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The quarterback is struggling. The defense is disappointing and lacking a pass rush. The coach is being questioned.
Sound like the Carolina Panthers?
Indeed, but all also are true of the Dallas Cowboys, the Panthers' opponent next Monday night at the new super-sized Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The parallels are striking for two teams desperately in need of a win.
Carolina's situation is more dire due to its 0-2 record, but the 1-1 Cowboys definitely don't want to lose a second consecutive home game in The House Jerry (Jones) Built.
See 5C for more of a look at how the Cowboys and Panthers compare so far.
The Defenses
Dallas led the NFL in sacks last season, but after two weeks is the only team in the league without a sack.
That's surprising considering outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware topped all players with 20 sacks last season and the Cowboys had a sack in every regular season game the previous two years under coach Wade Phillips.
The Cowboys rank 30th in the NFL in total defense, pass defense and opponents' average time of possession per game (34 minutes, 10 seconds).
The Panthers have to be thinking they'll have the opportunity to finally get into a groove offensively.
But the Cowboys' offense, which ranks first in the league in rushing and second overall, probably has similar aspirations against a Carolina defense tied for 27th against the run.
Even with starting running back Marion Barber questionable due to a thigh injury, the Cowboys have other dangerous runners in Felix Jones and Tashard Choice to send into the heart of a Carolina defense riddled with injuries at the tackle position.
The Panthers' pass rush also has been less than spectacular. The Panthers have just two sacks, including one by Pro Bowl end Julius Peppers.
Interestingly, when Peppers said after last season he wanted to play elsewhere in a defensive scheme that could best take advantage of his talents, Dallas was one of the teams on his short list of preferred destinations.
The Coaches
John Fox has had a successful run with the Panthers, reaching the playoffs three times and the Super Bowl once, but his status could be in question if the team doesn't reach the postseason.
Phillips already has lasted longer than many of his critics expected. The Cowboys lost three of their final four games last season to miss the playoffs.
The Owners
Both are named Jerry, have high expectations for their teams, and are among the most prominent owners in the league, but their styles are dramatically different.
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is one of the most trusted leaders in the NFL. He prefers to keep a low public profile and to work behind the scenes.
Jerry Jones loves the spotlight and is quick to speak out on issues, making him one of the league's most visible and widely-quoted owners.
Jones has been much more prone than Richardson to sign players with troubled pasts, such as Terrell Owens and Adam "Pacman" Jones. Richardson generally stays far away from players with past problems.
Both men are watching their teams closely this season and are plenty bold enough to make changes they deem necessary.
