The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders, but the victory did not erase the defensive concerns from their first two games. With the Baltimore Ravens waiting in Week 3, several players now face a tougher test.

Dallas struggled against both the run and the pass in Week 2, putting more pressure on key players to deliver against Baltimore. Here are four Cowboys players who have the most to prove in Week 3.

1. Jalen Thompson, S

Jalen Thompson has become an important part of the Cowboys' secondary after signing a three-year deal during the offseason. With Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke sidelined, Thompson has played every defensive snap for Dallas through the first two games.

According to Randy Gurzi of Sports Illustrated, his early coverage numbers, however, have not matched what the Cowboys need from him. Thompson has a PFF coverage grade of 51.3 and is allowing 9.5 yards per reception.

2. Rashan Gary, EDGE

Rashan Gary joined Dallas after the Cowboys' pursuit of Maxx Crosby fell through. He was expected to give the defense a dependable presence on the edge, particularly against the run.

Gary has recorded five tackles and no sacks through two games. He has produced five pressures, but the Cowboys need more consistent production from him. Against Baltimore, Gary will have another opportunity to show that he can provide the impact Dallas expected when it brought him in.

3. Javonte Williams, RB

Javonte Williams has struggled to establish the Cowboys' ground game early in the season. He has 71 rushing yards on 24 attempts, averaging 3.0 yards per carry.

Williams signed a three-year, $24 million contract this offseason after his success in 2025. The Cowboys have been able to rely on Dak Prescott and their passing attack, but the lack of production from the running game remains an issue.

4. Quinnen Williams, DT

Quinnen Williams was a major addition to a Cowboys defense that was specifically rebuilt to improve against the run. Through two games, though, Dallas has allowed 347 rushing yards in 2026.

Williams has a PFF overall grade of 49.1 and a run-defense grade of 52.1. He is not solely responsible for the Cowboys' defensive problems, but he is their highest-paid defender and carries significant expectations.

The Cowboys have already shown they can produce offensively, but their defensive concerns remain heading into Week 3. These four players will have a chance to address those issues when Dallas faces Baltimore.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj