With the Eagles, Chiefs and Lions next, the Cowboys may not have another report card like this, after a 33-16 victory, for a while. If they do, we will know for sure that this team is making noise later than expected.
Offense
Dak Prescott lost a fumble before he completed a pass. That doesn’t happen much, and if it had against a better offense, it could have been troubling. But Dak went on to throw four TD passes without really being taxed, and George Pickens continued to remind us he’s Dallas’ most electrifying receiver if not quite its best.
Grade: A-minus
Defense
Cowboys
The Raiders scored four times, and even if three were field goals, Vegas has one of the worst offenses in the league. But Quinnen Williams showed quickly why Dallas paid a high price for him, and DaRon Bland looked a lot more like a high quality corner than he has in a while. Limiting Ashton Jeanty to seven rushing yards was tough on the rookie from Frisco Lone Star.
Grade: B-plus
Special teams
Nothing dramatic in the way of returns for either side, although KaVontae Turpin was better than the Raiders’ return men, and Brandon Aubrey hit a 50-yard field goal, which, once upon a time, was noteworthy. But we don’t even notice him until he lines up from 60.
Grade: B
Coaching
It’s entirely possible that Matt Eberflus has the crew to work with he has needed all season. For sure, it’s better than what the Cowboys had immediately after the Micah Parsons’ trade. Brian Schottenheimer kept things moving with an explosive offense and, if not for taking knees at the end, would have had another 40-point night.
Grade: A
Overall
No, the Raiders aren’t much, but they played Denver close and Chicago close and Jacksonville close and beat New England (in Week 1). This was really never close once we got to halftime. The Cowboys have given themselves an enormous hill to climb, and not saying here they are going to manage anything heroic in December, but a team dealing with grief looked very professional and prepared for three hours Monday night.
Grade: A-minus
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