The Dallas Cowboys' starters saw their first action of the 2013 season, playing two series' apiece, in a 19-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders at the O.co Coliseum.
For the second straight game, the defense forced a turnover on the opponents' first drive of the game. Linebacker Shaun Lee sacked Raiders QB Matt Flynn, forcing a fumble on the hit that was recovered by Jason Hatcher. The offense couldn't take full advantage of the turnover, as a holding penalty, an incomplete pass and a sack of QB Tony Romo forced the Cowboys to settle for a Dan Bailey field goal to give the Cowboys a 3-0 lead.
Sebastian Janikowski countered with a 51-yard FG at the 4:02 mark of the 1st period, after the Cowboys muffed a punt return. The Cowboys rebounded with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Cole Beasley for a 10-3 Cowboys lead 0:43 into the 2nd period. Beasley would later leave the game with a foot injury, but X-rays came back negative.
Janikowski struck again just before halftime, with a 40-yard FG as the first half expired, cutting the Cowboys lead to 10-6.
Eddy Carmona then took over the kicking chores from Janikowski, nailing a 42-yard FG at the 12:23 mark of the third period to cut the Cowboys lead to 10-9. Brice Butler's 30-yard TD pass from QB Matt McGloin gave the Raiders the lead, 16-10 with 8:54 remaining in the third period.
The Cowboys answered with a Joseph Randle 1-yard TD run with 11:07 left to go in the game. Dan Bailey's PAT gave the Cowboys a 17-16 lead, but Carmona converted on a 23-yard FG with 8:11 remaining to seal the Cowboys fate, 19-17
Dallas has Saturday off, returning to Oxnard, California for another week of practice starting on Sunday. Their next preseason game is Saturday, August 17th at The University of Phoenix Stadium against the Arizona Cardinals.
