4 steps the Patriots need to follow to beat the Cowboys in week four

Limit CeeDee Lamb

This was not a strength of the Patriots secondary in their last matchup two years ago. CeeDee Lamb completely dismantled their defense with nine receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns. That cannot be the case on Sunday, but it appears they may be better equipped to handle it this season.

Despite the absences of Jack and Marcus Jones, rookie Christian Gonzalez has held down the secondary like a seasoned veteran. He's had a lot on his shoulders with several starters out, including Jonathan Jones, in the last two weeks and has fared incredibly well against some of the toughest receivers in the league to cover.

From A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to Tyreek Hill and Garrett Wilson, Gonzalez has been a shutdown corner to start his NFL career thus far, earning him the Defensive Rookie of the Month recognition.

This week, he will likely be assigned Lamb for most of the game, especially if Jonathan Jones remains sidelined with an injury. If he can continue what he's done so far, and there isn't any reason why he won't, then the Patriots may have an easier outing on Sunday.

The Cardinals appeared to have gone in with that game plan last week, as Lamb totaled just 4/7 receptions for 53 yards, with his longest of the day going for 32 yards. Slowing him down and making the job difficult for Prescott was a recipe for success that the Patriots defense will need to follow to a T.