CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers defense sacked Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott six times, including a sack, fumble recovery with 1:39 left to play to preserve a 16-8 season-opening win over Dallas.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was 17 of 26 for 161 yards threw the air and rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown to give Carolina an early 7-0 lead in the 2nd quarter.  A Graham Gano 27-yard field goal before the half made it a 10-0 game. Fullback Alex Armah scored his first career touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but the Panthers missed the extra point when the snap ricocheted off a Panthers lineman, and the lead was 16-0. The offense was just two of five in the red zone versus the Cowboys Sunday.

Dallas answered right back on a 10-play, 75-yard drive culminating in a Ezekiel Elliott touchdown. The two point conversion by Prescott made it a one possession game at 16-8. But the Panthers defense didn't allow Dallas any closer than midfield in their final two offensive possessions to hold on for the victory.

The Panthers are 1-0 and hit the road next Sunday against NFC South Divisional foe Atlanta. The Falcons lost their opener last Thursday to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Note:

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen left the game after injuring his right foot in the second quarter. The same foot he broke last season.

Right tackle Daryl Williams was carted off the field in the fourth quarter after injuring his right knee. The same knee he tore his medial collateral ligament and dislocated his patella July 28 in training camp.

Linebacker Luke Kuechly suffered an injury to his left leg and missed a play but did finish the game.

Head Coach Ron Rivera did not know the severity of the injuries but did say Williams did not suffer the same injury as the one in training camp.