LAS VEGAS — Outside of the obvious emotional moments sparked from the passing of Marshawn Kneeland, the atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium on Monday was true to the city’s nature. There were flashing lights at every seat that could be changed to different colors. There were multiple live music acts before and during the game, including a concert from Nelly.
For the majority of the night, it felt like a Las Vegas party. So forgive me if this spoils it a little.
The Cowboys are now one win away from an even record after beating the Raiders 33-16 on Monday Night Football. The combined record of the four opponents the Cowboys (4-5-1) have beaten is now 9-33.
It’s a worthwhile caveat, considering the Cowboys played one of their best games of the season against a struggling Raiders team.
Cowboys
Could it be a page turned, sparked by some new weapons on defense? Or is it another impressive win for the Cowboys against a bad team?
Here are five takeaways from Dallas’ win:
Immediate impact
If it weren’t for history, one might give Jerry Jones the benefit of the doubt regarding a pregame quote on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM). He was asked about the addition of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, whom Dallas acquired at the deadline for a second-round pick this coming draft, a first-rounder in the following draft, and former Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith.
“It actually addresses something we’ve always wanted,” Jones said about Williams, “and everyone wants it: How about a little run-stopping plus a little pressure on the passer with the same player?”
Sure, it could’ve been an innocent compliment about Williams, but knowing Jones, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it was a slight about a certain pass rusher in Green Bay. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s done that since trading Micah Parsons.
To Jones’ point, though, Williams lived up to expectations in his debut. Williams finished with 1½ sacks and had consistent pressure from the interior. The Raiders didn’t run much against the Cowboys, but when they did, the Cowboys — at the very least — looked better than they have in run defense of late.
The Cowboys hoped Williams could have an immediate impact. He proved them right.
Dynamic duo
Cowboys wide receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb didn’t play the first series because of a coach’s decision.
They made up for lost time, quickly.
Pickens and Lamb both found the end zone in the first half to spark a big lead. They finished with a combined 14 receptions for 210 yards.
One of the major storylines for the rest of this season and this offseason will be what to do with Pickens. Jones said earlier this season that they’re looking into the potential of having two highly paid receivers.
Whether the Cowboys could do that, or whether they should, remains to be seen. One thing that’s certain: Pickens is worth that type of money.
Rotation equation
Before the trade deadline, Jones and coach Brian Schottenheimer both highlighted, specifically, the need for better linebacker play. The entire defense had a lot of struggles through the first nine games of the season, and the linebacker group was no exception.
They traded for Logan Wilson at the deadline. They also activated DeMarvion Overshown off injured reserve. Some wondered, with a bye week to use, whether the Cowboys would have a completely new starting inside linebacker group.
That could eventually be the case. It wasn’t on Monday.
The Cowboys appear to be in a discovery phase with their linebackers. They had five linebackers active. By the end of the first quarter, all five had played at least one defensive snap.
For what it’s worth: Overshown and Kenneth Murray Jr. were the two linebackers who started on Monday. We’ll see if that’s the case next week.
Not so Bland
Cowboys corner DaRon Bland struggled the last time the Cowboys played; Marvin Harrison Jr. beat him early and often.
The performance didn’t stress out Schottenheimer, however.
“The cornerback position is hard. He played amazing the week before. I think that’s part of playing corner in this league. He’s not the guy we worry about,” Schottenheimer said.
“I don’t have any concerns about DaRon, but I will say it was not his best game and the type of pro he is — All-Pro, really — he’ll bounce back.”
Bland lived up to it against the Raiders. He had multiple pass breakups for the sixth time in his career. He nearly had a diving interception when he dropped back impressively in zone coverage.
The Cowboys, as a whole, played well against Geno Smith and the Raiders. Bland led the way in the secondary.
Stuck with it
Schottenheimer was asked after the bye about Dak Prescott and what happened to a quarterback who was playing at an MVP level. He had 13 touchdowns and no interceptions from Week 4 to Week 7. The following two weeks he had one touchdown and three interceptions.
Schottenheimer said the struggles the last two weeks were indicative of the entire offense, not just Prescott. Because of how those games went, the Cowboys went away from the running game, forcing Dallas into obvious passing situations.
Schottenheimer said they needed to do better on first and second down against the Raiders. In essence, they couldn’t get away from the run.
They committed to the run against the Raiders, opening up the play-action passing game for Prescott and the offense.
Prescott finished 25 of 33 for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Javonte Williams finished with 22 carries for 93 yards.
When the Cowboys stick with the run, they have success. It’s a lesson that should be applied for the rest of the season.
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