Dec 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hands off to running back Javonte Williams (33) during the first half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn ImagesAli JawadFri, December 5, 2025 at 4:43 AM UTC·5 min readAll good things eventually come to an end as the Dallas Cowboys who fell to the Detroit Lions 44-30 on Thursday Night Football Week 14.
The Lions have now dropped 40 plus in back-to-back years vs. the Cowboys.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDallas never led in this game but managed to hang in on multiple occasions with single deficits of 10-6, 17-9, 27-19, 30-27, and 37-30 but each time they creeped their way back in, the Lions would find a way to respond.
After the loss, the Cowboys, now 6-6-1, and per Next Gen Stats, now have just a nine percent chance of making playoffs.
Up next will be a primetime matchup at home vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
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Ali Jawad
Once again another big road test and the Cowboys came up short.
Unlike the last one in Denver in Week 8, the Cowboys were at least more competitive in this one.
I will give Dallas credit for hanging in there during different stretches in this game, but the defense gave up too many big plays and each time the Cowboys closed the gap and made it a one possession game, the Lions found a way to respond.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe big story line however is wide receiver CeeDee Lamb who left mid game with an injury and was later ruled out with a concussion. Lamb, who was in the midst of a break out game, ended his early night with six receptions for 121 yards.
Dak Prescott, who was sacked five times, three times by former Cowboy Al-Quadin Muhammad, ended the night throwing for 376 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Javonte Williams eclipsed the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the first time in his career.
George Pickens finished with five receptions for just 37 yards, his second lowest total of the season.
Ryan Flournoy recorded his second 100 yard game of the season, finishing with nine receptions for 115 yards.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDallas’ pass defense, which still remains a clear issue allowed plays of 26, 26, 35, 18, 16, 29, and 37.
The stretch ahead is still a favorable one but now the Cowboys hopes hang by a needle and a lot needs to go their way.
Clarence Hill
The Cowboys dug themselves in hole for the third straight week, trailing 20-9 at halftime.
It was soon 27-9 following tipped interception by quarterback Dak Prescott on a slant to receiver George Pickesn.
The Cowboys rallied for victories against Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chief the previous two weeks.
But those games were at home.
The desperate Detroit Lions on the road was simply too much to ask in what was essentially a playoff game for both teams.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cowboys continued of trend of not giving their best effort or performance away from AT&T Stadium just like in previous blowout losses to the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears..
And the Cowboys defense reverted to its old form as the Lions had their way via the run or the pass, before the trade for Quinnen Williams.
But it was the miscues, mistakes and poor execution that did the Cowboys in. Poor blocking up front, a Jake Ferguson fumble, a fair catch flag on punt returner KaVontae Turpin and face mask on receiver George Pickens.
Dak Prescott directed a 9-play, 65-yard scoring drive to get the Cowboys their first touchdown on a 1-yard run from JaVonte Williams. But the Cowboys lost receiver CeeDee Lamb to a concussion on an incomplete pass in the end zone. Lamb had six catches for 121 yards and was the only Cowboys player on his A game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cowboys got a blocked field goal by Sam Williams and then turned into a 63-yarder from Brandon Aubrey to make the socore 27-19 heading into the fourth quarter. But they could have had more if not for an offensive pass interference penalty on Pickens.
The Lions responded with a 46-yard yard field goal to make the score 30-19 with 11:50 to go.
Not having Lamb was not a formula for a comeback, especially Pickens lacking energy and seemingly being out of sync.
But you also didn’t have Prescott hitting Ryan Flourney for a 42-yard touchdown and then connecting with Ferguson on a 2-point conversion to make the score 30-27.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOf course, the Cowboys defense gave it right back. It started with poor coverage on the kickoff, allowing the Lions to start just 59 yards from the end zone. It ended with Jahmyr Gibbs scoring on a 10-yard run just five plays later.
Prescott tried valiantly to bring the Cowboys back.
They got as close as the 11-yard line on the next drive but had to settle for a field goal with 3:42 to go, down 37-30.
The Cowboys kickoff coverage let them down again, giving up a 42-yard return to Tom Kennedy..
The defense simply could not get a stop, allowing a 37-yard reception to Amon-Ra St. Brown. And then Gibbs walked into the end zone from 13 yards out to make the score 44.30.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cowboys had not lost a game this season when they scored at least 30 points.
But that streak came to an end on a cold night in Detroit, as did the Cowboys three-game winning streak.
It also likely ended their hopes of making a miraculous playoff run.
The Cowboys have now dropped to 6-6-1 with four games to go.
The Lions moved to 7-5-1 to keep their wildcard hopes alive.
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