3 Mistakes the Cowboys Can't Afford to Repeat in Week 4

2. Easing Up on Run Defense

One unfortunate theme from Cowboys players during Week 3 postgame interviews was them admitting they didn't take the Cardinals as a serious threat. That led to the silly mistakes, poor execution and a very preventable loss.

An area Dallas clearly slacked off against Arizona was run defense. This usually stout unit limited the ground game to begin the year, holding the New York Giants and Jets to 186 yards combined over the first two games.

The Cardinals, however, ran all over Dan Quinn's defense with little trouble. They racked up a staggering 222 rushing yards against the Cowboys. Most disappointingly, Dallas couldn't stop the run no matter where it came from.

Running back James Conner paced Arizona with 98 yards, but quarterback Josh Dobbs (55 yards) broke off several big runs that helped keep the Cards in it, and wide receiver/RB Rondale Moore had his highlight-reel 45-yard TD score while lined up in the backfield.

If New England is to upset Dallas, they're going to do it behind their run game. Former Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott is coming off of his best performance of the season, giving him plenty of positive momentum heading into a revenge game. Meanwhile, everyone is just waiting for dual threat Rhamondre Stevenson to finally break out, and he could certainly do that if the Cowboys' trenches come out less than 100% engaged again.

It's time for Dallas' defense to find its hunger again after attacking every ball carrier they faced over the first two weeks.