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Decoding Schotty Week 11 - Getting That Ball Out
Timing is everything and as we know, the best pass protector is an on-time offense.
Bob Sturm
Nov 19, 2025
Here we go. Our objectives for today:
OVERALL OFFENSIVE EVALUATION
Dallas really needed to step up its offense again after back-to-back weeks in Denver and against Arizona where everything seemed clunky and inefficient. In this game against Las Vegas, the Cowboys offense looked much more of itself with a performance that made the Raiders defense look a lot less effective than it normally is. We definitely should be careful with the transitive properties of the NFL, but this team just went to Denver and gave the Broncos a very stiff defensive showing and held Denver to 34 fewer points than Dallas did.
Now, that is probably more of a sign that the Cowboys defense was miserable in that game, but the point is there isn’t too much wrong with how those guys can play defense.
They have a game wrecker up front in Maxx Crosby and given the play of the Cowboys at tackle, we expected that to be a clear and present danger all night long. He did make a very big play early that we will look at below, but for the most part, Dallas was able to figure out how to handle him as they went on a run where they scored TD’s on 4 straight drives which quickly and effectively ended the competitive portion of the proceedings.
It was over at halftime when Dallas took a 24-9 lead to the room and a 31-9 lead midway through the third quarter.
For me, this was mostly about the passing game showing its teeth and the modern way we try to run it. As I continue to look at the 1975 Cowboys as my side project, I am taken with how long QBs in generations past would hold the football in the pocket.
We know that this is largely how evolution works - because of necessity – and as pass rushers become more dominant and result in more QB injuries, the best way to protect is to make the operation faster. The best pass rushers on the planet still need a few seconds to get to a QB. Similarly, the best wide receivers need a few seconds to get downfield. In the past, these time frames allow a pass rusher to get to his target before a wide receiver can get to his. That is when sacks happen and QBs get hurt.
The remedy, like many, was born out of self-preservation. If you can deliver the football faster, then you get hit less. QBs like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady were probably the teachers of this class to a whole new generation of QBs who learned the best pass protector is speed. Get the ball out.
The problem with getting the ball out fast, however, is that your route tree shrinks. You have no time to “beat your man” so teams try to find YAC guys who are a menace in the open field. Those are now the receivers teams seek and if you can just get them the ball and they will do the rest, your offense can function without needing all the time to get settled in the pocket and hold off the monsters trying to sack your QB.
That is a brief synopsis of offensive football in 2025 and how the Cowboys got their offense back on track. In this game, Dallas had to speed up its operation and let its highly touted WRs do the job after the catch and simplify what the QB needed to do with the ball in his hand. Dak Prescott’s stats were extraordinary on Monday, but his throws were not. He simply had to make quicker reads and get the ball out on time and on target. He did that and then George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb did the rest.
Prescott’s passer rating was the highest of the season with a staggering 138.6 but also the Cowboys had a season-high 137 yards after catch on this night. Those two things are absolutely related. It was the seventh time this season Dallas had more than 100 yards after the catch. And so much of that every game is because Pickens and Lamb are phenomenal at that part of the game.
As you can see above, most of our metrics are very positive from Monday Night and almost none are red for negative. I saw no stats above that fell below at least average, so we give green for above average, white is average, and red is below on a game-by-game basis, so they could have done better in the red zone, but only because those final two drives were not punched in. Everything else was just fine. It was a “get right” kind of night for this offense.
And again, that largely goes to Dak Prescott and his weapons.
Dak Prescott continues to roll out high quality.
There are many ways to measure QB Performance and over recent years, the most complete way is the ESPN QBR. Some love it and some are skeptical about how it is fully measured and weighted, but we now have 11 weeks to work with to say who is doing the best job in this league and look who is at the top.
Dakota Prescott, once again, is having a year.
Now, of course, one thing that stat does not measure is how bad your defense is covering up your big year – and it never will. But, from a standpoint of “is your QB doing his part?” the answer is definitely “yes” this season. He has been your best player.
