With a big win in the books, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott believes there’s more ahead.
Prescott expects they will only get better amid the motivation found in honor of late teammate Marshawn Kneeland. The Cowboys played for the first time since the Nov. 6 tragedy and delivered a 33-16 blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday.
That has the Cowboys at 10th in the NFC with a 4-5-1 record and a tough slate of games ahead. Yet, Prescott believes they can turn around what has been a mostly dismal season.
“So, it’s about intensifying everything that we do to carry the legacy of Marshawn,” Prescott told reporters afterward. “Then over the next three games with the opponents coming in and us wanting to get to where we want to go, everything’s just got to heighten.”
“The discipline, the focus, the intensity, the aggressiveness, and that’s at practice. That will just carry over into the game,” Prescott added. “I’ve always said, ‘the game’s a celebration of the work that you put in throughout the week.’”
Dallas has a gauntlet ahead in the next three games with the Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), and Detroit Lions (6-4). Then, the Cowboys finish the season with the Minnesota Vikings (4-6), Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), Washington Commanders (3-8), and New York Giants (2-9).
Cowboys Turned Around Slow Start Against Raiders
For Monday, the Cowboys looked the part of a team aiming for the playoffs. Dallas took hold of the game after a 6-3 Raiders lead and pulled away with five consecutive scoring drives, sparked by Prescott’s three touchdown passes in the second quarter.
“Obviously, coming out there tonight and playing with the style that he played with, the intensity, the effort, the finish, super proud of the guys,” Prescott said. “This doesn’t put a cap on it. We’re going to continue to move forward, shining a light on Marshawn and carrying his legacy. And we need to play like this every week moving forward.”
Prescott went 25-33 for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver George Pickens made Prescott’s job easy with nine receptions for 144 yards and a score, and fellow wideout CeeDee Lamb had five receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Jake Ferguson added four receptions for 16 yards and a score.
Cowboys running back Javonte Williams stepped up with 22 carries for 93 yards on the ground to support the passing attack. The Cowboys defense, meanwhile, played one of its best games of the season.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams posted 1.5 sacks and four tackles in his debut. Osa Odighizuwa and Jame Houston had a sack apiece, and safety Markquese Bell had a pick.
Dak Prescott Pays Tribute to Marshawn Kneeland
The teams observed a moment of silence for Kneeland before the game, and the Cowboys players wore helmet decals with No. 94 and had shirts with Kneeland’s picture. Prescott’s wrist tape had “one love” on it for Kneeland.
“We love Marshawn and will continue to shine a light for him,” Prescott said.
For Prescott, it was close to home as he also lost his brother, Jace, to suicide five years ago.
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