How can Cowboys offense keep up with Patriots?

We asked the Paste BN NFL staff the following question: "What is the key to the Cowboys offense on Sunday if they hope to compete with, and even defeat, the Patriots?" Their responses:

NATE DAVIS

If that Dallas O-line is everything it’s touted to be, time to put the gameplan on the shoulders of the front five. The Patriots rank 24th in rush defense, so attack it with a steady diet of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and maybe even some Christine Michael. Execute, and you diminish pressure on Cowboys QB Brandon Weeden – and theoretically give him more one-on-one matchups in the passing game – and also play keepaway from Tom Brady and a New England offense averaging nearly 40 points per game.

TOM PELISSERO

Without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, the Cowboys offense has to get productivity from the running game, which is why Patriots coach Bill Belichick probably is going to focus on taking that away. He'll dare Brandon Weeden to beat them over the top. Considering how the Patriots offense has been rolling, Weeden probably has to take advantage of some of those favorable looks downfield for Dallas to have a shot.

ERIC PRISBELL

It goes without saying that Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden has to avoid what he calls “bonehead” mistakes, like the egregious interception he threw in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The key for the Cowboys today is to establish consistency in the running game. And it’s not necessarily critical that Joseph Randle or Darren McFadden break big runs – though of course that would help. The important statistic to watch may be rushing attempts. Two-, three- and four-yard gains for the Cowboys would go a long way toward sustaining drives and keeping the ball away from Tom Brady. If they find themselves in several second-and-11 situations, that's very bad news. That said, getting the running game going is going to be extremely difficult to accomplish. Neither Randle nor McFadden is really a power back. And the loss of versatile running back/pass catcher Lance Dunbar cannot be overstated. The Cowboys just don’t have many playmakers right now, with Dunbar and Dez Bryant both out, who scare defenses. Establishing the running game is imperative. But good luck with that against the Patriots.

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