For the first time since the tragic suicide of Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland nearly two weeks ago, the team took the field for an NFL football game, on the road in Las Vegas on Monday night. In doing so, they played their finest game in more than a month, an efficient and at time thrilling 33-16 win over the Raiders in which the offense racked up 383 yards while the new-look defense stifled the home team with just 236 yards.
It was encouraging for the Cowboys to play that way as they now face a gauntlet of difficult games against the Eagles, the Chiefs on a short week, and the Lions, a stretch that will determine whether this 4-5-1 team has any hope at a run back to the postseason.
But on Monday, the focus remained on Kneeland, who was honored with T-shirts, a helmet decal and personal reminders of his life that individual players brought to the field. And even after the win, the Cowboys wanted to make sure that the celebration Kneeland’s memory did not end with one game.
Dak Prescott: Cowboys Want to ‘Honor’ Marshawn Kneeland on the Field
Speaking to ESPN after the game, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott–who was 25-for-33 passing with 268 yards and four touchdowns (no interceptions)–said he was proud of the approach the team took.
“I think we did a great job of it,” he said. “Telling the guys early, control what you can control and honor Marshawn—and that’s our effort and intensity, the way we finish every single play on both sides of the ball and special teams, everybody exemplified that.”
But Prescott said that he Cowboys will continue with that approach beyond this week.
“I have no better peace than being on this field. I think that is true of everybody out here,” he said. “You have to think about a lot, you have to focus in. It was a blessing to be out here. This is where healing happens for me. We love Marshawn and we will continue to shine a light for him. We’re blessed to carry this light for him.”
Marshawn Kneeland Will Not Be Forgotten
That sentiment was backed up by star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who was benched for the first series of the game for “missing a couple things,” but returned to put up five catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
Asked about playing with Marshawn Kneeland’s memory in mind, Lamb said, “I feel like we got to continue to honor him, not have it be one week after and because it is fresh. It’s easy to forget about things.
“I feel like, for Marshawn, it is making sure he is always appreciated and thought of for everything he’s done and the impact he made in two years. It is amazing, I am glad we could do that for him.”
Cowboys Still Grieving and Honoring
And for Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer, who has had the difficult task of managing the wild fluctuations the Cowboys have faced recently, the focus remained on corralling his players through the grieving process, even as they start playing again.
“So proud of these guys in the way that they grieved, cried, laughed—they wanted to honor, and we’re not done honoring,” Schottenheimer said in his postgame press conference. “He’s a part of our family forever. It’s been tough, these past 11 days have been really tough.”
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