The Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFL, with matchups that often deliver high-octane action and memorable moments. Their most recent clash on October 13, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was a one-sided affair, with the Lions dominating the Cowboys 47-9. This article dives into the player stats, key performances, and game highlights from this thrilling encounter, presented in an easy-to-read format for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard Lions supporter, a Cowboys fan, or just love football, this breakdown will give you a clear picture of how the game unfolded and who stood out.
Game Overview: Lions Roar to Victory
The Detroit Lions came into the game with a 3-1 record, fresh off a bye week, while the Cowboys, at 3-2, were looking to build on a recent win. However, the Lions delivered a historic performance, scoring on all nine of their offensive possessions and handing the Cowboys their worst home loss since 1988. The final score of 47-9 reflected Detroit’s dominance on both sides of the ball, though the victory was bittersweet due to a serious injury to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Let’s break down the key player stats and what they mean for both teams.
Quarterback Performances
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Jared Goff was the star of the show for Detroit, putting on a near-perfect performance. He completed 18 of 25 passes (72%) for 315 yards, throwing three touchdowns with zero interceptions. His passer rating was an impressive 153.8, one of the highest in the NFL for a single game that season. Goff’s ability to read the Cowboys’ defense and deliver accurate passes was evident throughout the game. Notable plays included a 52-yard touchdown pass to tight end Sam LaPorta on a flea-flicker and a 37-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Jameson Williams. Goff’s efficiency and composure under pressure were key to Detroit’s offensive onslaught.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
On the other side, Dak Prescott had a tough day. He completed 17 of 33 passes (51.5%) for 178 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions, resulting in a dismal 42.2 passer rating. Prescott faced constant pressure from the Lions’ defense, getting sacked four times, including one by Aidan Hutchinson before his injury. His first interception came in the end zone, courtesy of Lions safety Brian Branch, halting a promising Cowboys drive. The second interception late in the game set up an easy Lions touchdown. The Cowboys’ offense struggled to find rhythm, and Prescott’s performance reflected the team’s overall challenges.
Rushing Stats: Lions’ Ground Game Shines
Detroit Lions
The Lions’ running game was a major factor in their victory, racking up 184 yards at an average of 5.1 yards per carry. David Montgomery led the way with 12 carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns. His first score was a hard-fought 16-yard run in the first quarter, setting the tone for Detroit’s dominance. His second touchdown, a 1-yard plunge just before halftime, extended the Lions’ lead to 27-3. Jahmyr Gibbs complemented Montgomery with 63 yards on 12 carries, forming a dynamic one-two punch that overwhelmed Dallas’ defense. The Lions’ ability to control the line of scrimmage was evident, as they consistently gained chunk yards on the ground.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ rushing attack, by contrast, was nearly non-existent. Rico Dowdle led the team with just 25 yards on five carries, and the team totaled only 36 rushing yards at a meager 2.8 yards per carry. The Lions’ defensive front, led by players like Alim McNeill, stifled Dallas’ run game, forcing the Cowboys into predictable passing situations. This lack of balance made it difficult for Dallas to sustain drives or keep Detroit’s defense honest.
Receiving Stats: Lions’ Pass-Catchers Excel
Detroit Lions
Detroit’s receiving corps was a key component of their offensive success. Jameson Williams led the way with three receptions for 76 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown that extended the Lions’ lead to 34-6 in the third quarter. Kalif Raymond added four catches for 73 yards, showcasing his speed and versatility. Tim Patrick contributed three receptions for 68 yards, with a 42-yard catch setting up an early touchdown. Tight end Sam LaPorta had one catch, but it was a big one—a 52-yard touchdown on a flea-flicker that highlighted Detroit’s creative play-calling. Amon-Ra St. Brown also got in on the action with a 4-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, finishing with two receptions for 24 yards. The Lions’ receivers consistently found open space against a struggling Dallas secondary.
Dallas Cowboys
For the Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb was the bright spot in an otherwise lackluster offensive performance. He caught seven passes for 89 yards, including a one-handed 27-yard grab that helped set up an early field goal. However, no other Cowboys receiver made a significant impact. The Lions’ secondary, led by Brian Branch, kept Dallas’ passing game in check, limiting big plays and forcing Prescott into difficult throws. The lack of production from other receivers underscored the Cowboys’ offensive struggles.
Defensive Standouts
Detroit Lions
The Lions’ defense was relentless, forcing five turnovers and recording four sacks. Safety Brian Branch was the standout, becoming only the second player in franchise history to record two interceptions and a forced fumble in the same game. His first interception in the end zone stopped a Cowboys scoring threat, and his second set up a short-field touchdown for Detroit. Branch also had six tackles and a quarterback hit, showcasing his all-around impact. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill led the team with two sacks, while Aidan Hutchinson added one before exiting with a serious leg injury. Cornerback Amik Robertson contributed five solo tackles, and the Lions’ defense as a whole held Dallas to just 251 total yards while dominating time of possession (34:43 to 25:17).
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ defense struggled mightily, allowing 492 total yards and failing to stop Detroit’s balanced attack. Linebacker Damone Clark led the team with nine tackles (four solo), and safety Donovan Wilson recorded one sack. However, the unit couldn’t generate consistent pressure on Goff or slow down the Lions’ running game. The absence of several key starters made the task even tougher, and Dallas failed to force a single turnover. This defensive collapse was a major factor in the lopsided scoreline.
