LAS VEGAS, NV — The Dallas Cowboys climbed back in the win column on Monday night with one of the Cowboys' most complete games of the 2025 season, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 on the road. The Cowboys played their hearts out for Marshawn Kneeland, one of Dallas' young up-and-comers who passed away less than two weeks ago.
With the win, Dallas corrected a 2-game skid and improved to 4-5-1 on the season. Vegas fell to 2-8 under Pete Carroll.
Dallas may have gotten off to a slow start, going three-and-out on its first drive while wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens began the night on the bench in what appeared to be a coaching decision. A fumble on the second drive — forced by Raiders star Maxx Crosby — added to the early issues. But from there, the Cowboys resembled the high-octane unit they were earlier in the season. Dallas scored on five consecutive possessions, including four straight touchdowns. By halftime, the Cowboys had compiled 253 of their 381 total yards.
Pickens led all receivers with nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown — his second-highest yardage output of the season. Lamb and Pickens combined for nine receptions, 156 yards, and two touchdowns in the first half alone. Dak Prescott threw three of his four touchdown passes before halftime, connecting with Lamb, Pickens, and tight end Jake Ferguson.
Newly acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams lived up to expectations in his first game with the Cowboys, finishing with 1.5 sacks, four tackles, five quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss.
The Cowboys paid a substantial price for the former Jets star — sending a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York — but Monday’s performance showcased why Williams is considered one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the league. His presence helped limit the Raiders to just 27 rushing yards.
While the Raiders entered the night with one of the lowest-scoring offenses in the NFL, the Cowboys’ defensive performance still represented a significant step forward. Before Monday, every opponent Dallas faced this season had scored more than 20 points.
The Cowboys held Las Vegas to 3-of-12 on third down and just four rushing attempts in the first half as the Raiders shifted heavily toward the pass. Reinforcements made a difference: along with Williams, linebacker Logan Wilson made his Cowboys debut, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. saw their first action of the season.
Next up, Dallas returns home on Sunday to host the Philadelphia Eagles (8–2) at AT&T Stadium. Dallas will play three games in 11 days, including the win over the Raiders. After facing the Eagles, the Cowboys host the Kansas City Chiefs (5–5) on Thursday Night Football.
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