The Dallas Cowboys honored Marshawn Kneeland in the best way possibly, beating the Las Vegas Raiders 33-16 at Allegiant Stadium to move to 4-5-1.

In what was an emotional game, the Cowboys started out wobbly, but quickly found their groove, and easily accounted for a poor Raiders team.

This is the sort of performance Cowboys Nation would have been hoping for as the defense showed signs of life, while the offense returned to its high-octane best on the national stage behind Dak Prescott's four touchdowns.

Prior to the game, I highlighted five things Dallas had to do if it was to get its fourth win of the season.

Let's see how the Cowboys did.

 `1 - Control early emotions - Grade A

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were sidelined for the opening series, as offense went three and out, and Dak fumble on next possession.

The defense started well, getting pressure and sacks on Geno Smith, as after a wobbly start, the Cowboys clicked into gear, scoring on their next five possessions (one field goal, four touchdowns).

In what was a huge came emotionally, Dallas was shaky early, but channeled that into some really positive in what was a dominating win.

2 - Dak and offense be efficient - Grade A

After a three and out to start, and then Dak's fumble, Dallas found its groove, with George Pickens, Javonte Williams and CeeDee Lamb all having their way with the Raiders defense.

Prescott would finish his night going 25 of 33 for 268 yards and four touchdowns with a 138.6 rating, George Pickens was phenomenal, with 144 yards and a touchdown from his nine receptions, along with CeeDee Lamb (61 yards, one touchdown from his five receptions).

Javonte Williams also had his moments, rushing for 93 yards on 22 carries to keep the Cowboys ahead of the chains.

Four straight touchdown drives between the second and third quarters was just what the doctor ordered.

This is what we were used to seeing early in the season.

3 - Defensive improvement all around - A+

No other way to put it, the defense looked far better in every aspect.

Constant pressure, sacks, sticky coverage and Quinnen Williams dominating in the first half set the tone for what was a brutal performance from Matt Eberflus' unit.

The defense didn't allow a touchdown until the fourth quarter, with Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark, Jadeveon Clowney and Co. making life hell for Geno. Donovan Ezeiruaku got himself a safety in the fourth quarter with the defense grabbing four sacks on the night.

Yes, it was the Raiders, but the Cowboys defense looked much improved. What that means going forward is unknown, but there's signs of life.

4 - Play clean - Grade C

Dak's sack and strip by Crosby on second drive wasn't a great start, but just one sack allowed, and six penalties (low for Dallas) meant the offense was on track for the majority of the game, and the defense locked in and kept the Raiders one dimensional as Ashton Jeanty has seven rushing yards from six carries.

Wasn't the cleanest game, but it was a big improvement from what we've seen this year.

5 - Lean on Williams and run game - Grade A

Williams got off to a strong start, with 38 yards from seven carries in the first quarter and he continued that for the rest of the game.

Javonte was at his physical best, rushing for 93 yards on 22 carries going at 4.2 yards per clip. He also had several superb pass protection moments, keeping Prescott clean. Oh, and Malik Davis rushed for 20 yards on four carries in an efficient cameo as well.

When Javonte is running like this, the Cowboys' offense hums along nicely.