Much was said about the New England Patriots trading Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers this past week, but the Pats should have had a decent overall defense with some big names throughout the unit. There was also concern that the Patriots defense could not make enough stops to win games, especially after Davis Mills put up some huge numbers despite the Patriots winning the game against the Texans. Instead, Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys offense continuously moved the ball down the field against a depleted defense that sustained injuries throughout the game.

The Patriots defense managed to stop the Cowboys in the red zone repeatedly, causing the team to settle for field goals or turnover on downs. However, outside of the red zone, the Cowboys had much success. Prescott threw to his elite receivers on third and long consistently and moved the chains. By the end of the game, Special Teamer Justin Bethel was their third Cornerback due to Shaun Wade having a concussion and Slot Cornerback Jonathan Jones nursing an ankle. The Patriots are banking on their players performing, as Jalen Mills did not look like a $24 million Cornerback and Dak targeted him often.

The Patriots offense was superb for most of the game and did put up 29 points. Punting the ball on fourth and three in overtime was a colossal mistake by Belichick and cost the Patriots the game, showing that Bill still does not have faith in Jones or the offense to have a game-winning drive. The 75-yard touchdown by Kendrick Bourne was an incredible moment in the game after the Cowboys gained the lead in the fourth quarter.

Next week the Patriots play the Jets on Sunday, so it should not be too much of a challenge. Hopefully, the defense turns it around against a weak Jets defense and does not make Zach Wilson look like Davis Mills against the Patriots.

Reference Page

• GettyImages

• NFL.com

• Next Gen Stats

• Patriots.com (injury report)