The Dallas Cowboys secured themselves a chance to stay in the NFL playoff race, earning a 33-16 road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders – a night that became emotional for America’s Team.

In the first game since the death of Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys, who wore commemorative shirts and bowed their heads during a moment of silence for the defensive end, ended a two-game losing streak, showing the style of play that could make them a serious opponent for the rest of the season.

“I would be lying if I said there were no tears when I first put on the jersey, as you could imagine,” said Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer. “But more than anything, I know that Marshawn was looking down on us, and we wanted to make him proud, and I think we did.”

– Brian Schottenheimer

For the impressive play of Dak Prescott, who completed 25 of 33 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns, the Cowboys also showed a stout run defense, holding the Raiders to 27 rushing yards and taking control in the second quarter.

After a slow first 15 minutes with three field goals and a Raiders lead of 6-3, Dallas quickly took control: at the 9-second mark of the second quarter, Prescott connected on an 18-yard pass to the wide-open CeeDee Lamb, capping a six-play, 68-yard drive.

Prescott’s second touchdown of the day came this time on a short middle-field pass to Dallas tight end Jake Ferguson, making the score 17-6 after the extra point.

The Raiders moved ahead, trying to cut the deficit before halftime, but Geno Smith’s pass was deflected by Kenneth Murray Jr. and intercepted by Markquese Bell, foiling their plans.

Then Prescott capped the sparkling second quarter with a third touchdown: a 25-yard pass to George Pickens, who eluded defenders Ky Blue Kelly and reached the end zone. Pickens finished the game with nine receptions for 144 yards.

After the break, the Raiders added another field goal, but Dallas’s lead remained unchanged: Prescott added a fourth touchdown – a short pass to Ryan Flournoy with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter.

Smith notched a touchdown for the Raiders at the start of the final quarter, connecting a touchdown pass to Tre Tucker, but the Las Vegas team could not mount a comeback for the rest of the night, even recording a safety at 11:39.

“They wanted to honor him, and we’re not done honoring him yet. He will always be a part of our family.”

– Brian Schottenheimer

“But it was tough, man. I mean, these last 11 days have been really hard. I’m proud of these guys, because that’s how they played today – in Marshawn’s style.”

– Brian Schottenheimer

“In a sense, facing the Raiders is good therapy to get back into the game. They know how much Marshawn loved to compete, how much he loved the Cowboys. And for me it’s simply a way to say: ‘This one’s for you, Marshawn.’”

– Jerry Jones

With the win the Cowboys evened their record to 4-5-1 and moved into second place in the NFC East. While Dallas currently sits at roughly a 7% chance to reach the playoffs according to the NFL playoff calculator, games of this level can help fuel a strong finish and a shot at the postseason.