Hours Before Kickoff: Week 6

What was the best part about the 30-21 win over the New York Jets depends on who you ask. Some believe it was the 73-yard completion from Tom Brady to Wes Welker because the Darrel Revis, arguably the best cornerback in the game, was beaten on the play.

Others are just happy about the win because it somewhat avenges the 28-21 playoff loss in January.

For me it was the final drive as the Patriots ran the ball down the Jets’ throat and New York was unable to stop the Pats. It was an emphatic drive as New England ran the ball eleven of 12 plays and RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis gained 59 yards on 10 carries.

More importantly, the Pats burned 6:12 off the clock and forced the Jets to use all three time outs during the drive.

It was a similar story in Oakland as the Patriots ran on six of seven plays for 25 yards.

Finishing games on the ground will change the perception of New England’s offense. Against Oakland, they ran the ball as much as they passed (30 times each). A week later they ran 35 times to 33 passes against the Jets.

And Oakland LB Rolando McClain called the Patriots a finesse team.

The truth is New England has always been a balanced offense. Since 2001, New England’s pass/run ratio was always around 50/50. Only in 2002 was it 60 percent pass, 40 percent run.

The balanced approached served New England well over the past decade. The Patriots won 121 games over that span, reached the playoffs eight times, and won three of four Super Bowls played.

Through five games New England has actually run the ball more, 138 to 133. Few people would think that, considering Brady started the season with 517 and 423-yard performances.

The coaching staff was accused of falling in love with the pass and depending too much on Brady to carry the offense over the years. The problem more likely was a lack of faith in the backfield.

New England hadn’t had a reliable running back since Corey Dillion in 2004. The coaches had no choice but to put more on Brady’s shoulders.

Cleaning out the backfield started last year. The Pats traded Laurence Maroney to Denver, clearing the way for Green-Ellis. They also added Danny Woodhead, who was recently discarded by the Jets. The new backfield combined for 1,555 yards and 4.7 yards per carry.

Housecleaning appears complete in 2011. Fred Taylor retired and Sammy Morris was cut. Not even Kevin Faulk is guaranteed a roster spot when he comes off of the physically unable to perform list.

Overhauling the backfield was important, but the commitment to the offensive line powers the ground game. OT Nate Solder was the first round draft pick in the NFL Draft. After the lockout ended, New England re-signed LT Matt Light and LG Logan Mankins.

Through five games New England’s rush offense ranks sixth in the NFL with 128.6 yards per game. What’s encouraging is the production is getting better, even without C Dan Koppen. Dan Connolly slid over from RG into Koppen’s spot and G Brian Waters, a free agent signed after Koppen’s injury, keeps the unit humming.

The coaches are committed to running the ball. They‘ve even used a tackle eligible (either Solder or Thomas Welch) and LB Dane Fletcher as a fullback to get the job done.

Whatever it takes to keep the offense balanced, the coaches will do it. Establishing a physical run offense that can impose their will is something all Patriot fans will love.

A few things I’m looking for:

Beware Ware: double-team, triple-team, chip with a back, abduct and hide him in a storage container. Just know where LB DeMarcus Ware is at all times.

Why Wait?: QB Tony Romo has turned the ball over six times in the second half. Getting him started early would be a good thing.

Can Stand the Heat: The kitchen sink will be thrown at New England’s offense. Pick the opportunities carefully and burn that Dallas defense.

The two teams will put on a star-studded offensive show. But the Cowboys will burn out while the Patriots shine.