Cowboys vs. Patriots: 5 Halftime Adjustments Dallas Must Make

Pretty sick game so far as the New England Patriots take on the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium. Tony Romo and the Cowboys, fresh off of their bye week, are hoping to upset the Pats, led by Tom Brady's freakish passing game.  

Here are five halftime adjustments the Cowboys must make if they want to escape with this huge road victory. 

1. Take Advantage of Turnovers 

In the second half, the Cowboys must take advantage of gifts from the New England offense. In the first quarter alone, Dallas forced two turnovers, only to score three points. Expect Brady and the Pats offense to clean up their act in the second half, but in order for the Cowboys to win they need to make the most of New England's errors. 

2. Stop Stupid Mistakes  

The Cowboys NEED to stop committing stupid errors in the second half. Late in the first quarter Dallas fumbled the ball deep in Patriots territory only a few plays after a New England fumble. The Cowboys have to stop hurting themselves in the second half if they want to complete the upset.

3. Step Up 3rd-Down Offense 

Dallas did not perform well on 3rd down in the first half. The Cowboys left themselves with a number of 3rd-and-long plays which forced Romo into must-pass situations. Dallas needs to focus on leaving themselves with short 3rd downs so that they can pound the run up the middle.

4. Run Between the Tackles 

One of the Patriots' biggest flaws this season has been their inability to make stops in between the tackles. Instead of trying to get the run going to the outside, the Cowboys should pound Jones or Murray straight downfield between the tackles. 

5. Jam Welker/Tight Ends

Dallas needs to continue to jam Wes Welker and tight ends Gronkowski and Hernandez, especially in the red zone. The Cowboys must remain physical with the Patriots' receiving corps and force Brady to look for other options.