Some weeks it is an absolute aerial show and other weeks it is more “let’s help our OL” and that was this. If teams are going to play zones and try to fill the box to slow the run game, you have to counter it and Dallas had a very good plan. We shall see how well that prepares them for Vic Fangio, but that is this Sunday so it can wait for now. But, the passing chart shows very little white (incompletes) and no red (interceptions):
Next Gen Passing Chart - Dak Prescott, Week 11
Very little to no need for big-time throws. Just keep the trains running on time.
George Pickens is different.
And the best version of that is George Pickens.
Here is a reel Josh made of those moments in this game where George was a real menace – and look at the play-action that keeps showing up.
Pickens is now on the verge of 1,000 yards before Thanksgiving and is having that huge year we knew he would. Only one receiver in the NFL has more receiving yards than Pickens, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
I see a lot of debate on whether the Cowboys can afford him past this season, but I refuse to concede that this won’t get done. They can afford him and I would also appeal to the premise that this has been a great stop for his career and that making a little less to stay with Dak and CeeDee makes sense for all involved. Also, that franchise tag would be perfect for this player, as well.
I made this chart for you because I think it is vital to see that your competitors are more than fine paying their QB and 2 WRs and making it fit. Look, there are 4 teams including the Eagles and Lions who we believe are “doing things the right way.”
If you can pay Goff, St Brown, and Williams and you can pay Hurt, Brown, and Smith – then you can pay Dak, CeeDee, and Pickens.
He is a priority for me and I don’t even think twice about locking in a guy who is 24 years old. You do not want to miss his next four to five years as part of this offensive attack. Locking in Lamb and Pickens nearly assures having a top 5 offense for the rest of Dak’s window.
Pickens has been great all year, but now let’s look at a guy who the Cowboys desperately need to be better.
Checking in on Tyler Guyton
Don’t look now, but Tyler Guyton is taking big strides in the last month. His 2024 rookie season was very poor and the first six weeks of 2025 were only marginally better. But, the two best games of his season were at Denver and at Las Vegas according to PFF grading and this game on Monday was his very best.
I made a huge reel of his night and take a look at the left tackle, No. 60, to see for yourself. It isn’t perfect, but it is really good stuff.
Guys, I see a powerful player who is playing with confidence and on balance. His strength and length are evident and his recovery if he takes a false step is better and better. He is firing off the ball and I believe we are seeing real growth here. This was an excellent performance.
Left tackle is so difficult, but I think we should take some gains here as a sign that young players develop and we should quiet the “bust” talk given what the film is starting to say. I am not suggesting he has arrived, but this tape is such a step in the right direction and like I said, it isn’t one game. It is the last month. I think that Pickens and Guyton were both fantastic on Monday and wanted to recognize them both.
FILM STUDY
10 plays that made a big difference in this win.
1Q - 13:41 - 3-4-DAL 32 - D.Prescott pass incomplete deep right to J.Tolbert (E.Stokes) [T.Wilson]. Penalty on DAL-T.Smith, Offensive Holding, declined.
Here is the first pass of the game and it is 3rd and 4. I think at this point the adrenaline is high and things are happening fast. If Dak could see this a little more slowly, he might try to hit Ferguson to move the chains, but he also doesn’t have a clear lane and protection is breaking down so he doesn’t try a dangerous pass across the body and instead gives Jalen Tolbert a chance. Tyree Wilson is chasing him down and the ball is nearly picked off, so he gets away with it. I liked Tyler Booker picking up Maxx Crosby after he got past Terence Steele, but Tyler Smith was not as clean and man Wilson has that closing speed. Cowboys punt on the first possession.
1Q - 9:11 - 1-10-DAL 16 - D.Prescott sacked at DAL 9 for -7 yards (M.Crosby). FUMBLES (M.Crosby) [M.Crosby], RECOVERED by LV-T.Hemingway at DAL 15.
