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware and the Panthers' Julius Peppers have been two of the league's top defenders this decade, but Ware has no sacks and Peppers has only one. Unless something changes in the early going, Ware and Peppers can expect plenty of double teams.
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3. Special teams emphasis: With Carolina punter Jason Baker struggling, don't be surprised if the Cowboys call on Terence Newman to return a punt or two. If Dallas doesn't want to risk Newman getting injured, they could go after Baker.
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4. Defensive doldrums: Both defenses have serious issues. Dallas struggled to slow down the Bucs and the Giants, allowing 877 yards. Carolina has registered only two sacks and ranks 30th in the league in scoring defense, allowing an average of 33.0 points.
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5. A tight game: The first three Monday Night Football games of 2009 have been decided by a total of nine points. Eight of the 10 games between the Cowboys and Panthers have been decided by 10 points or less. Four of those games were decided by less than a touchdown.
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Prediction: Both teams are desperate, but if the Cowboys lose, they'll face much more heat from their fans and the media. Dallas leans on its running game and special teams to avoid the early season drama. Cowboys 30, Panthers 24.
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