Special Teams and Key Moments
Detroit Lions
Kicker Jake Bates was perfect for the Lions, hitting all four field goal attempts (40, 48, 38, and 33 yards) and all five extra points. His consistency added crucial points to Detroit’s tally. The Lions also benefited from a 79-yard kickoff return by KaVontae Turpin, which set up a Cowboys field goal, but it wasn’t enough to shift momentum. Detroit’s special teams played a clean game, avoiding costly mistakes.
Dallas Cowboys
Brandon Aubrey made both of his field goal attempts (34 and 33 yards), but the Cowboys’ special teams couldn’t provide the spark needed to turn the game around. Turpin’s 79-yard kickoff return was a highlight, but Dallas failed to capitalize fully on the opportunity.
Game-Changing Plays
Several moments defined the Lions’ dominance:
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First Quarter: David Montgomery’s 16-yard touchdown run gave Detroit a 7-3 lead, answering Dallas’ opening field goal. Brian Branch’s end-zone interception later in the quarter prevented the Cowboys from retaking the lead.
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Second Quarter: A flea-flicker resulted in a 52-yard touchdown pass from Goff to LaPorta, pushing the lead to 17-3. Montgomery’s second touchdown, a 1-yard run after a failed fourth-down attempt by Dallas, made it 27-3 at halftime.
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Third Quarter: Goff’s 37-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams extended the lead to 34-6, prompting “Let’s go Lions” chants from the crowd. Aidan Hutchinson’s injury on a sack of Prescott was a somber moment, but Detroit’s defense didn’t let up.
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Fourth Quarter: Branch’s second interception set up a 4-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, sealing the 47-9 rout.
Historical Context and Implications
The Lions’ 47-9 victory was their largest road win since 1970 and tied for their third-largest ever. For the Cowboys, it was their worst home loss since 1988 and part of a troubling trend of lopsided home defeats. Detroit’s performance showcased their potential as an NFC contender, with a balanced offense and opportunistic defense. However, Hutchinson’s injury could impact their pass rush moving forward. For Dallas, the loss raised questions about their defensive depth and offensive consistency, especially at home, where they’ve now dropped three straight games.
Head-to-Head History
The Cowboys lead the all-time series 19-13, but the Lions have won two of the last three meetings, including this blowout. The previous game, on December 30, 2023, ended in a controversial 20-19 Cowboys victory due to a disputed two-point conversion call. Detroit’s players and coaches, including Dan Campbell, made subtle references to that loss during the October 2024 game, with eligible-receiver plays involving linemen Dan Skipper and Taylor Decker.
Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Table
Below is a summary of key Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats from the October 13, 2024, game:
|
Player |
Team |
Stats |
|---|---|---|
|
Jared Goff (QB) |
Lions |
18/25, 315 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 153.8 passer rating |
|
Dak Prescott (QB) |
Cowboys |
17/33, 178 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT, 42.2 passer rating |
|
David Montgomery (RB) |
Lions |
12 carries, 80 yards, 2 TD |
|
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) |
Lions |
12 carries, 63 yards |
|
Rico Dowdle (RB) |
Cowboys |
5 carries, 25 yards |
|
Jameson Williams (WR) |
Lions |
3 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD |
|
Kalif Raymond (WR) |
Lions |
4 receptions, 73 yards |
|
Tim Patrick (WR) |
Lions |
3 receptions, 68 yards |
|
Sam LaPorta (TE) |
Lions |
1 reception, 52 yards, 1 TD |
|
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) |
Lions |
2 receptions, 24 yards, 1 TD |
|
CeeDee Lamb (WR) |
Cowboys |
7 receptions, 89 yards |
|
Brian Branch (S) |
Lions |
2 INT, 1 forced fumble, 6 tackles, 1 QB hit |
|
Alim McNeill (DT) |
Lions |
2 sacks |
|
Aidan Hutchinson (DE) |
Lions |
1 sack (injured in third quarter) |
|
Damone Clark (LB) |
Cowboys |
9 tackles (4 solo) |
|
Donovan Wilson (S) |
Cowboys |
1 sack |
|
Jake Bates (K) |
Lions |
4/4 FG (40, 48, 38, 33 yards), 5/5 XP |
|
Brandon Aubrey (K) |
Cowboys |
2/2 FG (34, 33 yards) |
Why This Game Matters
For Lions fans, this game was a statement win, proving they can dominate on the road against a playoff-caliber team. Jared Goff’s stellar play and the team’s balanced attack make them a legitimate threat in the NFC North, especially with a crucial matchup against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings looming. For Cowboys fans, the loss exposed ongoing issues with run defense and offensive turnovers, raising concerns about their ability to compete with top teams. The performance gap between the two teams was stark, and Dallas will need to regroup during their bye week.
Looking Ahead
The Lions (4-1) face the 5-0 Vikings next, a game that could determine early control of the NFC North. Despite losing Hutchinson, their depth and play-calling give them confidence. The Cowboys (3-3), meanwhile, have a bye week to address their defensive woes and offensive inconsistencies before their next game. Both teams have talent, but Detroit’s performance in this matchup showed they’re hitting their stride at the right time.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats on October 13, 2024, was a masterclass in offensive efficiency and defensive dominance. Jared Goff’s precision, David Montgomery’s power, and Brian Branch’s playmaking were the highlights of a game that showcased Detroit’s potential as a contender. For Dallas, the loss was a wake-up call, with Dak Prescott and the defense struggling to keep up. This article has provided a detailed look at the player stats and key moments, making it easy for fans of all ages to understand the game’s impact. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this game—Detroit with momentum, and Dallas with lessons to learn.