Cowboys vs. Raiders: Live updates, score, highlights and analysis for ‘MNF’

LAS VEGAS — The Dallas Cowboys vowed to “honor” late edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland with their play on the field after his shocking death on Nov. 6, and they did just that in the first half of “Monday Night Football” in Week 11, taking a 24-9 lead into the halftime locker room. 

After Dallas wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens missed the opening series of the game for disciplinary reasons, their respective stars burned bright. Pickens became a regular weapon for Prescott in the game’s first 30 minutes, hauling in a game-high six catches for a game-high 101 yards and a touchdown in the first half. 

Lamb’s first catch of the night came on a fake toss play in the red zone in which he broke wide open for a touchdown in the middle of the end zone from 8 yards out. That score gave the Cowboys a 10-6 lead, their first of the night, early in the second quarter. Lamb finished the half with 55 yards receiving and that touchdown on three catches. 

Dallas stretched its advantage to two scores in part because of the threat of Lamb and Pickens. On fourth-and-1 from the Raiders’ 5-yard line, Las Vegas defenders chased them both toward the sideline. That left the middle of the end zone vacated for tight end Jake Ferguson. All he had to do was turn around, and Prescott put the football right between the numbers for the score to put the Cowboys up 17-6 with 5:16 left in the first half. 

Pickens put the Cowboys way out in front after putting the entire Raiders defense on skates on a post route at the end of the half. After catching the pass from Prescott, Pickens broke back toward the left sideline to break his defender’s ankles. He then breezed into the end zone for a 37-yard touchdown.

Prescott finished the half with 185 yards passing and three touchdown passes while completing 13 of his 19 throws. He now has 41 career games with three or more passing touchdowns, which set the franchise record, breaking a tie with his predecessor Tony Romo (40 games).

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had another rough go in the opening half, throwing his 13th interception of the season, in addition to 167 yards passing on 16 of his 28 throws. Smith is now tied with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the NFL lead in interceptions. Las Vegas’ offensive line also didn’t do Smith any favors as he was sacked three times in the first 30 minutes, including one by newest Cowboy Quinnen Williams, Dallas’ trade deadline prize. 

Will the Cowboys continue to do whatever they want to the host Raiders? Or will Las Vegas claw its way back into the game in the second half? Stay tuned for the live blog below to find out.