Cowboys, Raiders Hope to Salvage Disappointing Seasons
By Josh Dubow •
A season that began with such high expectations in Dallas and Oakland is headed to the finish with the Cowboys and Raiders struggling to stay alive in the playoff race.
Whether it's Ezekiel Elliott's suspension that helped derail Dallas (7-6) or the poor defense and offensive regression that doomed Oakland (6-7), these expected contenders have looked nothing like it heading into Sunday night's meeting.
"I think the two of us probably expected to have a few more wins at this point in the year," Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said.
"I just think that's just part of the hype around the game. It's understood. Been talked about a lot. It doesn't really matter. It's what you earn on the field."
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Chateau Montclair, the former home of former Dallas Cowboys player Deion Sanders
After the Cowboys won 13 games and the NFC East last year and the Raiders had 12 wins for their first playoff berth since 2002, many experts believed both would be among the top contenders this season.
But Dallas got off to a sluggish start by losing three of four games early and then dropped the first three games during Elliott's suspension that ends after this week. But that might be too late for the Cowboys, who are in a three-way tie for eighth place in the NFC and need help to reach the playoffs .
"I know how important it is for us to win and that's the only thing we can control," quarterback Dak Prescott said. "The rest is kind of crossing fingers and I guess hoping, so for us it's just about winning out, and that's all we're focused on."
The Raiders dropped four straight to fall into an early hole but managed to get back into a tie for first place in the mediocre AFC West heading into last week. But Oakland lost 26-15 to the Chiefs and is one game behind Kansas City and the Chargers in the division and a game back in the wild-card race and also needs lots of help.
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the start of the football game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: Thomas Rhett performs at halftime during the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: American country singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett performs with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during a halftime show as the Dallas Cowboyst take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: American country singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett performs with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during a halftime show as the Dallas Cowboyst take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: American country singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett performs with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during a halftime show as the Dallas Cowboyst take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: American country singer-songwriter Thomas Rhett performs with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during a halftime show as the Dallas Cowboyst take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during the football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 5: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Cowboys play the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 28-17. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 5: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Cowboys play the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 5: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Cowboys play the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 5: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Cowboys play the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 5: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 28-17. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during the game againt the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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CANTON, OH - AUGUST 03: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader entertains prior to the NFL Hall of Fame preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 3, 2017 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during a game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during a game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Oakland Raiders in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Oakland Raiders in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Oakland Raiders in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the Oakland Raiders in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the Oakland Raiders in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 26: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the Dallas Cowboys take on the Oakland Raiders in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Indianapolis Colts in a Preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs in the first half of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during the came against the at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during halftime at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform during halftime at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
"If we don't beat Dallas, there's no playoff scenario," left tackle Donald Penn said. "All I can focus on is our next game because this has been a frustrating season."
Here are some other things to watch:
GOING DEEP: Oakland's Derek Carr ranks 32nd out of 35 qualifying quarterbacks this season when it comes to throwing deep. Carr has completed just 13 of 50 passes that traveled more than 20 yards downfield with three TDs, six INTs and a 48.5 rating. That's a big drop-off from a year ago when Carr had a 117.8 rating, completing 25 of 52 deep throws with seven TDs and two INTs.
"I think I completed more deep balls last year, throwing it times I shouldn't have thrown it," Carr said. "Throwing it up, and we all high-five and clap about those things. Again, when you lose, people just have a different way of spinning things."
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys players Charles Tapper, left, and Kavon Frazier, right, visit with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Several members of the Dallas Cowboys football team and cheerleaders stopped by Children's Medical Center in Dallas Monday to visit with hospitalized children.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders pose for a photo after visiting with hospitalized children at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten visits with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee visits with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys players Charles Tapper, left, and Kavon Frazier, right, visit with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders visit with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee visits with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders visit with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys players Maliek Collins, left, and Joe Vellano, right, visit with a child at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Children's Health
Dallas Cowboys players pose for a photo after visiting with hospitalized children at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. L-R: Kavon Frazier, Maliek Collins, Charles Tapper, Joe Vellano and Byron Bell.
