The Cowboys will fancy their chances on the road, but how does Schottenheimer's team get back on the winner's list?
The Dallas Cowboys want to get the sour taste of last week out of their mouth, and the winless Houston Texans are up next at NRG Stadium on Sunday.
What's this in-state rival game gonna taste like? (Besides Tex-Mex and BBQ?)
The Cowboys were the laughingstock of the NFL last week for how they handled the final 23 seconds in Rio in a 34-31 loss to the Ravens, but now it's time to move on and get back on the winner's list.
Houston hasn't been "Houston" yet this season, and the danger is that they put it all together against Dallas.
But if the Cowboys are to roll into NRG Stadium and walk out with a win, how will they do it?
By doing these five things.
1 - Offense has to stay on the field:
Through three weeks, Dallas has the second-best third-down conversion rate (57.14 percent), and that has to continue.
We know all about Houston's defense and how smothering it can be, but it doesn't matter how good a defense is, if they are out there for long, sustained drives, they will give up yards.
That is the key. You have the self-proclaimed "Greatest Offense There Is.'' ... GOTI. Make sure you move the ball consistently and wear down this defense.
2 - Win the turnover battle:
The Cowboys' defense has struggled to force turnovers over three weeks, getting just two combined, and the Texans' offense has only had two all season (both in Week 1).
C.J. Stroud is yet to throw a pick (new Cowboys trade get Joey Porter Jr. isn't known as a ballhawk, but ...) so what better time for the Cowboys to snag their first interception of the season?
As for Dallas' offense, this Houston defense forced three turnovers last week after none in the first two weeks, and with a banged-up defense, Dak Prescott can't put the unit out there for extra possessions.
3 - Red-zone battle key:
The Texans' defense is ranked seventh in allowing a touchdown once inside the red zone, while Dallas is 21st. Conversely, the Cowboys' offense scores a touchdown when inside the red zone 75 percent of the time, while Houston is at 50 percent.
So, when either side of the ball is in the redzone, it is time to buckle up.
GOTI has to punch it in, and the defense needs a bend-but-don't-break mentality, as this Houston offense has scored 17 points in their last two games.
Don't let this be their "get right game" please.
4 - Get after Stroud:
We know all about the pressures the Dallas defense gets, but sacks? Not so much, with only two in three games.
That's got to change on Sunday.
Stroud has been sacked 10 times in three games, as his offensive line has struggled to protect him consistently. This looms as a key chance for beleaguered rookie coordinator Christian Parker's unit to get after No. 7.
After getting so close numerous times in the first three weeks, now is the time for it all to come together.
5 - Offense needs to fire on all cylinders:
Houston hasn't allowed more than 89 rushing yards in a game this season, so getting Javonte Williams and the run game rolling will be crucial to slowing down their excellent pass rush.
Additionally, the Texans struggle to curtain an offense's No. 1 weapon. And Dallas has two.
Dalton Kincaid (130 yards), D.J. Moore (100 yards, 1 TD), Tee Higgins (95 yards), Ja'Marr Chase (75 yards), and Josh Downs (77 yards) have all had good games against this defense.
So CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens could be in store for some serious production on Sunday if Dak is adequately protected.
Get Javonte going, and allow CeeDee and George to do what they do best.
Because if Dallas (a 2.5-point underdog) is to win this, the offense will once again have to do the heavy-lifting.
