As we roll into Week 1 Marquis Haynes Jersey , the Panthers face a young Dallas Cowboys squad with a solid run game. The Panthers defense will have their work cut out for them stopping the run and the offense looks to succeed in its first action under freshman offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Here are the key matchups to watch.Luke Kuechly vs. Ezekiel ElliottOne of the top running backs in the NFL faces arguably the best defender in the league. Elliott is a threat whether he is taking handoffs in the backfield or catching passes. Kuechly is a top tier run and pass defender. This is one of the premier matchups of Week 1 no matter how you slice it, and could impact the game more than any other one-on-one matchup. Kuechly can patrol sideline to sideline against the best of them, however Elliott lead the league in rushing his rookie year for a reason. Elliott figures to be heavily involved in all aspects of their offense as the consensus best weapon for the Cowboys.Mario Addison vs. Tyron SmithIn regards to the line, the rushing game will be a big factor. However, rushing Dak Prescott will be key as well. Kawann Short and Dontari Poe will make their debut as a unit, but ol’ reliable Mario Addison needs to show up as well. He has worked his way into a 3 down role with the Panthers, and will see Pro Bowler tackle Tyron Smith most of the night. Addison’s one of the better speed rushers in the NFL https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Torrey-Smith-Jersey , but Smith is no stranger to top tier players. If Addison can get consistent pressure then Carolina’s secondary can make plays.Panthers tackles vs. Demarcus LawrenceThe Cowboys best pass rusher will face off against Taylor Moton and whatever the team has planned at right tackle. This could be problematic for a team that is attempting to be a more high powered passing offense. No, scratch that, it WILL be a problem. So far, Moton has held his own in the preseason. But playing 4 quarters against starting defensive lineman is a different animal. I also imagine the Cowboys will have a plan to attack the right side of the line, seeing as it will either be a plan C or a guy who is still recovering from injury. Pray for Cam Newton, please.Devin Funchess vs. Byron JonesThe Cowboys sport an underrated group of athletes at linebacker. Between Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith, they should have a plan for Greg Olsen. I don’t expect them to completely shut him down Dontari Poe Color Rush Jersey , but it should provide some 1 on 1 opportunities for the Panthers de facto number 1 wide receiver. Funchess is coming off a breakout year, showing he can be the number one target and succeed. However, I want to see it more consistently when he isn’t the best option among a series of bad ones. Funchess should be in for a workload of moving the chains. In a contract year, this is the perfect game to start building a case for his payday.What players are you watching, Panthers fans? The Panthers were back on the practice field today ahead of their Week 9 game against the Buccaneers, and they provided some good news on the injury front: the only player who missed practice is wide receiver Torrey Smith, who is still nursing a sore knee after colliding with the ground against the Eagles. Smith missed last Sunday’s game against the Ravens after missing practice every day last week.Ron Rivera doesn’t seem to be very concerned about it Jarius Wright Jersey , though:Every one else who was limited or held out of practice yesterday participated in full today. that includes defensive end Julius Peppers and Mike Adams, who took their usual Wednesday off for rest. Quarterback Cam Newton was limited yesterday, but practiced in full today. That’s good news if you are interested in the Panthers playing well on Sunday. Rookies Andre Smith and Rashaan Gaulden took full practice reps again today, which is a good sign. Smith has missed the last several weeks with a hamstring injury, and Gaulden was kept out of last week’s game against the Ravens with an ankle injury.Here is today’s full injury report:Panthers injury reportDid not participate in practiceWR Torrey Smith (knee)Limited participation in practiceNoneFull participation in practiceS Mike Adams (rest)S Rashaan Gaulden (ankle)QB Cam Newton (shoulder)TE Greg Olsen (foot)DE Julius Peppers (rest)LB Andre Smith (hamstring)Practice StatusDid not participate in practice = 0% of a player’s normal repetitionsLimited participation in practice = Less than 100% of a player’s normal repetitionsFull participation in practice = 100% of a player’s normal repetitionsGame StatusOut = Player will not playDoubtful = Player unlikely to playQuestionable = Uncertain if player will play