While week 5 featured a decent thrashing of the Patriots defense against the Texans, the fire power they’ll face this week is at a different level. The Cowboys visit Gillette with an offense capable of attacking in multiple ways at an elite level.
Going into this game the two teams are complete opposites in points per game averages this year. The Cowboys rank second at 34 points and the Patriots at 26th barely scoring 19 points per game. For the Patriots defense this means they’ll likely have to keep this offense under their average by a good margin to come out with a win.
The Cowboys feature a group of skill players that is one of the best in the league. According to TeamRankings, Dak Prescott is 10th in the league in passing yards. The receiver core is highlighted by a young star in Ceedee Lamb and veteran Amari Cooper whose four touchdowns are two off the league lead in touchdown receptions. While Jalen Mills was out against the Texans, he remained day-to-day this week and his return would be ideal for the team against this opponent, needing depth and talent against this elite group of receivers.
Their passing game is complimented by a forceful offensive line and running game. Ezekiel Elliot and Benard Pollard are both top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards and revolve in game to keep both guys fresh. An established running attack would open up the entire offense for the Cowboys. The Patriots front seven will have to contain their running backs, but also try to affect Prescott in the pocket to relieve the pressure their receivers present to the secondary.
Allowing 18.4 points per game, the Patriots have had one successful game limiting a good offense this year against the Buccaneers. However with three of five games they’ve played coming against the Texans, Jets, and Dolphins, their points allowed stat becomes a bit less impressive. Was the Buccaneers game just an emotional game that the whole team really got up for, or is it replicable against another strong opponent.
In their second test against an elite offense, it could be a telling sign of what to expect from this defense on a week to week basis moving forward for the Patriots. A tough first half for the defense against the Texans was saved by a great second half performance, but that likely won’t be enough against the Cowboys this weekend. Maintaining this opponent and giving a still developing offense a chance to compete will be the story of the game if the Patriots are able to knock off a rising Cowboys team.
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