Panthers, Cowboys meet on the brink

• Cam Newton, Tony Romo can't find stellar form of 2011
• Panthers stunned by 1-4 record after preseason optimism
• Injuries causing problems for both teams

CHARLOTTE -- Shortly before the Carolina Panthers locker room closed to the news media and players hustled to meetings Thursday, Steve Smith grabbed an air horn and began a countdown of anticipation.

Someone joined in, yelling from the other side of the room, "One minute!"

Smith, the dynamo wide receiver, surveyed the room and grinned.

Two stalls away, Cam Newton tapped a visitor at his locker and nodded toward Smith.

"He does what he wants to do," Newton said, laughing.

Another voice yelled, "Thirty seconds!"

When the magic moment arrived, Smith blew that air horn with gusto.

This scene dripped with symbolism.

The Carolina Panthers need a loud, annoying wake-up call. They have sleep-walked to an ugly 1-4 mark.

A few weeks ago, this team was a hot pick to take a big step as a playoff contender. Newton was coming off a phenomenal rookie season. The defense was bolstered by the return of its hellacious middle linebacker, Jon Beason, coming back from a torn Achilles tendon. Confident center Ryan Kalil even bought a full-page ad in

The Charlotte Observer, promising fans in an open letter they would be rewarded with a Super Bowl crown.

It was tempting to drink the Kool-Aid.

"I might have been stirring it," said Smith, in his 12th season with the Panthers. "In training camp, everybody's believing they have the right formula. That's what the season is for. You've got to play the games.

"We've got 11 games to turn it around."

Maybe misery loves to host company. The Dallas Cowboys are coming to town Sunday, and it sure feels like an NFL elimination game in Week 7, pitting two teams that have thus proven they cannot be trusted.

Dallas (2-3) has lost three of four games since it backed up team owner Jerry Jones' bravado and blasted the champion New York Giants in the season opener in New Jersey.

Like Newton, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has had some crash landings.

One of these quarterbacks, and his team, is one loss away from a lot more heat.

Romo has an NFC-high nine interceptions ��� including five on Monday night in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, two of which were pick-sixes.

Newton has passed for just four touchdowns and committed six turnovers in the four losses, including three picks against the Giants — after which he had his infamous pity party of a press conference.

Smith chastised Newton for tuning out after being benched against the Giants but downplayed any lingering concern Thursday.

"I think he's fine," Smith said. "Things are not going well for anybody. And there are a lot of factors. You can't pin it on one thing or one person. That's unfair."

Newton told local media Wednesday, "This season is far from a wash and it's time for us to prove it."

While Newton tries to regain his groove, there are myriad of issues. Beason could miss his second consecutive game due to a knee injury. Kalil had surgery this week for his season-ending foot injury. The Panthers, with the 23rd-ranked defense, are allowing 25 points a game. And the 1-2 punch in the backfield with running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart has been inconsistent; neither has a 100-yard game.

Coach Ron Rivera wants more opportunities for Williams and Stewart, but is more disgusted that Carolina hasn't finished games, losing three games by a total of 12 points.

The Cowboys can relate. Sunday's loss at the Baltimore Ravens was settled by a 51-yard missed field goal, but the clock management before the kick was horrendous. Discipline is an issue, reflected by 46 penalties for the season. The O-line is leaky, too. And running back DeMarco Murray is out because of a foot injury. Problems, problems.

Meanwhile, the Giants are surging atop the NFC East at 4-2.

No wonder Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said Sunday's game will be pivotal.

Same deal for the Panthers. Smith says it's "huge."

Last weekend, the Panthers caught a break. They had a bye.

"Come Sunday, we'll know if it was a good bye," Williams said. "Everybody's excited. We had time for self-evaluation. It's like a new season for us. Either we're still looking, or we've found an identity."

Or it could be goodbye.