Cowboys' defense learns margin for error is small

FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was disappointed Sunday.

He was disappointed even though the Cowboys allowed only 16 points, four third-down conversions in 12 tries, 293 total yards and points on two of five red zone drives, although one included a kneel-down.

“Just can’t beat yourself against good teams,” Marinelli said.

Marinelli’s defense is predicated on takeaways and the Cowboys missed two opportunities that resulted in Carolina points.

Three plays before Cam Newton’s 4-yard touchdown run, Jeff Heath couldn’t hold on to an interception of a pass deflected by Sean Lee. Later in the second quarter, Chidobe Awuzie stripped wide receiver Jarius Wright of the…