Cowboys-Patriots: Five things to watch

Dallas and New England have only played 11 times, with the Cowboys holding a 7-4 advantage.

The most recent meeting was in 2011 when the Patriots took a 20-16 home win.

The defending Super Bowl champion Patriots are making their first trip to AT&T Stadium.

Interestingly, the first time the teams met was in the first game at Texas Stadium on Oct. 24, 1971, which Dallas won 44-21.

In summary, it’s a rare visit for the Patriots.

The teams are trending in different directions. New England is 3-0 and coming off a bye. Dallas is 2-2, having lost two straight, and will have a bye next week.

Here’s a look at five things to watch for in Sunday’s game:

Hardy, McClain return

The Cowboys’ defense has been reeling the past two weeks but will get reinforcements with the return of end Greg Hardy and linebacker Rolando McClain. The Cowboys must get pressure on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and Hardy should contribute in that regard. McClain is a physical presence who can be a run stopper.

War of words?

Hardy made a few questionable remarks in his first meeting with the media earlier in the week, referencing his affection for Brady’s wife, model Gisele Bundchen. Brady brushed off the topic, but Sunday should tell his real thoughts. Expect the Patriots to try to make a statement at the expense of Hardy and the Cowboys.

Establishing the run

The Cowboys’ identity last season was established by DeMarco Murray and the offensive line pounding the ball. Without Murray, the Cowboys have struggled in establishing the running game. They have to do it this week, though, if they want to hang with the Patriots. Time of possession will be critical for the Cowboys to pull off an upset.

Weeden’s progress

Brandon Weeden led the Cowboys on a long, game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter last week at New Orleans, something that should give him and the coaching staff confidence. But the Patriots are surely going to throw several new wrinkles at Weeden, and the quarterback must handle them well. If not, the Cowboys could be playing catch-up all day.

Hello, Tom

Brady has never played in AT&T Stadium, so seeing one of the greatest quarterbacks in history should be a welcome sight. Of course, Cowboys fans will want to see Brady struggle. That hasn’t happened often, though, especially after a bye week. Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots are 11-4 following a bye.

This story was originally published October 10, 2015 at 5:39 PM with the headline "Cowboys-Patriots: Five things to watch."