AP Photo

OK, let's get the excuses out of the way first.

The Dallas Cowboys went into Monday's 3-0 preseason opening victory against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum (don't ask) without 14 injured players -- including eight starters -- who were left behind at training camp in Oxnard, Calif.

And considering the issues the Cowboys have had all camp with the offensive line, they didn't expect a flawless performance.

Let's not kid ourselves, the biggest objective was to get out of the game without any other injuries to front-line players, especially quarterback Tony Romo. He was playing behind mystery meat up front; most notable was converted guard David Arkin at center in place of the injured Phil Costa.

So the expectations were low.

But no one expected the lowest-scoring game in franchise history.