This is great defense. First down and the Cowboys are showing power run that they will turn into a play-action deep shot where Pickens is to clear the safety and Lamb with sort of the dagger concept underneath it to Pickens side (huge Cover 3 beater) and this should be a big gain. But, two things here are really interesting from the Raiders. First, we have a LB blitz from 52-Elandon Roberts and a stunt from Maxx Crosby all the way around it that allows him to get lost in the chaos. Then, the FS 20-Isaiah Pola-Mao is sitting on Lamb and will actually dive-bomb the deep crosser and Dak sees it and decides not to risk the ball. He has incredible vision to resist a bad throw there. Anyway, he pulls it back down and then Crosby is right there and closing fast. So, Dak is dead and tries to escape, but that isn’t happening. Crosby not only gets him, but also gets the ball out. Huge moment that could swing the game to Vegas, but this is also when Dallas decided to get a lot more careful in holding the ball back there.
1Q - 1:55 - 1-10-DAL 32 - D.Prescott pass short middle to G.Pickens to LV 49 for 19 yards
Fourth possession and finally, they start really clicking and it is all Pickens stuff. 12 personnel play-action and it is that same 2-man route concept, but if they see zone, they will just sit down and let Dak hit whichever he likes. Dak gets to the top, takes one hitch, and the ball is out where Pickens can grab an easy 19.
1Q - 1:30 - 1-10-LV 49 - D.Prescott pass short right to G.Pickens to LV 34 for 15 yards
Next play and it is time to span 1st down play-action shots with Lamb as the decoy and Pickens underneath by himself. Dak helps his pass protection with an unplanned roll to the right and finds Pickens again. Huge target, easy first down, and we are cooking.
2Q - 14:55 - 2-10-LV 18 - D.Prescott pass deep right to C.Lamb for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Here is that first touchdown. This is all the window dressing. First Ferguson motions in and then the fake pitch to Malik Davis. Both cause the zone defenders to take a false step. When they do, Lamb puts up the mailbox because the single-high safety has no chance because he is on the far hash with Pickens. Lamb puts up the arm and it is a practice rep touchdown throw. This is all play design and very good stuff from all involved. Red zone offense made easy with window dressing.
2Q - 7:56 - 1-10-LV 37 - D.Prescott pass deep left to C.Lamb pushed ob at LV 14 for 23 yards
Let’s see if you are picking up on the trend. 1st down, play-action, Cover 3 beater. This time it is Lamb in the slot and we know against Cover 3 that will be a LB’s job on any sort of over route or crosser, so Dak is right on that idea as his primary and while it isn’t an easy throw, it is a throw he wants and hits with ease. 23 yards here in a nice chunk because of this offense taking advantage of the numbers and the likely coverages from early down play-action. Offense is so easy when you are in control of the game (and not down 10 points in the 2nd Quarter again because your defense stinks so badly). Dak’s play-action this season has a passer rating of 141.7 (which is absurd) and only Lamar Jackson is better in the entire NFL.
2Q - 5:52 - 3-10-LV 14 - D.Prescott pass short left to H.Luepke to LV 5 for 9 yards (I.Pola-Mao).
This is a 10-6 game and this is 3rd and 10. As you can see, this is a key sequence that might be overlooked because of the final score. But, FG vs TD is key right here and Dak doesn’t see much he likes, but he allows Hunter Luepke to try to get plenty with his 2nd and 3rd efforts. I am pretty sure if he goes down on contact, they will take the FG, but he fights for 9 and that means it is time to go for it. Brilliantly done.
