The Dallas Cowboys are reeling, with back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. It seems like the New England Patriots will pick up a win this weekend, but that won't be the case. Here are three reasons why the Cowboys will beat the Patriots this weekend.
Suspensions Are Over
The Cowboys are without key players in Dez Bryant, Tony Romo and Orlando Scandrick, but they do get some important pieces back. The suspensions of DE Greg Hardy and LB Rolando McClain are over and the defense needs them. McClain had a breakout season last year and the defense needs him to pick back up at that level of play. Hardy brings a pass rushing element the team has been without since DeMarcus Ware was cut. Those two players bring enough talent to help the Cowboys pick up a win.
Defense Can Stop The Run
This sounds a bit odd, but the Cowboys want to force Tom Brady to beat them. If the Patriots can run the ball and throw it, Dallas doesn't stand a chance. Giving Brady the ability to operate with play-action means Dallas is going to be in for a long game. The Cowboys must make the Patriots one-dimensional and force Brady to throw it. By preventing the Patriots from running the ball, the Cowboys can control the clock and give themselves a chance to win.
Ground Game
The Cowboys are going to lean on their RBs with Romo out. Expect a heavy dose of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Christine Michael this weekend. The Cowboys have a proven running game, while the Patriots allowed 134 yards to a Steelers team without Le'Veon Bell and 160 yards to the Bills. The Cowboys can match those numbers and if they do that, they will surprise the NFL and pick up a win.