Bears Survive Wild Finish as Bengals’ Defensive Woes Continue
November 18, 2025
Monday Night football featured a matchup of two classic programs and uniforms. Unfortunately for both, they’ve had their struggles getting to the postseason and reviving some of that old magic that they used to be known for. The Raiders have been stuck in preseason mode and still haven’t been able to get going while the Cowboys have been a bit of a disappointment themselves. Jerry Jones was active at the trade deadline in order to try and save the Dallas season. Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams were the two big trade acquisitions that got to finally make their debut for a revamped Dallas defense.
It would be an emotional game. For one, it was the Cowboys first time taking the field since Marshawn Kneeland tragically took his life. The loss shook their locker room, many spoke out on it, and all NFL stadiums held a moment of silence pregame. With the #94 Kneeland jersey hanging on their sideline, the defense took the field and got after it. The new look defense generated 29 total pressures, 13 quarterback hurries, 7 hits and 4 sacks. The Raiders offense was never able to get into rhythm as Geno was always looking for a way out of the pocket or throwing an inaccurate pass too early. It has been a tough season for Geno Smith and first year coach Pete Carroll to say the least. Geno has been battling back and forth with Tua this season for the league leader interceptions. He only threw one interception this week so they’re deadlocked at 13 a piece. Not the type of stat you want to be known for as a quarterback.
The night belonged to Dallas. Though, the Raiders defense came after them early through a turnover forced by Maxx Crosby. Once Dak settled in, it was over. Prescott was only hit twice for one sack allowed. He was protected, had time, and shredded Las Vegas to get his team back on track. George Pickens might have matched his career highlight tape in one night here against this secondary going for nearly 150 yards and a touchdown. Pickens and Lamb have proven to be a lethal combination this year and Pickens seems to only have improved since Lamb came back from IR. Defenses don’t know who to give the attention to anymore. If you focus too much on the receivers, Javonte Williams will beat you through the run game. The record doesn’t necessarily show it, but we haven’t seen a more complete Dallas team like this in a long time. If the defense is truly turning a corner, who knows because it was still Las Vegas, then Jerry might’ve pulled enough strings to turn this season around.
Dallas has a brutal road ahead as they’ll host the Eagles, a Chiefs team fighting for their own lives on Thanksgiving and then travel to Detroit the first week of December. Given that they dropped their first meeting with Philly, they’ll need to take that one and at least one more from the other two tough matchups in order to come out with a fighting chance at deep January football.
If you’re a Raiders fan, I am so sorry. I like the Raiders, I grew up cheering and still do root for you guys. But this is tough. It’s tough to see Crosby playing his heart out for a defense that still ends up surrendering 33 points. It would have been more had Dallas not elected to kneel at the end. It’s tough watching Geno and Jeanty have no time to do their thing, to figure things out and put a drive together. There’s undeniable talent here with Bowers and the aforementioned Jeanty. Tre Tucker is a special talent, but he’s not a one, maybe not even a two. I’d bet he could produce like a two if the right support was around him. Much will need to be addressed this offseason regarding the offensive line. For Geno Smith to face 29 pressures on his 42 attempts is insane. Ashton Jeanty has no shot – Six yards on seven attempts is so unbelievably pitiful. You’ve got a sports car in the driveway of a beat up trailer park right now. Defensively, there were a few times late where it just look like they quit. There’s a lot that needs to be worked out here, one off season may not be enough time.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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