The NFL script writers couldn’t have drawn it up any better for the Dallas Cowboys than the New England Patriots coming to town in Week 4.
Just a few months after the ceremonious release of fan favorite RB Ezekiel Elliott, he makes his return to AT&T Stadium.
Dallas Owner/GM Jerry Jones commented on Elliott’s arrival, and we can expect some sort of recognition for the seven year former Cowboy.
Beyond that big story line, the next biggest is the Cowboys facing a team they have only beaten once this century.
Since HC Bill Belichick’s arrival to New England, the Cowboys lost every single matchup until their overtime win in October of the 2021 season.
Neither team is too different from who they were in that matchup as far as team pieces and scheme are concerned.
That means we should be in for another entertaining game that could come down to the wire.
Yet, that’s not why you clicked on the link to this article. You came to find out just how bold we can get for this game.
Let’s dive into some far-fetched, yet plausible outcomes for this inter-conference matchup.
Dallas Will Hold Ezekiel Elliott Under 20 Yards Rushing
The photo above just doesn’t look right.
Seeing Ezekiel Elliott in any other jersey besides his #21 Cowboys jersey he wore for seven years is still taking some getting used to.
Elliott might be honored in some way before the game, but at kickoff, those warm and fuzzy feelings will subside.
I expect for the Cowboys defense to stuff Elliott at the line of scrimmage, and hold him to under 20 yards rushing for just the fourth time in his 106 game career.
Elliott is coming off of his best game as a Patriot in just a three game sample size, rushing for 80 yards on 16 carries last week versus the New York Jets.
Don’t let last week’s debacle in the desert fool you. The Cowboys defense is stout against the run in the middle.
Arizona showed us they could be exposed on the edges, but Elliott is no longer effective as an outside runner.
I predict something like 10 rushes for 18 yards.
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The Cowboys Defense Will Sack Mac Jones 6 Times
Patriots QB Mac Jones was sacked a total of six times in the first two games, but kept a clean jersey in Week 3 versus the Jets.
The Cowboys defense has 12 sacks through three games, and are intent on making up for a poor performance last week.
Perhaps the loss of Trevon Diggs to injury had the defense playing a little emotional and out of control.
That won’t be the case this week.
The defense will be active, but it will be controlled chaos.
Dallas seems to struggle with mobile quarterbacks, but Mac Jones is anything but mobile.
He can scramble when he needs to, but does not pose nearly the threat of a Daniel Jones, Zach Wilson, or a Joshua Dobbs.
With the threat of Jones escaping the pocket nearly non-existent, the Cowboys defense will match his sack total thus far this season in this game alone.
CeeDee Lamb Will Have A Better Game Than 2021
The defensive players aren’t the only members of the team looking for redemption for a poor Week 3 performance.
CeeDee Lamb managed only 53 yards on just four receptions in a game where the Cowboys played from behind all 60 minutes.
Aside from his below par stat line, there is one play that sticks out over the others.
With the Cowboys down in the 4th quarter, Prescott threw a jump ball up to Lamb in the corner of the endzone.
Lamb felt he was interfered with, and threw his hands up at the official while the ball was in the air.
The ball hit the defender in the back of his helmet, and many fans felt Lamb could have made the catch if he didn’t stop to complain.
With this extra motivation, Lamb will surpass the nine receptions for 149 yards he put up at New England in 2021.
Reports say he will be shadowed by stellar rookie CB Christian Gonzalez, who was just awarded NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.
He’s playing well, but is still giving up 70% completions when targeted.
Lamb should find plenty of success versus the rookie in the neighborhood of 11 receptions for 160 yards.