Game story
In Week 16 of the 2007 NFL season on 2007-12-22, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 20–13 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys) paced the passing game, with +11.49 total EPA, and +1.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, S. Smith (Carolina Panthers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +14.35 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+14.3% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Carolina Panthers changed the game: (4:29) (Shotgun) 3-M.Moore pass deep middle to 89-S.Smith pushed ob at DAL 9 for 57 yards (26-K.Hamlin). CAR-89-S.Smith was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 7 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
| Carolina Panthers | 0 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 S. Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +14.35 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.59 EPA/play
- 2 T. Romo · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +11.49 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 3 T. Owens · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.23 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play
- 4 P. Crayton · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.11 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 5 S. Hurd · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.56 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
- 6 M. Austin · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.41 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 7 M. Barber · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.23 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
- 8 J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.15 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
S. Smith — CAR · Receiving
S. Smith posted the highest total EPA (+14.35) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Carolina Panthers's efficiency. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +1.59 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.68 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (4:29) (Shotgun) 3-M.Moore pass deep middle to 89-S.Smith pushed ob at DAL 9 for 57 yards (26-K.Hamlin). CAR-89-S.Smith was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Dallas Cowboys — T. Owens (T. Romo pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — M. Barber
- Carolina Panthers — S. Smith (M. Moore pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — N. Folk
- Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay
- Dallas Cowboys — N. Folk
- Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the CAR 10 (Q1 46:30) — (1:30) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 81-T.Owens for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q1 46:30) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson..
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the CAR 5 (Q2 37:02) — (7:02) (Shotgun) 24-M.Barber left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CAR-74-S.McClover, Defensive Offside, declined.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q2 36:57) — 6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the DAL 11 (Q2 35:43) — (5:43) 3-M.Moore pass short right to 89-S.Smith for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q2 35:38) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the CAR 23 (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) 6-N.Folk 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson..
The third quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 3–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the DAL 20 (Q3 23:00) — (8:00) 4-J.Kasay 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the CAR 5 (Q4 8:57) — (8:57) 6-N.Folk 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the DAL 7 (Q4 3:04) — (3:04) 4-J.Kasay 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 4:29) — (4:29) (Shotgun) 3-M.Moore pass deep middle to 89-S.Smith pushed ob at DAL 9 for 57 yards (26-K.Hamlin). CAR-89-S.Smith was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 31:42) — (1:42) (Shotgun) 3-M.Moore pass short left intended for 89-S.Smith INTERCEPTED by 42-A.Henry at DAL 42. 42-A.Henry to 50 for 8 yards (69-J.Gross).
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 27:44) — (12:44) 3-M.Moore pass short left to 89-S.Smith to DAL 28 for 14 yards (41-T.Newman).
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 35:43) — (5:43) 3-M.Moore pass short right to 89-S.Smith for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 44:57) — (14:57) (Shotgun) 9-T.Romo pass deep left to 81-T.Owens ran ob at DAL 36 for 16 yards.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 4:29) — (4:29) (Shotgun) 3-M.Moore pass deep middle to 89-S.Smith pushed ob at DAL 9 for 57 yards (26-K.Hamlin). CAR-89-S.Smith was injured during the play. His return is Probable.
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 31:42) — (1:42) (Shotgun) 3-M.Moore pass short left intended for 89-S.Smith INTERCEPTED by 42-A.Henry at DAL 42. 42-A.Henry to 50 for 8 yards (69-J.Gross).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 14:20) — (14:20) 9-T.Romo pass deep middle intended for 84-P.Crayton INTERCEPTED by 58-T.Davis at CAR 3. 58-T.Davis to CAR 3 for no gain (84-P.Crayton).
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 36:11) — (6:11) 34-D.Williams left tackle pushed ob at DAL 11 for 39 yards (26-K.Hamlin, 41-T.Newman).
Quarterback report card
T.Romo led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Romo (Dallas Cowboys) · 46 dropbacks · 60.9% completion · +1.6% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +11.49 total EPA
- M.Moore (Carolina Panthers) · 33 dropbacks · 45.5% completion · -6.7% CPOE · -0.15 EPA/play · -4.98 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.068 | -0.046 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.8% | 39.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.250 | -0.151 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.141 | -0.103 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.046 | -0.068 |
| Defensive success rate | 60.3% | 58.2% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.05), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 10 drives, -2.89 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, +6.63 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- S. Smith (Carolina Panthers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Moore (CAR) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 46:30 · CAR 10 · Score 6-0
(1:30) 9-T.Romo pass short right to 81-T.Owens for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 46:30 · CAR 2 · Score 7-0
6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 37:02 · CAR 5 · Score 13-0
(7:02) (Shotgun) 24-M.Barber left tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CAR-74-S.McClover, Defensive Offside, declined. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 36:57 · CAR 2 · Score 14-0
6-N.Folk extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 35:43 · DAL 11 · Score 14-6
(5:43) 3-M.Moore pass short right to 89-S.Smith for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 35:38 · DAL 2 · Score 14-7
4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 32:00 · CAR 23 · Score 17-7
(2:00) 6-N.Folk 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q3 23:00 · DAL 20 · Score 17-10
(8:00) 4-J.Kasay 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 8:57 · CAR 5 · Score 20-10
(8:57) 6-N.Folk 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-14-B.Johnson. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 3:04 · DAL 7 · Score 20-13
(3:04) 4-J.Kasay 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Carolina Panthers 20-13 in Week 16, 2007 on 2007-12-22.
What was the final score of Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers?
The final score was Dallas Cowboys 20, Carolina Panthers 13 (DAL 20-13 CAR) in Week 16, 2007 on 2007-12-22.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 7, Carolina Panthers 0; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 10, Carolina Panthers 7; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 0, Carolina Panthers 3; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 3, Carolina Panthers 3; Final: Dallas Cowboys 20, Carolina Panthers 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers?
Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Owens (T. Romo pass) (Q1 46:30) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — M. Barber (Q2 37:02) Carolina Panthers touchdown — S. Smith (M. Moore pass) (Q2 35:43) Dallas Cowboys field goal — N. Folk (Q2 32:00, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (Q3 23:00, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — N. Folk (Q4 8:57, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (Q4 3:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers?
T. Romo (Dallas Cowboys), 60.9% completion, +1.6% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +11.49 total passing EPA. M. Moore (Carolina Panthers), 45.5% completion, -6.7% CPOE, -0.15 EPA per dropback, -4.98 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers?
S. Smith (Carolina Panthers) led the game in total EPA with +14.35 on receiving plays. across 9 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.68 EPA): (4:29) (Shotgun) 3-M.Moore pass deep middle to 89-S.Smith pushed ob at DAL 9 for 57 yards (26-K.Hamlin). CAR-89-S.Smith was injured during the play. His return is Probable.. The biggest win-probability swing was +14.3%.
Was Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina Panthers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Dallas Cowboys won 20-13 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 12-2 Now 13-2 W
Carolina Panthers
Entered 6-8 Now 6-9 L
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