Cowboys Defense Sputters In Loss To Detroit.

DETROIT —The Dallas Cowboys defense reverted back to its old ways in the 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night in Detroit. After an extremely rocky start to the season it has been solid for the Dallas defense since acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the deadline. It had not given up more than 28 points with Williams until now. However, Detroit had an answer for every formation that defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus threw at them. 

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs only ran for 43 yards on 12 carries, but put up three touchdowns along with seven receptions for 77 yards in the Lions victory. 

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs for a big gain as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Kenneth Murray (59) misses the tackle. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Both the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions came into their week 14 Matchup on Thursday Night Football desperate for a win. The Lions came into play at third place in the NFC North with a 7-4 record, and just outside of the NFC wild card race. 

Detroit has not won back to back games since week six, and lost its week 13 matchup against the Packers. Despite that, Detroit has not lost back to back games in over three years. Meanwhile, Dallas came into the game on a three game win streak to improve its record to 6-5-1. Dallas became the only team in NFL history to beat both teams featured in the super bowl from the previous season in back to back games by beating the Eagles and Chiefs.

Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown put up 92 yards on six receptions despite being listed as questionable after suffering an ankle injury in week 13. Head coach Dan Campbell praised St. Brown and shared his importance to the team postgame.

“St. Brown is what we are. He’s what we are,” Campbell said. “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 is rare, man.”

Jared Goff spread the ball out all over the field. Three receivers had over 75 yards, which included Jameson Williams putting up 92 on six receptions. Goff finished the game with 309 yards on 25 of 34 passing, and threw his only touchdown of the game to rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 376 yards and a touchdown. He also added two interceptions, and was sacked five times. 

115 of Prescott’s passing yards and his only touchdown went to receiver Ryan Flournoy. The former sixth rounder from South East Missouri State is having a breakout season for the Cowboys. He has put up 349 yards and three touchdowns behind the talented duo of Cedee Lamb and George Pickens. 

Receiver Cedee Lamb had an impressive game before suffering a concussion in the third quarter. He put up 121 yards on six receptions. Lamb was seen going back to the locker room frustrated following an awkward landing after a catch attempt in the end zone. 

Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters that Lamb is “progressing nicely”. There is no word on if Lamb will play in week 15 against the Vikings, but he has not been ruled out. Despite missing four games this season, Lamb has 865 yards on the season. 

George Pickens stepped up for Dallas in the absence of Lamb. He is currently third in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,179 behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. Pickens only had five receptions for 37 yards in the loss to the Lions. Many fans took to social media to question Pickens' effort in the game. 

Dov Kleiman post via X

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones had Pickens back in the midst of the criticism that he is facing from the media. 

“I like what George Pickens has done all year,” Jones said. “Just so that I’m real clear about it, I don’t have the concern that others debate about what George Pickens did or didn’t do in that game. I don’t have that kind of concern about him as far as his competing and helping us win football games on the field, at all.”

Pickens has an expiring contract this offseason, and his future is uncertain as Dallas already has a number one wide receiver in Cedee Lamb on the payroll.

Dallas had three turnovers which really cost the offense as the game went along. Prescott’s first interception came on the first play of the second half with Dallas down 20-9. Derrick Barnes caught a batted ball by Amik Roberston and returned it to the Dallas 14 yard-line to set up an Isaac Teslaa 12-yard touchdown. 

Detroit now sits one game out of a wild card spot before a trip to Los Angeles to take on the 10-3 Rams Sunday afternoon.

Dallas sits a game and a half behind the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East race before hosting the 5-8 Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.