LAS VEGAS – This game had a little bit of everything – and that was even before the kickoff. But despite the emotions, the drama and the changes we saw on defense, the Cowboys found a way to dominate the Raiders for a much-needed win.
Here's a handful of key plays that might be forgotten but still led to the outcome.
Jeanty's drop stalls drive – Early in the second quarter the Cowboys led 10-6, but the Raiders were driving into Dallas territory. After a nice run by Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders had a first down and went for a dump-off pass to Jeanty over the middle. The rookie running back had some room to run but dropped the ball before he could get going. On the ensuing two plays, the Cowboys continued to pressure Geno Smith, getting a sack and forcing an incomplete pass. Las Vegas was getting close to field goal range but instead had to punt.
Luepke's extra effort – The Cowboys had a 10-6 lead, and it was clear the offense was seeking a touchdown to get a two-score advantage. On third-and-10 at the 14-yard line, Dak Prescott didn't have any receivers open down the field, so he dumped it off to fullback Hunter Luepke, who appeared to have about a 5-yard gain. But his extra effort, spinning away from tacklers to get a few more yards to the 5, changed the thinking for the Cowboys. Now, on fourth-and-1 and after a timeout, the Cowboys decided to go for it, and Jake Ferguson caught a touchdown to extend the lead to 17-6.
Murray's tip leads to an INT – Interceptions don't usually make this list, but in a game with so many big plays, this one can fall through the cracks as well. And maybe it's not just the fact Markquese Bell picked off Smith, but it was Kenneth Murray dropping in coverage and at the last second deflecting the pass away from Brock Bowers and right into the waiting hands of Bell, who returned it to the Cowboys' 31-yard line. The Raiders were down 17-6 and approaching field goal range before the tipped pass led to a pick. The pass coverage from the linebackers has been heavily criticized, but that play led to a turnover.
Lamb draws crucial P.I. – Leading 17-6 late in the second quarter, the Cowboys faced a third-and-11 at their own 30-yard line. The Raiders desperately needed a stop to try to cut into the lead before the half, and Prescott lofted a pass to CeeDee Lamb near midfield that fell incomplete. But a pass interference penalty extended the drive and allowed the Cowboys to decline a personal foul penalty drawn by an over-acting Tyler Guyton. Either way, the drive was extended, and the Cowboys eventually scored on a Pickens touchdown to seize control of the game with a 24-6 lead.
Punt coverage stuffs Raiders at the 2 – Just when it looked like the Raiders were starting to rally, down by 15 and with a stop on defense, the special teams came up with a huge play for Dallas. Bryan Anger's punt took a great roll, forcing Raiders return specialist Tre Tucker to field it at the 5-yard line, but he was corralled for a loss back at the 2. After a penalty on Las Vegas, the Cowboys defense stuffed Jeanty in the backfield for a loss in the end zone, recording a safety.
