The Dallas Cowboys won their first game following their bye, beating the Las Vegas Raiders in dominating fashion on “Monday Night Football.”
How did national pundits react to the Cowboys’ latest win on their NFL power rankings lists?
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
Dak Prescott was on fire in the victory over the Raiders to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The defense also looked much better with Quinnen Williams playing for the first time. Now here come the Eagles this week.
Ranking: No. 20 (Prev. No. 25)
Eric Edholm, NFL.com
The Cowboys needed Monday’s convincing win over the Raiders after two straight losses, but it naturally came with drama, in the form of first-series benchings of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens . That at least made the game interesting. Dak Prescott threw for four TDs, including one each to the aforementioned doghouse receivers. Dallas’ defense showed some spunk, even factoring in the matchup against an offense that ranked 30th in the NFL coming into the game. Quinnen Williams wasted no time making his impact felt, providing 1.5 sacks and several pressures, and it seemed to rub off on the entire defensive front.
Ranking: No. 20 (Prev. No. 23)
Todd Archer, ESPN
At the trade deadline, they acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson. They also welcomed back linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and third-round cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in Week 11. Starting safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson returned, too. If the Cowboys can improve over the final seven games, then [defensive coordinator Matt] Eberflus’ job security improves. If not, then the Cowboys could be looking for their fourth defensive coordinator in four years.
Ranking: No. 21 (Prev. No. 21)
Josh Kendall and Chad Graff, The Athletic
The Cowboys’ top two receivers did not play on the first series because of a coach’s decision. Dak Prescott then went out and threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Pickens had nine catches for 144 yards, and Lamb added five catches for 66 yards. Four different Dallas players caught touchdown passes.
Ranking: No. 20 (Prev. No. 21)
Staff, Bleacher Report
Whether Monday night’s domination of the Raiders was a post-bye week metamorphosis by a team that tried to remake its defense at the trade deadline, the raw emotion of recent events or just the Raiders being terrible is unknown right now. What is known is that Dallas looked as good in Week 11 as it has all season. The bigger question is what happens next.
Ranking: No. 21 (Prev. No. 22)
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated
One advantage to the Brian Schottenheimer hire is that the dude is obviously beloved by that locker room. What other NFL coach could punish — for at least one drive — two players at the game’s most mercurial position ... and then do this?
Ranking: No. 19 (Prev. No. 23)
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
The next three games — Eagles, Chiefs, at Lions — will show us everything we need to know about this team.
Ranking: No. 20 (Prev. No. 23)
Diante Lee, The Ringer
I’m trying my best not to draw sweeping conclusions from a prime-time win against a bad opponent, but there’s something making me believe the Cowboys can make a leap with the core of this roster. The offensive line is among the league’s best, the trade for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is paying instant dividends, and the receiver tandem of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is as good as you’ll see in the league.
Ranking: No. 18 (Prev. No. 20)
Nate Davis, USA Today
It was doubtless a blessing that their emotional return to work occurred against the Raiders ... because the next two weeks serve up last season’s Super Bowl teams.
Ranking: No. 22 (Prev. No. 23)
Ralph Vacchiano, Fox Sports
On an emotional night, after the death of their teammate, they played their best game of the season. It may be too late, but this is the team Jerry Jones always thought they’d be.
Ranking: No. 19 (Prev. No. 21)