Patriots defense stifles Cowboys, 30-6

A game that was reasonably close in the first half was blown out of the water by the New England Patriots in the second, ending with a 30-6 New England blowout.

The dallas defense - particularly Greg Hardy (2 sacks) - was getting stifling pressure on Tom Brady. They racked up 5 total sacks in the game, all of which came in that first half. However, the Cowboys couldn't move the ball against a stout New England defense.

With New England's offense riding an impressive Dion Lewis touchdown and a Stephen Gostowski career long 57 yard field goal, they led 10-3 at the half.

In the second half, the Patriots offense finally started clicking. A big day by Julian Edelman (4 catches, 120 yards), highlighted by a 59 yard catch and run touchdown, helped the Patriots finally break open the game and shut Dallas down.

Rob Gronkowski had a quiet day for him, 4 catches for 67 yards, but had some impressive grabs - including one 33 yard catch. Dion Lewis was impressive again making defenders miss - he ended the day with 93 total yards on 14 touches, including the aforementioned touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, Jamie Collins, Devin McCourty and Jabal Sheard were all big contributors and Logan Ryan grabbed a late game interception. The team racked up 3 sacks, two of which were solo sacks by Sheard.

Dont'a Hightower left this game in the first half with a rib injury and did not return. Duron Harmon also had to leave the game in the second half.

The Patriots take on the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday night in Indy.