Kickoff-

The Patriots visit the Dallas Cowboys this week in what is a signature game for them. It is too early to call it a must but a win today would change the current narrative around the league when it comes to the Patriots. New England is coming off a 15-10 win over the Jets while the Cowboys were upset by the Arizona Cardinals, 28-16. 

Here are keys for the Patriots (Four Downs)

1. Stay out of long down situations- The Patriots have to stay in manageable down situations throughout this game. They cannot end up in second and long and third and long because they don’t have the big play ability to get first downs and that’s when Dallas unleashes Micah Parsons and their blitz package. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn likes to move Parsons around in those situations. The Patriots must force Quinn keep him at edge. 

2. Run at Parsons- Parsons struggled last week when the Cardinals ran at him. Look for the Patriots to duplicate that plan and try to run at him in this game. The Patriots will block with an offensive lineman and a tight end depending on the situation. 

3. Limit the big plays- Dallas has an explosive skill group that can make big plays. Defending Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard can be a lot for any defense. Look for the Patriots to try and limit Dallas’ big play ability by putting Christian Gonzalez on Lamb most of the game. How the Patriots defend Pollard and the Dallas running game will go a long in determining the outcome of the game.  

4. Can’t fall behind- Patriots have to score first. They cannot play from behind in this game. If they fall behind, this game could play out a lot like the Philadelphia and Miami games did. The Patriots are not built to come from behind, especially with their lack of playmakers on offense. 

Extra Point- The Patriots and Cowboys will meet for the 15th time in series history. Dallas leads the all-time series by an 8-6. The two teams are meeting for the first time since the Cowboys’ overtime win 35-29, at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 17, 2021. It was the Cowboys first win in four tries at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots are 2-4 all-time in road games against the Cowboys.

Final Drive- The Patriots can win this game they need to get off to a good start offensively and limit big plays on defense. If they do those two things, they have a good shot at winning this game. It would also help if the Patriots make some big plays on offense. It is something that has been lacking thus far this season.