The Cowboys tend not to make too much or too little of an upcoming matchup. It’s just another game, they generally say. Another chance to face a faceless opponent, another opportunity to focus on meeting their own high standard for success.

This next game is a little different, tight end Jason Witten said.

On Sunday, the team will meet the New England Patriots. Those Patriots. The franchise with 20 straight wins at Gillette Stadium, including the postseason, since 2017. The club led by coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The dynasty that is the defending Super Bowl champion with six Vince Lombardi trophies in 18 years.

Witten was asked Tuesday if Sunday’s meeting is a measuring-stick game.

“Yeah, I think it is,” Witten said during a community function where players dispersed hundreds of Thanksgiving meals at a Salvation Army site. “There are defining games that happen. You look at last year’s season ... and you beat a good New Orleans team. This is one of those games. There’s still a lot of games out there, so I don’t think it’s make or break. But at the same time, to be able to go on the road and play against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and their team — they’re 9-1 like they are. A great opportunity for us.

“Our guys are up for the challenge. We’ve got a lot of healthy respect for them, but just like any other week, you’ve got to prepare and know that you’re going to have to go play your best football.”

A small margin of error separates most wins from a loss.

Dallas is 6-4. Three of its losses were decided by four points or fewer, including a pair of two-point losses.

Witten said that narrow margins seem to tighten vs. the Patriots.

“They’re going to pounce on any mistake you make,” Witten said. “They’re prepared. They’re fundamentally sound. Their in-game adjustments are just at a higher level than anybody else in the league. [Belichick has] done it at that level for so long. And specifically as an offense going [against] him, I think his defense right now, when I watch them on tape, if it’s not the best defense he’s ever had, it’s got to be up there in the top. It’s a big challenge for us. So much respect for him. Greatest coach to ever coach in the NFL.”

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