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After controlling the New York Jets throughout a 30-21 win, the New England Patriots occupied the third spot in CBS Sports' Week 6 NFL Power Rankings.
The good thing is the defense played better against the Jets. That side of the ball is a work in progress. It is improving.
The Patriots beat the Jets in different ways than people are accustomed to seeing from the Pats. New England's oft-maligned defense forced seven three-and-outs Sunday, holding the Jets to 255 totals yards, and its hardly-discussed running game pounded the ball 35 times for 152 yards.
Tom Brady was marvelous as usual, throwing for 321 yards and one touchdown, but the win Sunday was as much about Brady's supporting cast as it was about the All-World quarterback.
Of course, the thorough win means little if the Patriots don't beat Dallas this weekend.
"[The Cowboys] do a lot of different things -- there's not a lot of sleeping in Foxborough this week," offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien told ESPN Boston. "We've got a lot to do to make sure we're ready to go on Sunday."
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