Cowboys Stumble Into Game With High Powered New England Patriots
By Shawn S. Lealos
The Dallas Cowboys have lost two straight games since losing Tony Romo to a broken collar bone, first to the undefeated Atlanta Falcons and then to the winless New Orleans Saints. In Week 5, the Cowboys get some key members of their defense back, but they have to face the New England Patriots, who happen to be the best team in the NFL right now. Here is a look at the Patriots heading into this big week five game.
Season Record
The New England Patriots started out the season with a lot of questions, thanks to the Deflategate scandal that surrounded their Super Bowl win last season. However, Tom Brady's suspension was lifted and he exploded onto the season on fire. The Patriots won their first three games, averaging 39 points a game. Their wins came against the tough Pittsburgh Steelers, surging Buffalo Bills, and lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. This was supposed to be a big measuring stick for the Cowboys, but with the injuries, the Patriots have the huge advantage.
New England Patriots on Offense
Despite playing only three games, with an early bye in Week 4, Tom Brady still ranks fifth in the NFL in passing yards, with 1,112 yards through the air, third in touchdown passes with nine, and hasn't thrown an interception yet. Brady is playing better than he ever, has and that is likely because of the doubt surrounding him after last year's Super Bowl. Once again, the Patriots don't have a lot of talent at wide receiver, with Julian Edelman leading the way with 30 receptions for 279 yards and two touchdowns.
However, the star of the passing game is still tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronk has 16 receptions for an impressive 308 yards, as well as a team-leading four touchdowns. Gronkowski is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL and stands tall above almost anyone on this offense.
The running game is a question mark, as usual. Dion Lewis looked great the first two weeks, but has 146 yards and two touchdowns through three games. LeGarrette Blount returned from suspension and has 82 yards and three touchdowns in two games. The Patriots are winning by throwing the ball, and the running game is just used to set up the pass.
New England Patriots on Defense
The New England Patriots defense is not quite up to the level of the offense, and while Brady is scoring a record amount of points, opposing teams are putting up touchdowns as well. The Pittsburgh Steelers scored three touchdowns and the Buffalo Bills scored five touchdowns. Even the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars put up two touchdowns against the Patriots. Teams that can score will keep up with Brady, and the Cowboys had a chance before Romo went down.
Linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower lead the Patriots with 22 and 21 tackles this season and Collins has added 3.5 sacks as well. New England has five interceptions this season as well as four forced fumbles, although they haven't recovered one yet. This is not a defense that will win a Super Bowl, but it is good enough to beat lesser teams, or those hampered by injuries.
New England Patriots' Players to Watch
Tom Brady came into the 2015 NFL season angry. He was accused of cheating to win in the playoffs last season and found himself suspended. As a result, he has exploded out of the gate. The Cowboys get back two of their top defensive players this week in Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain, but they might be without Sean Lee, who was concussed in Week 4. Brady will win or lose this game for the Patriots this week.
On defense, it is all about Jamie Collins. Brandon Weeden is playing decent since taking over as the Cowboys starting quarterback, but Collins has 3.5 sacks this year and will be in his face throughout the game. The only way that Dallas can win is to get their rushing game going. Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden will have to get past Collins and Dont'a Hightower, and they have done nothing this season to show they are up to the task. Expect Collins to be all over the field on Sunday.
Outlook
When the schedule was released, the Dallas Cowboys vs. New England Patriots game looked like a test for both teams, and possibly a Super Bowl preview. Then, Tom Brady was suspended and Dallas looked like they were going to roll over the Patriots in the game. With Brady's suspension lifted and Tony Romo out for the game, the Patriots now have a huge advantage and there is little chance that Dallas can overcome the odds in this game. New England should win the game by double digits.
Shawn S. Lealos is a freelance writer who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. He writes for a variety of national publications and has over 15 years of sports journalism experience. Follow Shawn on Twitter @sslealos. Examiner.com.