While we should focus on the Las Vegas Raiders‘ QB1 battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, let’s first acknowledge that Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled a 66-yard field goal, with room to spare, to end the first half.
Back to our regularly scheduled programming. A turnover-worthy play — what should have been a pick-six — will tank Minshew’s PFF overall grade after an all-around underwhelming performance. O’Connell appears closer to locking down the starting gig, but he also made two turnover-worthy plays — one being a real pick-six.
Dallas took the preseason Week 2 game, 27-12.
PFF’s dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST.
In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert graders have also nominated the standout player of the game, highlighting exceptional performance on the field.
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Cowboys rookie edge defender Marshawn Kneeland needed only 11 pass-rush snaps to wreak havoc on the Raiders. He tallied four quarterback pressures and two other reps where he beat his blocker but didn’t generate pressure.
Cowboys | Raiders | |
Total points | 27 | 12 |
Total offensive plays | 57 | 71 |
Average EPA per play | 0.134 | -0.249 |
Total net yards | 280 | 309 |
Avg yards per play | 4.9 | 4.3 |
Total first downs | 18 | 18 |
Rushing first downs | 8 | 2 |
Passing first downs | 10 | 15 |
Penalty first downs | 0 | 1 |
Third-down efficiency | 22% | 41% |
Fourth-down efficiency | 14% | 10% |
Possessions | 9 | 11 |
Avg plays per drive | 7.2 | 6.8 |
Avg yards per drive | 28 | 25.8 |
Avg points per drive | 1.3 | 1 |
Red-zone possessions | 2 | 4 |
Red-zone plays | 10 | 12 |
Red-zone TDs | 1 | 1 |
Red-zone FGs | 0 | 2 |
Red-zone scoring efficiency | 50% | 75% |
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