2Q - 5:19 - 4-1-LV 5 - D.Prescott pass short middle to J.Ferguson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
The Cowboys then take the timeout to decide what they want to do on 4th and 1. Again, the advantages of Pickens and Lamb will not always be seen in statistics. It is the idea that the Raiders need to account for both and in the end zone, that means they need multiple guys on both. That should leave opportunities for Jake Ferguson and friends and we see here that this is as easy as it gets. Quick and they really only need one yard but if he sits at the goal-line, you recognize it and put the pass on him before the defense can fix the problem and it is a Touchdown. A very pivotal moment that turns it into 17-6 and the Cowboys never were less than double-digits for the rest of the night.
2Q - 1:20 - 1-15-LV 37 - D.Prescott pass short left to G.Pickens for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cowboys get the ball back after the interception and they can put the game away by halftime here with more points. A false start makes it 1st and 15, but they are already in field goal range. Here we go - play-action again and CeeDee Lamb is being double covered. Kavonte Turpin is headed for the post and draws the safety. This leaves George Pickens in man coverage and we will take that any time vs 36-Kyu Blu Kelly. Now, you just have to get it protected. Here, 73-Tyler Smith is pulling as a protector against Maxx Crosby and he barely gets there to save Prescott. But, he does get there and that is the key. Great job. Also, 33-Jamal Adams is blitzing right at Prescott, but Dak makes a throw to Pickens where George pulls it in and then turns to the sideline. From there, it is a special player making a special play with his cutback against the free safety just absolute artwork. Game over. 24-6.
3Q - 6:22 - 2-2-LV 2 - D.Prescott pass short left to R.Flournoy for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
At 24-9, I wanted to show you that 4th and final touchdown as our final play. This is 2nd and goal and 36-Kyu Blu Kelly is going to try to deal with 19-Ryan Flournoy. I think this shows you that they really like Flournoy as a depth WR and we should assume that he will be the guy next year after Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo both expire as their 3rd WR. 2-way go and they are very confident in this young man from the practice field and it is pretty easy money.
OK, that is it for the offense. Tomorrow, the much-anticipated look at the defense and the big debut of Quinnen Williams.
Timing is everything and as we know, the best pass protector is an on-time offense.
Bob Sturm
Nov 19, 2025
Here we go. Our objectives for today:
- Overall Offensive Evaluation in an impressive showing.
- Dak Prescott continues to roll out high quality.
- George Pickens is built different.
- Checking in on Tyler Guyton and his clear progress.
- Look at plenty of All-22 film and see what we can see, including a big reminder of how play-action is the friend of this offense.
OVERALL OFFENSIVE EVALUATION
Dallas really needed to step up its offense again after back-to-back weeks in Denver and against Arizona where everything seemed clunky and inefficient. In this game against Las Vegas, the Cowboys offense looked much more of itself with a performance that made the Raiders defense look a lot less effective than it normally is. We definitely should be careful with the transitive properties of the NFL, but this team just went to Denver and gave the Broncos a very stiff defensive showing and held Denver to 34 fewer points than Dallas did.
Now, that is probably more of a sign that the Cowboys defense was miserable in that game, but the point is there isn’t too much wrong with how those guys can play defense.
They have a game wrecker up front in Maxx Crosby and given the play of the Cowboys at tackle, we expected that to be a clear and present danger all night long. He did make a very big play early that we will look at below, but for the most part, Dallas was able to figure out how to handle him as they went on a run where they scored TD’s on 4 straight drives which quickly and effectively ended the competitive portion of the proceedings.
It was over at halftime when Dallas took a 24-9 lead to the room and a 31-9 lead midway through the third quarter.
For me, this was mostly about the passing game showing its teeth and the modern way we try to run it. As I continue to look at the 1975 Cowboys as my side project, I am taken with how long QBs in generations past would hold the football in the pocket.
We know that this is largely how evolution works - because of necessity – and as pass rushers become more dominant and result in more QB injuries, the best way to protect is to make the operation faster. The best pass rushers on the planet still need a few seconds to get to a QB. Similarly, the best wide receivers need a few seconds to get downfield. In the past, these time frames allow a pass rusher to get to his target before a wide receiver can get to his. That is when sacks happen and QBs get hurt.
