Week 5 Patriots vs Cowboys: Three Stars of the Game

Honorable Mention: Wide receiver Julian Edelman, linebacker Jamie Collins. Edelman continues his streak of incredible performance and cemented himself as one of the greatest wide receivers in the league. Collins was an absolute menace against the Cowboys offensive front. Both players had fantastic games and in any other week they'd absolutely be ranked.

Third Star: Edge defender Jabaal Sheard posted two sacks and two tackles for losses. He was fantastic against the run and he showed time and time again why smart personnel men considered him the steal of free agency.

Second Star: Quarterback Tom Brady will never get first star because he deserves it every week. He has to throw for six touchdowns to get the nod. But Brady was fantastic passing the ball, showed great command and fire when needed, and even ran for a score.

First Star: Cornerback Malcolm Butler allowed one completion for 17 yards. He deserves so much more credit than he will receive because he was the centerpiece of the Patriots defensive strategy. Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia put Butler on an island with the Cowboys #1 wide receiver (Terrance Williams) and that allowed the defense to double cover Jason Witten and Cole Beasley. Without Butler's lockdown ability, the Cowboys would have had more room to pass up the middle of the field. Butler was incredible.