The Dallas Cowboys are once again double-digit favorites even though they're traveling to the East Coast to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday's noon slot. 

The Cowboys are projected to take it to their foe for the second consecutive week. Last weekend, they delivered on the sky-high expectations, obliterating the New York Giants 49-17. 

Only this time, things are a little bit different. First and foremost, the Panthers have a legit quarterback. Bryce Young might be a rookie going through growing pains as the No. 1 overall pick. Still, he's significantly better than Tommy DeVito, who was only on the field last Sunday because of the Giants' misfortune with quarterback health.

On top of that, the Cowboys are gearing up to face a divisional opponent on a short week as they'll face the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving. Against a Panthers' coaching staff with its back against the wall (HC Frank Reich just took control of play-calling), this has the makings of what is oftentimes considered a trap game.

But do the Panthers have a shot at winning this one? The offense looks lifeless and the defense doesn't scare anyone in this league, let alone the Cowboys' passing attack which has become one of the most productive units in the entire league.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy discussed the team's road woes so far this season and identified a major issue that could keep Dallas in trouble if they're not careful. Let's dive in.

Mike McCarthy: Penalties is the biggest road problem for Cowboys

When asked about common denominators that have led to the Cowboys' problems on the road, McCarthy didn't hesitate.

"I mean, statistically, the first one's penalties," the Cowboys head coach told reporters. "I mean, our penalties on the road compared to home are obviously too high, but I just think like anything, you know, road environments, it's a different challenge, especially at the beginning of the game when the crowd's the loudest. But you know, we're obviously expecting a lot of Cowboy fans there Sunday." 

Cowboys Nation made it to San Francisco, to Philadelphia, and (obviously) to Arizona. It mattered very little. 

Through ten weeks of the season, the Cowboys have been called for the second-most penalties on the road, per NFL Penalties. At home, they've been called for the 20th most penalties (they've played one more road game but the difference is still very large). 

The Cowboys have no business losing a game against the Panthers, who lack the talent (and scheme) to upset Dallas. However, it'll be a desperate team on the other side of the field and the Cowboys can't afford to be anything else other than locked in. 

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