The remedy, like many, was born out of self-preservation. If you can deliver the football faster, then you get hit less. QBs like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady were probably the teachers of this class to a whole new generation of QBs who learned the best pass protector is speed. Get the ball out.
The problem with getting the ball out fast, however, is that your route tree shrinks. You have no time to “beat your man” so teams try to find YAC guys who are a menace in the open field. Those are now the receivers teams seek and if you can just get them the ball and they will do the rest, your offense can function without needing all the time to get settled in the pocket and hold off the monsters trying to sack your QB.
That is a brief synopsis of offensive football in 2025 and how the Cowboys got their offense back on track. In this game, Dallas had to speed up its operation and let its highly touted WRs do the job after the catch and simplify what the QB needed to do with the ball in his hand. Dak Prescott’s stats were extraordinary on Monday, but his throws were not. He simply had to make quicker reads and get the ball out on time and on target. He did that and then George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb did the rest.
Prescott’s passer rating was the highest of the season with a staggering 138.6 but also the Cowboys had a season-high 137 yards after catch on this night. Those two things are absolutely related. It was the seventh time this season Dallas had more than 100 yards after the catch. And so much of that every game is because Pickens and Lamb are phenomenal at that part of the game.
As you can see above, most of our metrics are very positive from Monday Night and almost none are red for negative. I saw no stats above that fell below at least average, so we give green for above average, white is average, and red is below on a game-by-game basis, so they could have done better in the red zone, but only because those final two drives were not punched in. Everything else was just fine. It was a “get right” kind of night for this offense.
And again, that largely goes to Dak Prescott and his weapons.
Dak Prescott continues to roll out high quality.
There are many ways to measure QB Performance and over recent years, the most complete way is the ESPN QBR. Some love it and some are skeptical about how it is fully measured and weighted, but we now have 11 weeks to work with to say who is doing the best job in this league and look who is at the top.
Dakota Prescott, once again, is having a year.
Now, of course, one thing that stat does not measure is how bad your defense is covering up your big year – and it never will. But, from a standpoint of “is your QB doing his part?” the answer is definitely “yes” this season. He has been your best player.
Some weeks it is an absolute aerial show and other weeks it is more “let’s help our OL” and that was this. If teams are going to play zones and try to fill the box to slow the run game, you have to counter it and Dallas had a very good plan. We shall see how well that prepares them for Vic Fangio, but that is this Sunday so it can wait for now. But, the passing chart shows very little white (incompletes) and no red (interceptions):
Next Gen Passing Chart - Dak Prescott, Week 11
Very little to no need for big-time throws. Just keep the trains running on time.
George Pickens is different.
And the best version of that is George Pickens.
Here is a reel Josh made of those moments in this game where George was a real menace – and look at the play-action that keeps showing up.
Pickens is now on the verge of 1,000 yards before Thanksgiving and is having that huge year we knew he would. Only one receiver in the NFL has more receiving yards than Pickens, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
I see a lot of debate on whether the Cowboys can afford him past this season, but I refuse to concede that this won’t get done. They can afford him and I would also appeal to the premise that this has been a great stop for his career and that making a little less to stay with Dak and CeeDee makes sense for all involved. Also, that franchise tag would be perfect for this player, as well.
I made this chart for you because I think it is vital to see that your competitors are more than fine paying their QB and 2 WRs and making it fit. Look, there are 4 teams including the Eagles and Lions who we believe are “doing things the right way.”
If you can pay Goff, St Brown, and Williams and you can pay Hurt, Brown, and Smith – then you can pay Dak, CeeDee, and Pickens.
He is a priority for me and I don’t even think twice about locking in a guy who is 24 years old. You do not want to miss his next four to five years as part of this offensive attack. Locking in Lamb and Pickens nearly assures having a top 5 offense for the rest of Dak’s window.
Pickens has been great all year, but now let’s look at a guy who the Cowboys desperately need to be better.
