The Dallas Cowboys are 11-5 after they beat the Detroit Lions 20-19. But who were some difference-makers during this game against a tough Lions team?
Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Highlights
A Bend-but-Never-Break Defense
The Cowboys defense made up for their lack of last-minute effort, which was their downfall against the Dolphins in Week 16.
Not only did the defense find its stride and inch closer to its aggressive identity, but they were constantly putting pressure on Jared Goff.
They had four pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack throughout the game. This was necessary to win this matchup and rebuild confidence after a two-week dry spell of not generating turnovers.
Although the safety group has struggled to play at a high level this season because of injuries, Donovan Wilson and Jourdan Lewis are peaking at the perfect time.
WILSON! A pick for the @dallascowboys with just over 2 min to go
📺: #DETvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/urKeZaIvCL pic.twitter.com/sNsGL4eEx0— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
This game also showcased a vintage version of DeMarcus Lawrence that shows how impactful the veteran edge rusher still is. He had key stops and critical plays consistently throughout the contest.
Despite letting up in the last drive and allowing the Lions’ offense to score, they managed to keep the Cowboys ahead despite multiple attempts from the Lions.
Although self-inflicted wounds burned Detroit, the defense fought until the very end.
CeeDee Lamb Makes History
One of the players of the game was none other than CeeDee Lamb. He had 227 yards and one touchdown on 13 receptions.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart
In the first quarter, Lamb had the play of the game with a 92-yard touchdown after a short-yard pass and nearly a safety from Dak Prescott.
UNREAL 92-YARD TD 😱😱😱
📺: #DETvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/urKeZaIvCL pic.twitter.com/uVK0ixWWZo— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
This was the longest completion in Prescott’s career and the second-longest in Cowboys history.
This touchdown marked Lamb’s eighth straight game with a touchdown, the longest active streak in the NFL, and the first time a receiver has done so in franchise history.
He also surpassed Michael Irvin for the most receiving yards in a single season, another team record.
The biggest issue last week was not utilizing Lamb consistently throughout the game, and although that seemed to be fine this week, the problem is the offense’s production overall.
The Offense Struggles To Score Early On
One of the only gripes about this game was the missed opportunities to score more than two touchdowns.
Is it uncharacteristic at this point for the Cowboys’ offense to struggle to drive downfield and score touchdowns, or have opposing defenses cracked Mike McCarthy’s code?
The Cowboys’ offense has struggled to put points on the board early in games within the last three weeks, with the Lions game no exception.
The team only put seven points on the board in the first half, with opportunities to score before the half and right after. In the first half alone, the Cowboys punted the ball three times.
Ahead of this game, the Cowboys averaged nearly 40 points at home, but that wasn’t the case during this game, which is worrisome, especially with the regular season coming to an end and the postseason being right around the corner.
Scoring early in games obviously helps boost their chances of winning, especially when the defense is generating turnovers and making key stops.
The Cowboys didn’t score again until the fourth quarter, which put them in another situation to catch up late in the game.
This needs to be resolved as the postseason inches closer, or it could be a massive downfall that could end a postseason run quickly.
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