The Dallas Cowboys improved to 4-5-1 with a dominant win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football in Week 11. The Cowboys’ much-maligned defense received reinforcements for the Monday night matchup and the unit produced its best game of the season, sacking Geno Smith four times and holding the Raiders to 236 total yards.
Dallas faces a far tougher task in Week 12 when the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles come to town. But the Cowboys are healthy for the matchup. Jadeveon Clowney is the only Dallas player on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s game.
The veteran defensive end earned a questionable tag while dealing with neck and shoulder issues. However, Clowney is expected to play against the Eagles, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Cowboys face major test against division foe in Week 12
After trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers prior to the season opener, the Cowboys looked to fill the void left by the All-Pro pass rusher. There is no one-for-one replacement for a player of Parsons caliber. So Dallas decided to take a piecemeal approach.
The Cowboys signed Clowney after their Week 2 win over the New York Giants. Dallas is the seventh franchise Clowney has played for in his 12-year career. The 32-year-old DE had a strong season as recently as 2023 when he played in all 17 games for the Baltimore Ravens, racking up 9.5 sacks.
Dallas hoped the three-time Pro Bowler would add depth to its depleted defensive line. Clowney made his debut in Week 4. He’s played in every game since, compiling 19 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble as a rotational pass rusher.
Of course, Dallas didn’t stop at Clowney. Jerry Jones swung a huge trade deadline deal, landing Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets. Suddenly, the Cowboys’ defensive line is looking stronger with the big run-stuffing tackle in the interior. With the addition of Logan Wilson and DeMarvion Overshown's return from injury, Dallas’ defense is much better than the stats suggest.
The offense stole the show in Week 11 as Dak Prescott made franchise history with a four-touchdown gem. But everybody expected the Cowboys offense to play well. If the defense can hold its own, Dallas could be a team to watch.
Of course, the Cowboys’ new-look defense got a soft landing in Las Vegas. Sunday’s matchup against the Eagles should be more revealing.
