New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys Preview: Signature Win?

The New England Patriots are on the road for back-to-back weeks and hoping to snag their second straight win with an upset of the Dallas Cowboys.

The New England Patriots hit the road to face the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Patriots are on the road for back-to-back weeks and hoping to snag their second straight win. A victory would end the Cowboys nine-game home-winning streak.

The Patriots are looking for their first "signature" win - on the road against a playoff-caliber team with an elite quarterback - since beating the Buffalo Bills during the windstorm in 2021.

New England's defense looks to stay dominant against quarterback Dak Prescott. In Week 3, the Patriots held the Jets quarterback Zach Wilson to 157 passing yards with three sacks. 

After getting off to a hot start, Prescott and the Cowboys were served humble pie in Week 3 at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals in a 28-16 loss. The sloppy performance included 13 penalties for 107 yards, Red Zone struggles and the defense surrendering 222 rushing yards ... a number that coach likely lit up Bill Belichick's eyes. 

Dak Prescott throws the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Patriots in 2021

Former Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott will be reunited with best friend Prescott on Sunday, in their first game opposing each other. Elliott is fresh off a an 80-yard rushing performance in the Patriots' 15-10 win vs. the New York Jets.

“It’s going to be fun," said Elliott, scheduled to return to Dallas in Week 4 to play his old pals. "I’m excited to go back to Dallas, a place where I have so much history ... my home in the offseason. It will be cool to get back in AT&T Stadium.”

Former Cowboys backup quarterback Will Grier also recently signed with the Patriots. Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will change hand signals as he believes Zeke and Grier will help the Patriots prepare. 

On the flip side, Quarterback Mac Jones and the Patriots offense under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has shown signs of new life. In Week 3, Jones was mistake-free, decisive and efficient in the passing game, tossing a 58-yard touchdown pass to tight end Pharaoh Brown.

RECORDS: New England Patriots (1-2) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

ODDS: New England is a 7-point underdog vs. the Cowboys

GAME TIME: Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 3:25 p.m. CT

LOCATION: AT&T Stadium - Arlington, Texas

TV/RADIO: FOX, 105.3 The Fan

THE FINAL WORD: This week, it's about what wasn't said.

In his Wednesday press-conference preview of the Cowboys, Belichick gushed about Dallas for five full minutes. In all, he mentioned - by name - 21 players, coaches and front-office personnel. Curiously, Belichick didn't utter a single word about Prescott.

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