NFL Power Rankings, Week 13: Patriots defense prove they are for real

The Good

The New England Patriots defense continues to be dominant.  Not only did they hold a top ranked Dallas Cowboys offense to just 9 points, they held one of the best receivers in the league to zero catches.

That’s right, Amari Cooper didn’t have a single catch in the game and that is all due to Stephon Gilmore, who is one of the reasons why Bill Belichick’s defense is so special.

Here is what NFL.com writer Dan Hanzus had to say about Gilmore and the Patriots defense:

"“New England’s offense was timid once again on a cold and rainy late afternoon in Foxborough, held to under 300 yards while Brady was stuck in the dreaded Gabbert Zone (less than 6.0 yards per attempt) for the second straight week. But the Pats won again because the dysfunctional and undermanned Cowboys offense was no match for the Pats’ attacking defense. Stephon Gilmore’s stellar season continued with a lockdown performance against Amari Cooper, who was held without a catch for the first time in 20 games with Dallas. Gilmore added a diving interception, as well, then took to social media after the game to say there was “no debate” that he’s the game’s best cornerback. Hard to argue.”"

While the New England Patriots offense did do some good things like run the football, the defense is going to carry this team until Tom Brady gains rhythm with the playmakers he has out there on the field.

And to disagree with Hanzus on one fact, the Dallas Cowboys offense was not “undermanned.” The offensive line was intact.  They also had Ezekiel Elliot running strong and all their receivers available.

I guess the Patriots defense is playing so well that they make any offense look undermanned…well…except for the Ravens.