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Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws against the Cowboys.

Bill Williamson

Tom Brady was already among the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks, but performances like Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys show why his status continues to grow.

New England’s star threw a career-high five touchdowns in a 48-27 victory that improved the Patriots to 6-0 this season. He now has 21 touchdown through six games and remains on pace to break Peyton Manning’s single-season mark of 49.

Brady wasn’t the only player putting on an offensive showcase on Sunday. San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson ran for four TDs against the Raiders. Vikings rookie Adrian Peterson ran all over the Bears. Browns QB Derek Anderson had four total TDs vs. the Dolphins.

Even the Bears lit up the scoreboard with QB Brian Griese throwing for 3 TDs and nearly 400 yards. Yet you can’t ignore Brady and the Patriots.

Can the Patriots be even better? They don't even have Richard Seymour right now.
Better? Probably not. But it may not matter. This team establishing itself as something special and has to be considered the Super Bowl team to beat.

But injuries may be a concern.

Running backs Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris are banged up, as is tight end Ben Watson. Defensive tackle Seymour can’t even join the team until after Week 8, though his return will certainly be a boost.

These injuries are may not cause the Patriots to lose a couple of games, but they may make the offense a bit too much pass reliant.

With all those penalties against Patriots, are the Cowboys disciplined enough to reach the Super Bowl?
If this becomes a trend in the next few weeks, then yes, it will be a problem.

But the Cowboys were just outclassed Sunday and the game was only competitive because Dallas scored on two big plays.

The Cowboys need to forget this game and go on and dominated the NFC, which they should. If that happens, they’ll have another crack at New England in less than four months.

Can anyone catch Adrian Peterson in the rookie of the year race?
No, this is Peterson’s baby. A 224-yard, three touchdown day against the Bears seals it.

He is clearly the Vikings’ best offensive player and coach Brad Childress will continue use the talented running back. After all, he doesn't have a choice.

Minnesota’s passing game is putrid and Peterson is Childress’ best chance of keeping his job. So expect a heavy dose of A.P. the rest of the season, which will result in him winning hardware.

Is Tony Gonzalez the best tight end of all time?
This is an interesting query.

There are plenty of great tight ends. Where does the Chiefs’ wonderful talent (who bypassed Shannon Sharpe as the all-time leading touchdown maker for tight ends Sunday) fit? Somewhere near the very top.

There can be an argument made for Gonzo. But then again, there are plenty of others to consider, starting with the likes of Kellen Winslow Sr. and Sharpe. Gonzalez probably isn’t the man, but one of the guys at the head table.

Can the Jaguars win the AFC South?
If Peyton Manning stays healthy, the Colts will win the AFC South and perhaps plenty more. Without Manning, the Colts are just an average team.

That is a problem for Jacksonville, which has more talent overall than Indianapolis, especially on defense. But the Jaguars don’t have a superstar to match the game’s best player.

The Jaguars will go the playoffs as a wild card and will be a tough out, but they won’t outlast the Colts.

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 4 games STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20, OT: Baltimore loses first game of season REDSKINS 26, COWBOYS 24: Dallas can't contain Portis in 1st loss BEARS 24, EAGLES 20: Goal-line stand boosts Chicago JETS 56, CARDINALS 35: Favre throws career-high 6 TDs BUCS 30, PACKERS 21: Ryan's 3 FGs lift Tampa CHARGERS 28, RAIDERS 18: San Diego tops rival 10th straight time BILLS 31, RAMS 14: Buffalo 4-0 for first time since 1992 CHIEFS 33, BRONCOS 19: Johnson rushes for 198 yards for K.C. BROWNS 20, BENGALS 12: Anderson throws TD TITANS 30, VIKINGS 17: Tennessee 4-0 for first time ever PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Smith honors Lucas after TD JAGUARS 30, TEXANS 27, OT: Scobey kicks game winner SAINTS 31, 49ERS 17: McAlister scores first TD of year

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