The Dallas Cowboys know it's gut-check time at 3-5-1 and with the 2-7 Las Vegas Raiders up next, Brian Schottenheimer's face the very definition of a must-win game.

The defense will have a handful of new pieces in Quinnen Williams, Logan Wilson, DeMarvion Overshow, and Shavon Revel. Jr, while the offense will look to get back to its high-octane self that torched defenses earlier in the year.

But how do the Cowboys, who will be no doubt thinking of Marshawn Kneeland, put everything that has transpired over the past couple of weeks and beat the Raiders?

By doing these five things.

`1 - Control early emotions

Now, this might be impossible given recent events, but there is a potential for the Cowboys to come out and blow the Raiders off the field early. 

Conversely, if the Cowboys let their emotions get out of control in the form of penalties, missed assignments or lacking offensive details, then things could spiral fast.

As best as you can, control those early emotions, and channel them into something positive.

2 - Dak and offense be efficient

The Raiders defense are no slouches, but the Cowboys offense has weapons everywhere, but that has mattered for little this season, because when the time comes for Dallas to go on a drive and put up points, it stalls.

The Raiders defense is stout against the run, allowing just 100+ yards twice in their last six games, although the two times they did, it was 150+.

Be efficient on third down, and when in the red zone, touchdowns, not field goals have to be scored.

3 - Defensive improvement all around

This should be a given with Williams, Wilson, Overshown and Revel Jr. in the lineup, but this quartet has to produce on the field. Geno Smith has 12 interceptions on the year, while also being sacked 27 times.

Make life hell both at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary for Geno will go a long way to winning this game.

But most of all, we just want improvement from the basket case we've seen so far.

4 - Play clean

The Cowboys' offense had six turnovers in their first seven games, but have had five in their last two. That can't continue.

No turnovers is a big part of the recipe here, because the last thing Dallas wants is for Las Vegas to get extra possessions, and we know how quickly the Cowboys can fall apart when turnovers are involved.

5 - Lean on Williams and run game

When the Cowboys' offense is rolling, it's Javonte Williams and the offensive line leading the way, and he's due for a big game.

Having not had 100 yards on the ground in the past two weeks, the Raiders have shown they can be run on. The offensive line hasn't been at its brutal best, but this could be an avenue to getting things rolling, not to mention it takes Maxx Crosby out of the game, too.

To get this thing back on the tracks, let Javonte lead the way.