The Raiders won the toss and deferred which put the Cowboys offense on the field first.
Vegas had to be feeling great about that decision early on as the Cowboys went three and out to start the game. Matters
seemed easy for them given that CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were not on the field for Dallas which was strange. The ESPN broadcast noted as Dallas was taking the field for defense that Lamb and Pickens were absent due to a “coach’s decision” with an implication that it was some sort of disciplinary decision. We will see.
The Raiders were unable to do anything with the possession that they were effectively given. They punted it to the Cowboys who actually then gave them the ball. Well, Maxx Crosby took it away.
Thankfully the Cowboys defense buckled and held the Raiders to only a field goal. Still though, early on things felt a bit treacherous for the silver and blue side of things.
SCORE: COWBOYS 0, RAIDERS 3 (Daniel Carlson 35-yard field goal)
Early on in their next possession the Cowboys moved the chains by way of George Pickens which was great to see. Javonte Williams was running hard early on which was also a positive sign. Ultimately things stalled a bit, but not before it came time for Brandon Aubrey.
SCORE: COWBOYS 3, RAIDERS 3 (Brandon Aubrey 50-yard field goal)
It was more of the same in a lot of ways on the next possession for the Raiders.
They were moving the ball in a relatively un-challenged way… until they got near the redzone. The Cowboys defense managed to stand tall and force another field goal attempt.
SCORE: COWBOYS 3, RAIDERS 6 (Daniel Carlson 45-yard field goal)
The first quarter ended with Dallas driving and threatening in Las Vegas territory.
