This is a bit of a rarity. I don't have a ton to add big-picture wise from the Isaiah Wynn/Shaq Mason column I wrote after watching the TV copy of the film. Between the offense and the defense, that was the biggest takeaway from the game — that Wynn mostly helped, and Mason continues to struggle.
Offensively, the Patriots were fine. Tom Brady was solid, not great. The running game used the big holes generated mostly by the Cowboys' undersized and aggressive front. And Julian Edelman was terrific, while Jakobi Meyers did a lot of good things against his two drops and a questionable route.
Defensively, nobody really stood out besides Stephon Gilmore, who actually should have given up two decent-sized catches to Amari Cooper if there wasn't a questionable hold, and then Cooper's drop. The Patriots didn't generate a ton of pressure against Dak Prescott, and the quarterback mostly just couldn't get the job done. That being said, the Patriots' coverage continues to be excellent overall.
If Prescott really was an MVP-type player, he would have won that game. He didn't, and that's partly on him and on an offensive philosophy that doesn't play to the team or his strengths (I don't care what their raw stats say on offense). The strength of the offense is the line and Zeke Elliott, and that's where the gameplans should start. Prescott is not a shotgun-empty quarterback. He needs the passing game concepts more defined for him to be at his best from the pocket. His strength is not being in shotgun and trying to find the open receiver, especially against a secondary like the Patriots.
So how did the Patriots win this game? Basically on special teams, with Bill Belichick absolutely taking Jason Garrett to school. No wonder Jerry Jones was so pissed after the game. Belichick just straight-up embarrassed Garrett.
On the opening kickoff, Jake Bailey had a huge leg kick and booted a touchback. After that Belichick switched tactics.
On the second kickoff, Bailey purposefully kicked a short kickoff — he holds back. It was muffed to the 18-yard line.
Next kickoff: Belichick just sends out Old Nick Folk to hit a pooch. Muffed again to the 30.
Final kickoff: Bailey hits a short kick that isn't even fielded until it gets to the 11. Now the Cowboys have to drive 89 yards for a touchdown against that Patriots defense.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys kept kicking touchbacks when you want the other team fielding every kick in that weather to up the chances for a muff. It took Belichick one kickoff to adjust. Do you think Garrett has caught on yet?
On the punt block, that was just a flat missed block by linebacker Joe Thomas. He didn't block anyone.
Then there was the punt sequence before the end of the third quarter where two late adjustments by the Patriots caused the Cowboys to false start and have illegal motion. That cost 10 yards in penalties, and likely about 20 more yards in field position.
In a game where neither offense was going to do much because of the weather, those small plays on special teams made the biggest of differences. And, really, was just a total embarrassment for the Cowboys and their owner.
OFFENSE
Quarterback (4 out of 5)
Really tough to judge how much of Tom Brady's inaccuracy issues were based on weather, but knowing him, it probably wasn't a great day to throw the football. ... Brady continues to see the field much better than he did last season. I largely have no issue this season with Brady's decision-making. He's going where the coverage/matchups indicate, and there aren't very many options. There aren't many open receivers against man coverage. If the Patriots fall short of a Super Bowl title, that will likely be written on their tombstone. ... Brady struggled a bit in the first half as he had four key off-target throws, including three on third downs that would have extended drives. Three of his best plays in the first half — two sack-avoiding throwaways and an incomplete pass to N'Keal Harry — weren't even completions. That's where Brady still separates himself. ... Brady was much better in the second half, including the third-and-long conversion to Edelman where he avoided pressure and then hit the hole in the zone. ... Started to develop a connection with Jakobi Meyers in the second half, even with a drop.
Running backs (3 out of 5)
Sony Michel was better ... when the blocking was better. Color me shocked by this. You know how I feel. Had a really good 13-yard run, but other than that it was the line. ... Brandon Bolden broke two tackles on one play. Love watching him. ... Rex Burkhead, I'm sure he's going to make a splash play once in a while as always, but what exactly is his function on this team? If he wasn't used more in the pass game in a shorthanded game like the other night, when will he be used? This must be about preserving him, which is kind of a tough look considering what he's being paid.
Receivers (3 out of 5)
There were four drops in this group (two by Meyers) but for the most part, this group was solid. ... Julian Edelman is a marvel and I hope he makes it to the finish line. ... A promising game from Meyers. Hopefully Brady sees it that way, but I have my doubts. ... Matt LaCosse brought more in the run game. They need more out of him and I think they might get it. ... Harry had the TD and that was about it.
Offensive line (3.5 out of 5)
Decent showing out of this group, as the pressure percentage ticked a little lower and the run blocking was better. Some of that had to do with a lighter and undisciplined Cowboys front. It's always tough to gauge how much is them or the opponents, I'd go with 65 percent Cowboys failings, 35 percent better play from the Patriots. ... Marshall Newhouse was worse coming in cold off the bench than he was starting. ... Isaiah Wynn had three plus run blocks, which is a lot, but 6.5 pressures allowed and a false start is also a lot. But, as always is the case with a young player, he will get better with more reps. ... Shaq Mason is an enigma. ... In order of effectiveness: All-Pro Joe Thuney, Ted Karras, Marcus Cannon, Wynn, Mason.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (3.5 out of 5)
Some improvement here but you got the feeling that if the Cowboys were smarter and more dedicated to their run game, they could have run all over the Patriots. ... One of the quietest games from this group in a long time. Not bad, just different. This group usually dominates with the secondary. The Cowboys offensive line mostly controlled this game ... Lawrence Guy was outstanding again. ... Very quiet game but still effective game from Kyle Van Noy and he was kicking himself for not reading a 19-yard screen better.
Linebackers (4 out of 5)
Better game out of this group, especially from Jamie Collins. He still is less of a factor against good teams. Had five impactful plays, but mixed in a missed tackle and slow screen read as well. ... Mixed back from Dont'a Hightower and Elandon Roberts. Hightower seems to be guessing more than usual. Usually it pays off, but sometimes it doesn't.
Secondary (4.5 out of 5)
If you asked me and took away the Stephon Gilmore interception, that was mostly a failing by the Cowboys, Jonathan Jones was actually the best Patriots corner pound for pound this week. ... Gilmore should have allowed two pretty good chunk passes but one was wiped out by a bogus but understandable hold, and the other was dropped. ... Jones had an outstanding pass breakup on third down, and then made a terrific trail tackle against motion that most players can't make. That was also on third down and forced a punt. ... Duron Harmon is too conservative in space. He should trust his athletic ability more. It's going to cost them against a team like the Chiefs and it was in the past. ... JC Jackson is a walking penalty flag. Some that may be on rep at this point. You reap what you sow.
THREE UP
Julian Edelman: Had a drop, but he's basically the entire passing offense at this point. Just a huge diving catch late.
Stephon Gilmore: It wasn't all Prime Time in this game, but he was still very good.
Joe Thuney: Only BSJ members know how good this guy has been this season. Gave up one questionable stuffed run. That's it. He's fabulous.
THREE DOWN
Deatrich Wise: Played just five plays and got the dumbest roughing the passer penalty ever. He's lucky not to be released.
Byron Cowart: Played three snaps and got bowled over on at least one of them.
Shaq Mason: Had eight negative plays, including four stuffed runs. That's like a half-season for him in a normal year.