The Crows are winless after two rounds with both losses punctuated by periods were Adelaide surrendered all momentum to their opponents.
In round one, GWS kicked 11 goals to four after halftime in a 16-point win.
And on Saturday, Richmond booted nine consecutive majors in the first half and another five unanswered goals in the last term to finish with a 32-point victory.
"Between our best footy and our worst footy, the gap was too big - and round one was the same," Dawson said on Monday.
"It has probably got something to do with some of our personnel being a bit younger and understanding what is happening in the game and thinking about what we need to do.
"And then as leaders, I think we need to be better as well at stepping up in those moments and sort of taking charge of the group."
The Crows meet arch foe Port Adelaide on Saturday night in the latest grudge match between the South Australian rivals.
Dawson, in his first year as captain and second season with the Crows after transferring from Sydney, expected the rivalry with Port to again be heated.
"The build up and the rivalry and the fan base, it does split families in half and it's an exciting week for the town," he said.
"Growing up watching Showdowns, it didn't matter where the teams were on the ladder, it was always a tight game.
"As a Crows fan I obviously disliked Port ... but I have always had a lot of respect for them as well.
"The way they go about it as a club and their team every week, especially playing against the Crows ... they're a passionate bunch of players and fans so especially being a Port home game it will be a big one."
Young defender Patrick Parnell will miss the match after being concussed in a Nathan Broad sling tackle which has the Tiger defender facing at least a three-game ban when he fronts the AFL tribunal.
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