The Cowboys are unquestionably the hardest offense to defend in the NFL. Dak is second in passer rating & the cowboys are 3rd as a team in rushing ypc at 5.3. It's rare to have an offense that is elite at both. The 2012 patriots are probably the last pats team to do so with both TEs, Welker, Lloyd & in the passing game & Ridley adding 1200 on the ground. That team scored 35 PPG & this Cowboys team is at 34 PPG.
The Pats can play it one of two ways:
- Give up the run with light boxes & slow the game down. We've seen this gameplan a few times. Moreno getting 200+ yards & forcing the Peyton to hand the ball off in 2013 Broncos vs. Patriots - Box Score - November 24, 2013 - ESPN
- Put an eighth defender in the box & let Jackson & Jones vs. Cooper & Lamb decide the game
Regardless of which way they go the pats offense will need to score in the high 20s this week to have a chance IMO.