Children's Health
Kavon Frazier at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
ESSENTIAL LEE: Dallas linebacker Sean Lee returned from a three-game absence because of a hamstring injury with his fifth career 20-tackle game against the Giants. The 2016 All-Pro finished with 20, including 15 solos, and recorded his first interception since 2015, his longest drought when healthy. Despite missing five games overall with hamstring issues, Lee is tied for the team lead with eight tackles for loss after getting one against New York. The Cowboys are 1-5 in games Lee missed or didn't finish because of injury.
PRESSURE POINT: The Raiders have done a much better job generating pressure the past three weeks since firing defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. Oakland has 12 sacks in three games under new play-caller John Pagano, nearly equaling the total of 14 in the first 10 games. Bruce Irvin leads the way with five in that span, with Khalil Mack and Denico Autry adding three each.
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook cover
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Apple Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
BBQ Pork Ribs
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Campfire Dessert Skillet
Legends
Cowboys Cheesesteak
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Cowboys Hamburger
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Creme Brulee Panna Cotta
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Gridiron Grilled Cheese
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Lobster Roll
Alianza de Fútbol
Pro Bowl
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Ricotta Beignets
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Roasted Turkey
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Salmon and Exotic Kale Caesar
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sliced Brisket Sandwich
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sous Vide Steak Salad
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Street Tacos
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sweet Heat Sticky Wings
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sweet Potato Casserole
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Texas Angus Carpaccio Flatbread
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Texas Chicken and Waffles
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
White Hot Chocolate
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
DEZ DROUGHT: Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has never played all 16 games without recording 100 yards receiving at least once. He's three games away from doing that. The 2014 All-Pro does have six touchdowns, including a 50-yard catch-and-run against the Giants. In his second year in 2011, Bryant didn't have a 100-yard outing but missed a game early with an injury. He had nine TDs that season.
STEPPING UP: The Raiders have gotten few contributions from this year's draft class with top two picks Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu spending most of the season on the sideline with injuries. The biggest contributor among the rookies has been an unlikely one in undrafted linebacker Nicholas Morrow, out of Division III Greenville College. Morrow has worked his way into the starting lineup and has been a key contributor on defense in a pleasant surprise for Oakland.
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after scoring a 50 yard touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dez Bryant #88 and Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after scoring a 50 yard touchdown pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a 50 yard pass to score a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a 50 yard pass to score a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants reacts against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass against the New York Giants in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass against the New York Giants in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a 20 yard pass to score a touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with his teammates after scoring a 20 yard touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a 50 yard touchdown pass against the New York Giants during the second quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys scores an 81 yard touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Keith Smith #41 after scoring an 81 yard touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touchdown with Dez Bryant #88 in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his touchdown with teammate Dak Prescott #4 in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants on December 10, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to throw a pass against the New York Giants during the third quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Dallas Cowboys celebates against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the New York Giants during the second half in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants walks off the field after the 30-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on December 10, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants on December 10, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with head coach Jason Garrett after scoring an 81 yard touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys scores an 81 yard touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Jeff Heath #38 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after an interception against Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Head coach Jason Garrett and Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys react against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 and Cole Beasley #11 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate the second touchdown of teammate Rod Smith #45 against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 10: Jeff Heath #38 of the Dallas Cowboys returns a fourth quater interception against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 10: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown agains Brandon Dixon #25 of the New York Giants in the fourth Quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws the ball against Travis Frederick #72 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second half during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 pitches the ball to Rod Smith #45 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second half during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 10: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches the ball against Brandon Dixon #25 of the New York Giants for what would be a 50 yard touchdown in the third quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 10: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a 20 yard pass to score a touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter during the game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
"I was late for OTAs and there were some days I only got two reps," he said. "I started off training camp in group four. My expectations have been way more than exceeded. I'm definitely blessed."
