Dak Prescott delivered an impressive performance with four touchdown passes, leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. The win marked the Cowboys’ first game since the untimely death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away on November 6 at the age of 24. The Cowboys entered the game emotionally charged, paying tribute to Kneeland with a pre-game moment of silence and custom T-shirts bearing his name.
Prescott, who has previously dealt with personal loss, expressed the healing power of football after the game. “We love Marshawn, and we’ll continue to shine a light for him,” said Prescott, reflecting on the difficult week following Kneeland’s passing. His performance was pivotal in securing the Cowboys’ fourth win of the season, improving their record to 4-5-1. Prescott completed 25 of 44 passes for 268 yards, with four touchdowns. Despite missing a wide-open CeeDee Lamb on a potential touchdown, Prescott showed precision in his passing, primarily targeting Lamb and George Pickens, who totaled 144 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.
The Raiders, under first-year head coach Pete Carroll, suffered their fourth consecutive loss and eighth in their last nine games. Geno Smith completed 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards, one touchdown, and an interception, while the team struggled to establish a running game, finishing with only 12 rushing attempts. The Raiders’ pass-heavy strategy was ineffective, as the Cowboys’ defense sacked Smith four times, including a strong showing by new acquisition Quinnen Williams, who tallied 1.5 sacks.
The emotional atmosphere surrounding the Cowboys’ tribute to Kneeland was palpable throughout the game. The team wore blue shirts emblazoned with Kneeland’s image and the years of his life, 2001-2025, alongside the team’s star logo. A decal with Kneeland’s number, 94, was placed on the players’ helmets for the remainder of the season. The Cowboys also dedicated a locker stall at the stadium to Kneeland, with his jersey prominently displayed.
Despite their recent struggles, the Cowboys have kept their playoff hopes alive with this win. The team will now turn its attention to upcoming matchups against Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Detroit.
