The Dallas Cowboys have taken a somewhat unusual route to 5-0. Their offense has been dominating at times, their defense has been uncharacteristically susceptible, and they seem to be brimming with confidence. Before heading to Buffalo on Monday night, the Cowboys looked like the team to beat in the NFC. When they left New York State, they were 5-0, but something had changed. Buffalo threw the game away, but they exposed Dallas in a sense.

For the first four weeks, quarterback Tony Romo had been doing his best Brett Favre impersonation from the mid-90s. On Monday night, he looked like the Brett Favre of 2005. Romo rushed lots of his throws, relying on arm strength while tossing off of his back foot. He looked as if he was trying to throw the ball into double and triple coverage. Buffalo took two of his interceptions back for touchdowns and had him flustered the entire night. Still, the Cowboys somehow managed to escape with a victory. After the game, Terrell Owens acted as if nothing had changed. News flash to T.O.: this isn’t your normal 5-0 team.

The time of accountability is coming for Dallas on Sunday. They come home to face the also undefeated New England Patriots, who have been the toast of the NFL thus far. If the Cowboys want to escape that game with a perfect record in tact, they better bring their best to Texas Stadium. New England has an explosive offense of their own and they haven’t come close to struggling with anybody.

It still remains to be seen how good the NFC is and just how dominant the Patriots are. They’ve rolled over every team in their path in typical Patriot fashion. Sunday’s game in Dallas could serve as something of a statement game for them, as well. If it is possible for a Super Bowl dynasty to feel slightly disrespected, it might happen on Sunday. New England coach Bill Belichick never needs a whole lot to get his team ready to play. The chance to put Dallas back in its place could serve as that little boost that the Patriots need to move to 6-0.

Whatever happens on Sunday, it still appears that Dallas has some question marks that need to be answered. If New England continues to expose a seemingly vulnerable pass defense, Dallas could be in for some long days for the rest of the season.