New England Patriots Christian Gonzalez, Ezekiel Elliott Among 3 to Watch at Dallas Cowboys

As the New England Patriots prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, Patriots Country highlights three players to watch.

The New England Patriots conclude their two-game road trip with a visit to AT&T Stadium for a Week 4 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Following their 15-10 victory over the New York Jets in Week 3, the Pats have the chance to earn a .500 record for the first time this season. Still, the task at hand will be difficult, as the Cowboys are still feeling the sting from their surprising 28-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week. Dallas boasts one of the most talented and explosive teams in the NFL. As such, they will be eager to cement their place as Conference front runners in front of their home crowd.

Though many Patriots players are expected to garner some attention during Sunday's matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow when the Pats take the field against the Cowboys.

Christian Gonzalez

In the first three weeks of his rookie campaign, Gonzalez has more than held his own against a gauntlet of elite receivers — establishing himself as the Pats undisputed top cornerback. Matching up against Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown, Miami Dolphins speedster Tyreek Hill and Jets alpha pass-catcher Garrett Wilson (among others,) the reigning defensive rookie of the month (September) allowed only ten catches for 102 yards on 74 routes on which he covered them. The Pats corner also logged an interception, a corner-blitz sack of Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts, and three pass breakups this season. In total, he has allowed opposing receivers to get "open" on just 23.1% of their routes against him, as determined by patriots.com.

In Week 4, Gonzalez is expected to draw coverage against Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb. Accordingly, the rookie’s quick assimilation into the pro game will be put to the test. The Pats first-rounder will need to pull upon his adaptability and athleticism to match routes with the versatile and explosive Lamb. Gonzalez is arguably at his best in man coverage, which may cause some difficulty in defending Lamb — who is known to do his best work when operating from the slot. Gonzalez’s ability to maintain eye contact with the quarterback should allow him to stay in step with Lamb on Sunday. Still, given his effectiveness in the slot, Lamb may earn the attention of New England slot corner Myles Bryant, as well.

New England Patriots CB Christian Gonzalex

Ezekiel Elliott

In what promises to be an emotional homecoming for the former Cowboys standout, Elliott has the chance to be a pivotal factor in New England’s game plan against the Cowboys. Elliott led all Patriots rushers in Week 3 with 80 yards on 16 carries. He was particularly effective in the second half, when New England attempted to hold their lead by draining time from the clock -- a trait he used quite effectively during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. With tight end Pharaoh Brown often deployed as a lead blocker, the Pats were finally able to gain some much-needed yards on the ground. The Patriots collectively rushed the ball 40 times for 157 yards; their highest output of the season. while Rhamondre Stevenson contributed 59 yards on 19 attempts. In short, Zeke helped the Pats running game finally come to life.

Against his former team, Elliott should be expected to shoulder a similar, if not greater workload. Conversely, Dallas’ defensive front will be ready for him. After allowing 222 yards on the ground against the Cardinals in Week 3, their run defense is eager to reestablish itself. Elliott’s performance against the Jets reminded his detractors that he is still capable of success on early downs. Additionally, he also possesses the ability to be a game changer for New England as a red zone / goal-line option. Last season, he led the NFL in red zone rushing attempts with 59. 31 of those 59 came inside the ten-yard line, and 12 of them came inside the five-yard line. He had 11 touchdowns inside the 20. Unsurprisingly, he also led the NFL with 162 rushing yards in the red zone. Elliott would undoubtedly like to showcase his prowess at the expense of his ex-mates.

Atonio Mafi, with a twist of Sidy Sow

With Cole Strange (knee) sidelined for this game, the duties at left guard are likely to fall on the shoulders of a pair of competent, yet inexperienced rookies. When factoring in having to face one of the NFL’s most fearsome defenders in Cowboys’ defensive end/linebacker Micah Parsons, a tumultuous tempest would appear to be brewing in New England’s offensive waters.

Fifth-round selection Atonio Mafi projects as the Pats Week 4 starter, given the experiences he has earned throughout the season’s first three weeks. Mafi’s athleticism is clearly visible on his game film. He plays with solid balance, which should help him against Dallas’ athletic defensive linemen. His ability to move fluidly with good balance while sustaining his blocks gave him a prominent place on the Patriots draft radar. Though his hand placement can be an issue in protection, Mafi can use his size (6-3, 329 pounds,) and skill set to be productive in New England’s power-run sets to clear space for both Stevenson and Elliott.

In situations where the Pats offensive line may “need a bigger boat” when protecting quarterback Mac Jones (particularly against Parsons,) Sow may be called upon in situational relief. Standing at 6-5 and 330 pounds, Sow is a big-framed guard, with a strong lower half. He plays with a great deal of strength, which became evident during training camp where he often put defenders in the dirt. At his best, Sow is able to drive defenders backward when he plays low on man blocking concepts. An experienced player, Sow has a very good football IQ. His ability to handle stunts and twists gives him the chance to be effective both at tackle and guard. Though he has missed the past two games while recovering from a concussion, his removal from the injury report indicates that he is ready to play. Fortunately for the Pats, Sow’s availability coincides with a time in which they most need him.