The Detroit Lions made a loud statement on Sunday, knocking off the Dallas Cowboys 44-30 in a game that was as explosive as it was controversial. With the win, Detroit not only snapped the Cowboys’ three-game win streak but also tightened its grip on the NFC playoff race. But while the scoreboard told one story, the postgame conversation veered into another - officiating.
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel didn’t hold back, posting on social media: “The Refs are really trying to keep the Cowboys out of the playoffs…we have a serious officiating problem.” That sentiment echoed across the league, as fans and analysts debated key calls that may have swung momentum. But let’s set the controversy aside for a moment - because there was plenty of actual football worth talking about.
Dak Prescott’s Rollercoaster Ride
For Dallas, Dak Prescott had one of those games where the numbers look solid at first glance - 31 completions on 47 attempts for 376 yards, a touchdown to Ryan Flournoy, and a two-point conversion to Jake Ferguson. But dig a little deeper and the cracks show.
Two interceptions proved costly, especially against a Lions team that was firing on all cylinders offensively. Prescott’s rhythm seemed off at times, and while he racked up the yardage, the Cowboys couldn’t convert drives into enough touchdowns to keep up.
Javonte Williams gave Dallas a spark on the ground, rushing for 67 yards on 12 carries - a performance that pushed him over the 1,000-yard mark for the season. He also punched in a touchdown, continuing a quietly consistent year. Kicker Brandon Aubrey was as reliable as ever, knocking through five field goals to keep Dallas within striking distance.
Detroit’s Offense: Balanced, Explosive, and Relentless
Jared Goff turned in a clean, efficient performance, completing 25 of 34 passes for 309 yards and a touchdown to rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa. But the real damage came on the ground, where Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery ran wild. The duo combined for 103 yards and four touchdowns on just 18 carries - a punishing one-two punch that kept the Cowboys’ defense guessing all game long.
Jake Bates added three field goals, missing just one, and helped Detroit keep the scoreboard pressure on Dallas throughout the second half.
Grit and Gratitude from Dan Campbell
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell didn’t mince words - calling it a “damn good win” and handing out well-earned praise to a few key players who helped make it happen.
First up was wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who gutted through an ankle injury to catch six passes for 92 yards. Campbell’s admiration was clear:
“(He) is what we are...where he goes, we go. His toughness and his will power, his desire to compete, to help those guys around him, to do whatever it takes to win is second to none. He's rare, man."
That kind of toughness has become synonymous with St. Brown, and it's no surprise Campbell sees him as the emotional heartbeat of this team.
Campbell also shouted out offensive guard Miles Frazier, who stepped in for Trystan Colon and helped pave the way for Gibbs’ dominant outing:
“He earned the right to keep going.”
And when it came to Gibbs, Campbell kept it simple, but the message was loud and clear:
“He’s unique. He’s special.”
What’s Next
With the win, the Lions move one step closer to locking down a playoff spot - and maybe more. Their next test comes on December 14, when they travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
If this Detroit team keeps playing with this kind of edge - and if Gibbs and Montgomery keep running like this - the rest of the NFC should be on high alert.