3 keys to victory for Dallas Cowboys in massive Week 11 matchup vs. Raiders

The Dallas Cowboys got a much-needed bye week in Week 10, but it's time to return to the field in a big way.

This week, the Cowboys will meet the Las Vegas Raiders for a Monday Night Football showdown in Week 11.

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Once again, the Cowboys are dealing with a must-win situation. Here are three keys to the Cowboys earning the Monday night victory.

1. Send Pressure

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark celebrates with defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Raiders have given up the eighth most sacks this season, with 27. After the Cowboys earned over five sacks against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9, it's time for the pass rush to once again have their way with the opposition.

2. Force Geno's Hand

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith has not had the ideal reunion with his head coach, Pete Carroll. Smith has thrown the second-most interceptions this season, with 12.

Now, the Cowboys' secondary hasn't been anything to brag about this season. But if the team can put pressure on Smith, it should force the Raiders quarterback to make the same mistakes he has made all season.

Forcing Smith to be the quarterback he has been all season shouldn't be hard. Then again, this Cowboys secondary has defied the odds for all the wrong reasons numerous times this season.

3. Stick To The Script

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Cowboys' offense has slipped in the past few weeks. Their performances against the Cardinals and Denver Broncos proved the unit isn't unstoppable.

However, if the defense doesn't play like they upgraded at the NFL trade deadline, that means this offense will need to get back to form in Week 11.

The weapons are obviously there for the Cowboys on offense. It's just getting back into the rhythm they had earlier this season.

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Every game is must-win for the Cowboys at this point in the season. Losing to team like the Raiders could all but end the season.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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