Who is the Guy?
Dak Prescott is playing at a Pro Bowl level despite the Cowboys' disappointing record. The 10-year pro is completing nearly 70 percent of his passes, with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. With the veteran averaging 257.7 pass yards per game, tossing to CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Jake Ferguson, the Raiders must be prepared to defend Prescott and the Cowboys' aerial circus on Monday night.
Know His Name
CeeDee Lamb is the latest member of the "88 Club" to dominate as a pass catcher on the perimeter. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is a freak athlete with outstanding ball skills and running ability. Lamb's ability to win on "catch-and-run" concepts and isolation routes will challenge the Raiders to make tough tackles in space. Given his big play potential as a No. 1 receiver, Lamb's whereabouts must be accounted for at all times.
Don't Sleep On…
The Cowboys' running game has been a pleasant surprise with Javonte Williams emerging as a potential 1,000-yard back. The fifth-year pro has a pair of 100-yard games on the ledger, while averaging 79.6 rush yards per game. With Williams flashing a nice blend of strength, power and explosiveness running between the tackles, the Cowboys are not afraid to play a little "Bully Ball" to seize control of the game in the second half.
Under Pressure
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is feeling the heat with the Cowboys defense struggling mightily against the run and pass. Though an influx of veteran talent (Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson) is expected to spark a turnaround, the Tampa 2 devotee must quickly assimilate the newcomers into the scheme, while fixing the issues that have contributed to the unit's slow start. With the Cowboys looking to make a playoff push down the stretch, the pressure is on the defensive architect to get the defense back on track immediately.
Matchup to Watch
Raiders' O-line vs. Quinnen Williams
The former All-Pro defensive tackle is a wrecking ball at the line of scrimmage, exhibiting heavy hands and quick feet, blowing past blockers. Williams is such a force that the Raiders will need to mix in some double teams to control the 300-pounder at the point of attack. If the Raiders are unable to neutralize the big-bodied defender on pivotal downs, the offense should be able to exploit a vulnerable defense that has struggled mightily against the run and pass.
Offensive Strategy
Brian Scottenheimer is a rare play caller with a thorough understanding of run blocking schemes and passing concepts. As a result, he can unlock the potential of his QB1, RB1, WR1 and any complementary playmakers with clever schematics that expose and exploit defensive vulnerabilities all over the field. Although he is rarely cited as an offensive wizard, opponents should be wary of his creative tactics and big-play intentions when facing the Cowboys.
Defensive Strategy
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus aims to utilize simple concepts that enable his defenders to play fast and freely on the perimeter. He prioritizes effort and execution over trickery, and the "hustle hard" approach yields positive results when everyone plays the call as instructed. With outstanding discipline and great attention to detail, the Cowboys' defensive system can make life miserable for opponents who lack the patience to drive the field on a series of short gains on the ground and through the air.
As the Raiders prepare for their Week 11 game at Allegiant Stadium, view past matchups between the Silver and Black and the Cowboys.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) calls a play in the huddle during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 1980, in Oakland, Calif.
A view of Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum during the Oakland Raiders' regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, December 7, 1980, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) rushes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 1980, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) waits for the snap from center/guard Dave Dalby (50) during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 1980, in Oakland, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 1983, in Irving, Texas.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Sean Jones (99), defensive tackle/defensive end Bill Pickel (71) and defensive end/linebacker Greg Townsend (93) line up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Sunday, November 9, 1986, in Irving, Tex.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Sean Jones (99) and defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) rush the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Sunday, November 9, 1986, in Irving, Tex.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Rod Martin (53) and defensive tackle/defensive end Bill Pickel (71) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Sunday, November 9, 1986, in Irving, Tex.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Milt McColl (56) defends during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 13, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive back Eddie Anderson (33) knocks down the quarterback during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, August 18, 1990, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Greg Bell (28) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Monday, August 12, 1991, in Irving, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Jerry Ball (93) rushes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 19, 1995, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders center Dan Turk (67) waits to snap the ball during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 19, 1995, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Joe Aska (35) rushes during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Saturday, July 27, 1996, in Irving, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Malcolm Showell (78) and defensive tackle Jerry Ball (93) go to make a tackle during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Saturday, July 27, 1996, in Irving, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Joe Aska (35) rushes during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Sunday, August 3, 1997, in Irving, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Grady Jackson (90) and linebacker Greg Biekert (54) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 1998, in Irving, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) makes a tackle during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Network Associates Coliseum, Saturday, August 4, 2001, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Elijah Alexander (58) makes a tackle during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Network Associates Coliseum, Saturday, August 4, 2001, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Chris Cooper (75) goes to make a tackle during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at Aztec Stadium, Monday, August 27, 2001, in Mexico City, Mexico.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tony Bryant (94) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, October 21, 2001, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess (56) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Ted Washington (92) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson (24) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receivers Greg Jenkins (10) returns a fumble for a 23-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, November 28, 2013, Arlington, Texas.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nick Roach (53) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, November 28, 2013, Arlington, Texas.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Kevin Burnett (94) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, November 28, 2013, Arlington, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, November 28, 2013, Arlington, Texas.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Darius Latham (75) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Dallas Cowboys at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 17, 2017, in Oakland, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) makes a 56-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, November 25, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, November 25, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Thursday, November 25, 2021, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) calls out the defense during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) lines up before the snap during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, August 17, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) makes a tackle during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, August 17, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) passes during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, August 17, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) blocks during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium, Saturday, August 17, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
