The Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats off on October 13, 2024, in a game that left fans buzzing and analysts dissecting every play. The Lions delivered a commanding 47-9 victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, marking one of the most lopsided wins in recent memory for Detroit and a stinging loss for Dallas. This article breaks down the key player stats, standout performances, and critical moments from this unforgettable NFL Week 6 matchup. Whether you’re a die-hard Lions fan, a Cowboys supporter, or just love football, this easy-to-read guide will give you a clear picture of how the game unfolded and who made the biggest impact.
Game Overview: Lions Dominate from Start to Finish
The Lions came into the game with a 3-1 record, fresh off a bye week, while the Cowboys were 3-2, looking to build on a recent win. However, Detroit set the tone early and never let up, scoring on all nine of their first-team offensive drives. The final score of 47-9 was a testament to the Lions’ dominance on both sides of the ball, as they outgained Dallas 492 yards to 251 and forced five turnovers while committing none. This game was a historic performance for Detroit, marking their largest road win since 1970 and tying for the third-largest in franchise history. For the Cowboys, it was their worst home loss since 1988, a tough pill to swallow for a team with high expectations. Let’s dive into the player stats that defined this game.
Key Player Stats: Detroit Lions
Jared Goff (Quarterback)
Jared Goff was the maestro of the Lions’ offense, orchestrating a near-perfect performance. He completed 18 of 25 passes for 315 yards, throwing three touchdowns with zero interceptions. His passer rating of 153.8 was among the highest in the NFL for Week 6, and this game marked his second straight outing with a rating above 150, a historic feat for any quarterback. Goff’s precision was evident in key plays like a 52-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta on a flea-flicker and a 37-yard scoring strike to Jameson Williams. His ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers and avoid mistakes kept the Cowboys’ defense on its heels all day.
David Montgomery (Running Back)
David Montgomery was a force on the ground, rushing for 80 yards on 12 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His first score, a 16-yard run in the first quarter, put Detroit ahead 7-3 and set the tone for their physical approach. His second touchdown, a 1-yard plunge late in the second quarter, extended the Lions’ lead to 27-3. Montgomery’s eight-game streak of rushing touchdowns is a franchise record, showcasing his consistency and toughness. His ability to grind out yards and finish drives was crucial in controlling the game’s tempo.
Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)
Complementing Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs added 63 yards on 12 carries, contributing to Detroit’s 184 total rushing yards at an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. While he didn’t find the end zone, Gibbs’ explosive runs and ability to break tackles kept the Cowboys’ defense guessing. The Lions’ one-two punch at running back overwhelmed Dallas, who struggled to stop the run all game.
Receiving Corps
The Lions’ passing game was a team effort, with several players stepping up:
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Jameson Williams: 3 receptions, 76 yards, 1 touchdown. His 37-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter sparked “Let’s go Lions” chants from the crowd.
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Kalif Raymond: 4 receptions, 73 yards, showcasing his reliability as a slot receiver.
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Tim Patrick: 3 receptions, 68 yards, including a 42-yard catch that set up an early score.
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Sam LaPorta: 1 reception, 52 yards, 1 touchdown. His highlight-reel catch on the flea-flicker was a momentum-shifter.
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Amon-Ra St. Brown: 4 receptions, 37 yards, 1 touchdown, including a 4-yard score in the fourth quarter to cap the Lions’ scoring.
Defensive Standouts
The Lions’ defense was relentless, forcing five turnovers and limiting Dallas to just 251 total yards. Key performers included:
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Brian Branch (Safety): 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 6 tackles, 1 quarterback hit. Branch became only the second player in Lions history to record two picks and a forced fumble in a single game. His first interception in the end zone stopped a Cowboys scoring threat, and his second set up a touchdown.
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Alim McNeill (Defensive Tackle): 2 sacks, 2 tackles. McNeill’s pressure up the middle disrupted Dak Prescott’s rhythm.
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Aidan Hutchinson (Defensive End): 1 sack before leaving with a serious leg injury in the third quarter. His absence was a somber note in an otherwise dominant performance.
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Kerby Joseph (Safety): 1 interception, adding to Detroit’s takeaway haul.
The Lions’ defense was suffocating, converting 5 of 8 fourth-down plays and holding Dallas to 3 of 13 on third downs. Their red-zone defense was particularly stingy, allowing the Cowboys to score on just 0 of 3 red-zone trips.
Special Teams
Kicker Jake Bates was perfect, hitting 4 of 4 field goals (40, 48, 38, and 35 yards) and adding five extra points. His consistency ensured Detroit capitalized on every scoring opportunity.
Key Player Stats: Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott (Quarterback)
It was a rough day for Dak Prescott, who completed 17 of 33 passes for 178 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions, resulting in a 42.2 passer rating. Under constant pressure, he was sacked four times and struggled to find a rhythm. His first interception, picked off by Brian Branch in the end zone, killed an early scoring chance, and his second set up a Lions touchdown. Prescott’s performance reflected the Cowboys’ broader offensive struggles, as they failed to sustain drives or protect the ball.
Rico Dowdle (Running Back)
The Cowboys’ rushing attack was nearly nonexistent, with Rico Dowdle leading the team with just 25 yards on 5 carries. Dallas managed only 36 rushing yards total, averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. The Lions’ defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage, leaving little room for Dowdle or the rest of the running game.
