NFL Analysis: Preseason Week 3 Raiders vs Cowboys

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On a riveting NFL Saturday night, the Dallas Cowboys clinched a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, ending the game at 31-16. This victory adjusted the Cowboys’ preseason tally to 1-2, in contrast to the Raiders who completed their preseason run at 2-1.

From the Cowboys’ Corner

For the Cowboys, it was Will Grier’s outstanding performance that took center stage. He was the mastermind behind four touchdowns, astonishingly on the heels of the Cowboys’ acquisition of Trey Lance from San Francisco, potentially suggesting Grier’s diminished role in future games.

Supported by the insights from Prescott, Grier showcased his prowess by executing 29 successful passes out of 35 attempts, along with two TDs. He didn’t stop there; he also covered 54 yards on foot, resulting in two more touchdowns. This performance became even more poignant considering Grier had spent two seasons without getting a chance in the regular season, always in the shadows of Cooper Rush.

Jerry Jones, the owner, revealed the emotional backdrop of the game for Grier, who was cognizant of the implications the Lance trade could have on his professional journey. Lance’s arrival will also be taken into consideration by NFL Lines.

The Raiders had their moments too. Damien Williams thundered through the field to score a 24-yard touchdown. This came just a few hours after the celebrated NFL rusher, Josh Jacobs, resolved his contract deadlock with a one-year agreement. However, the night didn’t end well for the Raiders, whose six-game undefeated streak in the preseason came to a halt, a record they shared with Pittsburgh.

Grier’s expertise was further highlighted when he made a 15-yard touchdown pass to the rookie, Hunter Luepke, bolstering the Cowboys’ lead to 21-10 towards the end of the initial half. This feat was celebrated wholeheartedly by Prescott alongside offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and coach Mike McCarthy. Post-game, Prescott’s demeanor was more introspective, empathizing with Grier amidst the buzz around Lance’s induction.

Grier’s journey in the NFL has been intriguing. Despite only having two regular-season games under his belt from his rookie year with Carolina in 2019, he commanded the entire game for the Cowboys against the Raiders.

With the main players from both teams given a breather, it provided an opportunity for others to shine and stake their claims. Players like Williams and Dallas’s Malik Davis exhibited their skills, understanding the importance of the game in the larger scope of team selection. The Cowboys’ decision to rest Rico Dowdle and rookie Deuce Vaughn hinted at their strategy for the upcoming season.

Raiders Bench White and Abdullah, Williams Shines; O’Connell and Wilkerson Impress

The Raiders, meanwhile, also provided some insights into their lineup by sidelining Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah. Yet, amidst all the rest, Williams managed to imprint a memorable performance.

Las Vegas’ third-choice QB, Aidan O’Connell, also had a night to remember, successfully completing 17 out of 26 passes. Kristian Wilkerson was another standout with 10 catches covering 122 yards. On the other hand, Luepke, formerly a teammate of Lance at North Dakota State, managed to accumulate 118 scrimmage yards, splitting it almost evenly between rushing and receiving.

The Cowboys have shown their faith in the rookie, Brandon Aubrey, as they head into the season. Although he had a mixed outing, his resilience was evident. Recollecting the previous season’s kicking debacle with Brett Maher, the Cowboys would be hoping for more consistency. The Raiders seemed more settled in this department with Daniel Carlson, boasting a commendable 88% accuracy rate.

A notable turnaround was observed in the performance of the Cowboys defensive tackle, Mazi Smith. After a challenging game against the Seahawks, Smith showcased a remarkable improvement against the Raiders. This resurgence in form augurs well for the Cowboys as they head into the regular season.

Hunter Luepke, the Cowboys rookie, reaffirmed his versatile reputation from college. Having played multiple roles during his tenure at North Dakota State, Luepke continued to impress with a balanced performance both in catching and rushing against the Raiders.

As the preseason wraps up, these matches provide a glimpse into the strategies, potentials, and how NFL Odds will shape up in the first weeks of the season. Both the Cowboys and the Raiders have given their fans much to anticipate as the regular season looms.