VIEW FROM THE COUCH: WEEK SIX

By D'Arcy Maine, NFL Draft Bible Columnist

With Sunday rapidly approaching, and the hype-machine in full-effect, the “Duel in Dallas” looks to be the marquee game of the year pitting the undefeated Patriots against the undefeated Cowboys.

The game, which many are predicting to be eventual Superbowl match-up, looks to be a battle of the offenses with two dynamo quarterbacks leading the way.

The Patriots began the season with high expectations and have surpassed them all. The superstar receiving corps led by Randy Moss has proven to be exactly what Tom Brady needed this season. Brady leads the league with a 74.1 completion percentage and has thrown for 16 touchdown passes on the season.

However, Cowboys Head Coach Wade Phillips is familiar with Brady as the former defensive coordinator for the Chargers and managed to force three interceptions last season during their playoff meeting. Rivers will look to reduce the lengthy amount of pass protection Brady has become accustomed to and create pressure on the thriving quarterback.

Last week Moss faced double coverage by the Browns and Phillips is considering tripling coverage on the receiver. Cleveland was able to contain Moss with such methodology; however, the Patriots are so deep that this just creates other opportunities for the remaining receivers. The Dallas defense will have their biggest test of the year with the Pats.

While Brady is the established quarterback, Tony Romo is the emerging star and his mobility makes him a dangerous threat. The uncharacteristically silent Terrell Owens should be Romo’s primary target as they seek to show the world that they are not the second string QB-WR combination.

Owens is like a magnet, on and off the field, whether it be for the football or for controversy, and some big plays will be in his hands, literally. And, after last week’s near-loss to the Bills, look for Romo, Owens and the ‘Boys to come out strong with something to prove.

Dallas leads the league in total offense with 429.6 yards per game and will put on a show in front of a home crowd. But New England is second in the league in total defense and will be ready to stop virtually anything that comes their way. Romo struggled against a weak Buffalo defense and the Patriots are known to capitalize on any weakness a team may have. If they can rattle Romo with an early interception, Dallas will have to recover mentally quickly before the game gets out of their grasp. Romo proved his resilience last season with his three most impressive performances coming off of major losses so the young quarterback should come out with a fearless gunslinger mentality.

The battle for supreme #81 status should be a show to remember between Moss and Owens. Moss is having a phenomenal year with 551 receiving yards and a league-high seven touchdowns. Owens has 387 receiving yards and three touchdowns but will be looking for redemption after a couple of key missed catches last week.

Anything is possible in this game but I predict the Patriots will come out looking dominant and gain a quick lead, however, look for a major second half comeback by the Cowboys and a decisive fourth quarter showdown. The Patriots will come out on a top but it won’t be pretty and it certainly will be telling.

Getcha popcorn ready.