Checking in on Tyler Guyton
Don’t look now, but Tyler Guyton is taking big strides in the last month. His 2024 rookie season was very poor and the first six weeks of 2025 were only marginally better. But, the two best games of his season were at Denver and at Las Vegas according to PFF grading and this game on Monday was his very best.
I made a huge reel of his night and take a look at the left tackle, No. 60, to see for yourself. It isn’t perfect, but it is really good stuff.
Guys, I see a powerful player who is playing with confidence and on balance. His strength and length are evident and his recovery if he takes a false step is better and better. He is firing off the ball and I believe we are seeing real growth here. This was an excellent performance.
Left tackle is so difficult, but I think we should take some gains here as a sign that young players develop and we should quiet the “bust” talk given what the film is starting to say. I am not suggesting he has arrived, but this tape is such a step in the right direction and like I said, it isn’t one game. It is the last month. I think that Pickens and Guyton were both fantastic on Monday and wanted to recognize them both.
FILM STUDY
10 plays that made a big difference in this win.
1Q - 13:41 - 3-4-DAL 32 - D.Prescott pass incomplete deep right to J.Tolbert (E.Stokes) [T.Wilson]. Penalty on DAL-T.Smith, Offensive Holding, declined.
Here is the first pass of the game and it is 3rd and 4. I think at this point the adrenaline is high and things are happening fast. If Dak could see this a little more slowly, he might try to hit Ferguson to move the chains, but he also doesn’t have a clear lane and protection is breaking down so he doesn’t try a dangerous pass across the body and instead gives Jalen Tolbert a chance. Tyree Wilson is chasing him down and the ball is nearly picked off, so he gets away with it. I liked Tyler Booker picking up Maxx Crosby after he got past Terence Steele, but Tyler Smith was not as clean and man Wilson has that closing speed. Cowboys punt on the first possession.
1Q - 9:11 - 1-10-DAL 16 - D.Prescott sacked at DAL 9 for -7 yards (M.Crosby). FUMBLES (M.Crosby) [M.Crosby], RECOVERED by LV-T.Hemingway at DAL 15.
This is great defense. First down and the Cowboys are showing power run that they will turn into a play-action deep shot where Pickens is to clear the safety and Lamb with sort of the dagger concept underneath it to Pickens side (huge Cover 3 beater) and this should be a big gain. But, two things here are really interesting from the Raiders. First, we have a LB blitz from 52-Elandon Roberts and a stunt from Maxx Crosby all the way around it that allows him to get lost in the chaos. Then, the FS 20-Isaiah Pola-Mao is sitting on Lamb and will actually dive-bomb the deep crosser and Dak sees it and decides not to risk the ball. He has incredible vision to resist a bad throw there. Anyway, he pulls it back down and then Crosby is right there and closing fast. So, Dak is dead and tries to escape, but that isn’t happening. Crosby not only gets him, but also gets the ball out. Huge moment that could swing the game to Vegas, but this is also when Dallas decided to get a lot more careful in holding the ball back there.
1Q - 1:55 - 1-10-DAL 32 - D.Prescott pass short middle to G.Pickens to LV 49 for 19 yards
Fourth possession and finally, they start really clicking and it is all Pickens stuff. 12 personnel play-action and it is that same 2-man route concept, but if they see zone, they will just sit down and let Dak hit whichever he likes. Dak gets to the top, takes one hitch, and the ball is out where Pickens can grab an easy 19.
1Q - 1:30 - 1-10-LV 49 - D.Prescott pass short right to G.Pickens to LV 34 for 15 yards
Next play and it is time to span 1st down play-action shots with Lamb as the decoy and Pickens underneath by himself. Dak helps his pass protection with an unplanned roll to the right and finds Pickens again. Huge target, easy first down, and we are cooking.