CeeDee Lamb (Wide Receiver)
CeeDee Lamb was a bright spot for Dallas, catching 7 passes for 89 yards. His one-handed grab for 27 yards in the first quarter helped set up a field goal, but the Cowboys couldn’t convert his production into touchdowns. Lamb was targeted often but faced tight coverage from Detroit’s secondary.
Defensive Struggles
The Cowboys’ defense was overmatched, allowing 492 total yards and failing to force a single turnover. Key contributors included:
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Donovan Wilson (Safety): 1 sack, but the defense as a whole couldn’t slow Detroit’s attack.
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Damone Clark (Linebacker): 9 tackles (4 solo), leading the team but unable to stop the Lions’ balanced offense. The Cowboys were penalized 4 times for 30 yards and struggled on third (3/13) and fourth downs (1/4), reflecting their inability to get off the field.
Special Teams
Kicker Brandon Aubrey made his only field goal attempt, a 34-yarder in the first quarter, but a 79-yard kick return by KaVontae Turpin was one of the few highlights for Dallas, setting up a late first-half field goal.
Critical Moments That Shaped the Game
First Quarter: Setting the Tone
The Cowboys struck first with a 34-yard field goal by Aubrey, but the Lions responded quickly. A 42-yard catch by Tim Patrick set up Montgomery’s 16-yard touchdown run, giving Detroit a 7-3 lead. Brian Branch’s interception in the end zone on Dallas’ next drive was a turning point, preventing the Cowboys from regaining momentum.
Second Quarter: Lions Pull Away
Detroit’s offense went into overdrive, starting with a 40-yard field goal by Jake Bates to make it 10-3. Then, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson dialed up a flea-flicker, with Goff hitting LaPorta for a 52-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 17-3. After another Bates field goal and a failed fourth-down attempt by Dallas at their own 38-yard line, Montgomery punched in his second touchdown, making it 27-3. The Cowboys managed a field goal before halftime, but the 27-6 deficit felt insurmountable.
Third Quarter: Lions Keep Rolling
The Lions opened the second half with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Jameson Williams, extending the lead to 34-6. Despite losing Aidan Hutchinson to a serious leg injury while sacking Prescott, Detroit’s defense remained stout, forcing a fumble and holding Dallas to a field goal.
Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Deal
Two more Bates field goals and a 4-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown after another Branch interception put the game out of reach at 47-9. Both teams pulled their starting quarterbacks late, with Hendon Hooker and Cooper Rush finishing out the game.
Statistical Breakdown: Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Team Comparison
|
Category |
Detroit Lions |
Dallas Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
492 | 251 |
|
Passing Yards |
308 | 215 |
|
Rushing Yards |
184 | 36 |
|
Turnovers |
0 | 5 |
|
1st Downs |
27 | 16 |
|
3rd Down Conv. |
4/10 (40%) | 3/13 (23%) |
|
4th Down Conv. |
1/2 (50%) | 1/4 (25%) |
|
Red Zone Conv. |
3/5 (60%) | 0/3 (0%) |
|
Time of Possession |
34:43 | 25:17 |
|
Penalties |
8-63 yards |
4-30 yards |
The Lions’ balanced attack and suffocating defense overwhelmed Dallas in every facet. Their ability to control the clock, convert in the red zone, and force turnovers made this a masterclass in team football.
Standout Storylines
Lions’ Revenge
This game was a chance for Detroit to exorcise demons from their controversial 20-19 loss to Dallas in December 2023, where a disputed two-point conversion call cost them the game. Coach Dan Campbell leaned into the narrative, using tackle Dan Skipper as an eligible receiver on the first play to poke fun at the previous year’s officiating drama. The Lions’ dominant performance showed they were a different team in 2024, ready to compete with the NFC’s elite.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Injury
The one dark cloud for Detroit was the injury to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a broken left tibia while sacking Prescott. His loss is a significant blow to a Lions defense that relies on his pressure, but the team’s depth and resilience kept them rolling in this game.
Cowboys’ Home Struggles
Dallas’ 47-9 loss was part of a troubling trend, as they’ve now trailed by 14 or more points at halftime in four straight home games, including a playoff loss to Green Bay in January 2024. The 167 points allowed over these four games are the third-most in a four-game home stretch in NFL history. Fans and analysts are questioning the team’s direction, with calls for changes growing louder.
Why This Game Matters
For the Lions, this win solidified their status as NFC contenders. Their 4-1 record put them in a strong position in the NFC North, setting up a crucial matchup against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The game showcased their offensive versatility, defensive tenacity, and ability to perform under pressure on the road.
For the Cowboys, the loss dropped them to 3-3 and raised serious questions about their defense, which couldn’t stop the run or generate turnovers. Offensively, their inability to protect Prescott and sustain drives exposed weaknesses that need addressing. With a bye week next, Dallas has time to regroup, but the pressure is on to turn things around.
Conclusion: A Game to Remember (or Forget)
The Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats was a statement win that highlighted their strengths and exposed Dallas’ vulnerabilities. Jared Goff’s near-perfect passing, David Montgomery’s relentless running, and Brian Branch’s game-changing plays on defense were the highlights of a dominant performance. For Cowboys fans, it was a tough day, with Dak Prescott and the offense struggling to keep up. This game will be remembered as one of Detroit’s finest hours and a wake-up call for Dallas. As both teams move forward, the stats and stories from this matchup will shape their paths in the 2024 NFL season.