The Dallas Cowboys not only have a week three matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, but a week three contest that very well could be a must win for both teams.

The Ravens are 0-and-2 while the Cowboys are 1-and-1, but got embarrassed at home against the Saints last week.

Look, I still think the Cowboys have problems on both sides of the ball, but we saw what they could do against the Browns if they get out to a lead.

You would think at some point they could find a way to solve the problems that still linger.

Is there cause for concern with the Cowboys lack of run game??

HOF'er Emmitt Smith: "I don't have a concern (with the run game)… my concern is the commitment to doing it."@EmmittSmith22 @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/STSmGGgZ0R

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 19, 2024

I am far from being a coach, just someone who has played the game myself, and watched more hours than anyone can count.

Here are a few things I think Dallas needs to do this week to avoid falling under .500 for the first time in a long time.

Make Lamar Throw The Football

We all saw what the Packers did to this team in the playoffs, and what happened a week ago.

Dallas gave up a total of 190 rushing yards on Sunday. In the first two weeks, the Cowboys have allowed 283 rushing yards, ranking 11th in the league.

We’ve said it all summer, and already after two weeks. Something has got to be figured out with this run defense.

Mike Zimmer and the boys are going to have to make Lamar Jackson throw the football on Sunday.

The Ravens can’t start 0-3.

“It starts the conversation we don’t want to hear about Lamar Jackson.” — @89JonesNTAF pic.twitter.com/qq4zFrO64v

— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) September 19, 2024

Every defense that plays against the Ravens this season will know that when Henry is in the game they are more than likely running the football.

The style in which the Ravens play is much different than how the Saints’ offense works. Pre-motion is not what Baltimore does. Dallas should just load the box, and play coverage, make Lamar throw the football.

Ravens Pass Defense

I understand that the Cowboys need to find a ground game of their own, but if you look at the numbers through the first two weeks, the Ravens are not good against the pass.

The Ravens’ coverage defense ranks 26th overall on PFF, meaning that if Prescott can get the connection to CeeDee Lamb rolling, the passing game could be the path to victory.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has often talked about 2.3 seconds when it comes to QB play. The ability to extend the play beyond that threshold puts added stress on the defense. That’ll be a key this week against Ravens QB Lamar Jackson.

“It’s about 6.8,” McCarthy joked when… pic.twitter.com/bTEfzuiq0a

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 19, 2024

Say what you want, 26th rated coverage defense is almost the worst in football. If the Cowboys can get something going through the air and finish some drives, you combine both of these.

You attack the Ravens weakness, and then force Lamar Jackson to throw the ball if they are chasing points.

Get Out Early

The Cowboys defense is built to play with a lead, as is the offense. When this team is in control, they are one of the best. When they have to climb back into things, they settle for field goals, and the defense can’t get big stops.

Something has to click with this group. If they win the toss on Sunday. I know people hate it, but I am taking the ball to start.

Get a lead, forcing the Ravens to match the score. That is when this team is at its best. We have seen it over the last two years now.

Nobody wants to call week three a must win, but man, both of these teams need to win this football game. I wish Dalvin Cook would have been active for this game, but Jerry Jones is sticking with the current backfield.

I really do feel like the Cowboys can win this game, but they have to do it their way. Put the pressure on the Ravens early and not the other way around.

John Harbaugh now has most blown double-digit leads in 4th quarter of any coach since at least 1991 after losing to Ravens for his 9th blown lead https://t.co/6YDlhCM5KU

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) September 15, 2024

Baltimore just blew a 10 point lead against Gardner Minshew and the Raiders. They can be beaten.