2Q - 14:55 - 2-10-LV 18 - D.Prescott pass deep right to C.Lamb for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Here is that first touchdown. This is all the window dressing. First Ferguson motions in and then the fake pitch to Malik Davis. Both cause the zone defenders to take a false step. When they do, Lamb puts up the mailbox because the single-high safety has no chance because he is on the far hash with Pickens. Lamb puts up the arm and it is a practice rep touchdown throw. This is all play design and very good stuff from all involved. Red zone offense made easy with window dressing.
2Q - 7:56 - 1-10-LV 37 - D.Prescott pass deep left to C.Lamb pushed ob at LV 14 for 23 yards
Let’s see if you are picking up on the trend. 1st down, play-action, Cover 3 beater. This time it is Lamb in the slot and we know against Cover 3 that will be a LB’s job on any sort of over route or crosser, so Dak is right on that idea as his primary and while it isn’t an easy throw, it is a throw he wants and hits with ease. 23 yards here in a nice chunk because of this offense taking advantage of the numbers and the likely coverages from early down play-action. Offense is so easy when you are in control of the game (and not down 10 points in the 2nd Quarter again because your defense stinks so badly). Dak’s play-action this season has a passer rating of 141.7 (which is absurd) and only Lamar Jackson is better in the entire NFL.
2Q - 5:52 - 3-10-LV 14 - D.Prescott pass short left to H.Luepke to LV 5 for 9 yards (I.Pola-Mao).
This is a 10-6 game and this is 3rd and 10. As you can see, this is a key sequence that might be overlooked because of the final score. But, FG vs TD is key right here and Dak doesn’t see much he likes, but he allows Hunter Luepke to try to get plenty with his 2nd and 3rd efforts. I am pretty sure if he goes down on contact, they will take the FG, but he fights for 9 and that means it is time to go for it. Brilliantly done.
2Q - 5:19 - 4-1-LV 5 - D.Prescott pass short middle to J.Ferguson for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
The Cowboys then take the timeout to decide what they want to do on 4th and 1. Again, the advantages of Pickens and Lamb will not always be seen in statistics. It is the idea that the Raiders need to account for both and in the end zone, that means they need multiple guys on both. That should leave opportunities for Jake Ferguson and friends and we see here that this is as easy as it gets. Quick and they really only need one yard but if he sits at the goal-line, you recognize it and put the pass on him before the defense can fix the problem and it is a Touchdown. A very pivotal moment that turns it into 17-6 and the Cowboys never were less than double-digits for the rest of the night.
2Q - 1:20 - 1-15-LV 37 - D.Prescott pass short left to G.Pickens for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cowboys get the ball back after the interception and they can put the game away by halftime here with more points. A false start makes it 1st and 15, but they are already in field goal range. Here we go - play-action again and CeeDee Lamb is being double covered. Kavonte Turpin is headed for the post and draws the safety. This leaves George Pickens in man coverage and we will take that any time vs 36-Kyu Blu Kelly. Now, you just have to get it protected. Here, 73-Tyler Smith is pulling as a protector against Maxx Crosby and he barely gets there to save Prescott. But, he does get there and that is the key. Great job. Also, 33-Jamal Adams is blitzing right at Prescott, but Dak makes a throw to Pickens where George pulls it in and then turns to the sideline. From there, it is a special player making a special play with his cutback against the free safety just absolute artwork. Game over. 24-6.
3Q - 6:22 - 2-2-LV 2 - D.Prescott pass short left to R.Flournoy for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
At 24-9, I wanted to show you that 4th and final touchdown as our final play. This is 2nd and goal and 36-Kyu Blu Kelly is going to try to deal with 19-Ryan Flournoy. I think this shows you that they really like Flournoy as a depth WR and we should assume that he will be the guy next year after Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo both expire as their 3rd WR. 2-way go and they are very confident in this young man from the practice field and it is pretty easy money.
OK, that is it for the offense. Tomorrow, the much-anticipated look at the defense and the big debut of Quinnen Williams.
