The Dallas Cowboys played a fantastic game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and there are plenty of positives to take forward into Week 12. Still, the Philadelphia Eagles are a different kind of test than the Raiders were. Dak Prescott is 21-2 at home against NFC East teams. The last time a healthy Prescott lost at home to an NFC East opponent was in 2017, to the Eagles.
Philadelphia is the defending Super Bowl champs. They are 8-2 and have beaten the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs. Playing great against Las Vegas isn’t the same as taking that great play forward against one of the best teams in the NFL. Here are some important things the Cowboys must continue as the Eagles come to AT&T Stadium.
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Play Carlen Carson and Shavon Revel Jr.
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson (21) wears a “94” decal on his helmet to honor teammate Marshawn Kneeland who tragically passed on November 6th, during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Caelen Carson played all 60 defensive snaps and allowed only four receptions for 55 yards and no touchdowns. He was targeted nine times when playing in man coverage and allowed only one reception for 18 yards. In the zone, he was targeted five times and allowed three receptions for 37 yards. Those are terrific numbers considering how opponents were passing against Kaiir Elam, Trikweze Bridges, and Reddy Steward.
Shavon Revel Jr. played 17 snaps in the first game of his rookie campaign, coming off an injury. He was targeted three times and forced two incompletions, allowing only one catch for five yards and a passer rating under 40. Even when Trevon Diggs inevitably returns, Dallas must continue to find snaps for Revel Jr. and Carson around their two former All-Pro corners.
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James Houston needs to continue his high usage
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: James Houston #53 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
James Houston doesn’t have to start for the Cowboys, with Jadeveon Clowney now in football shape and ascending rookie, Donovan Ezeruaku, playing wel. He does, however, need to be the next man up. For the season, Houston is averaging 27% of the defensive snaps, 18 a game, but against the Raiders, he played the second-most snaps of all defensive ends with 28. He was in on 47% of the defensive snaps.
Houston leads the team in sacks (4.5) and is second in tackles for a loss (5). The attention and double-team blocks Quinnen Williams will receive should only improve Houston’s ability because he will be blocked one-on-one more often.
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Continue the positive analytics on defense
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Dallas has been one of the NFL’s worst defenses in nearly every major category this season; bottom five in the league on third down, poor in the red zone, way too many penalties, and below average in run defense. It was only one game, but against Las Vegas, they were much better.
They allowed just 25% on third-down conversions. They allowed only one touchdown in three red-zone attempts, and the team committed only six penalties. The additions of Logan Wilson, DeMarvion Overshown, and Williams helped the run defense tremendously. The Cowboys held the Raiders to 27 rushing yards on 12 attempts, just 2.3 yards per rush. With better competition in the next few weeks, can the defense continue its positive play in the future? That’s the question the team needs answered.
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You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 trends Cowboys must continue to find success in season’s 2nd half
