This was one of the rematch games Detroit Lions fans wanted to see after last year’s loss in Dallas. The Lions did not disappoint, putting up 47 points in their victory and keeping the Cowboys out of the end zone while allowing only nine points.
The Lions arguably played their most complete game in the Dan Campbell era-every area of the team was exceptional. It started with solid offensive line play to enable the running game we spoke about leading up to this matchup.
With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way, the Lions had 184 yards on the ground and Jared Goff got it done in the air with 315 yards passing. His passer rating of 153.8 was only two points below his last game (where he didn’t throw a single incompletion). The offense spread the ball around with three different players hauling in touchdown catches.
While coach Campbell called it a complete team effort in every phase it is worth mentioning that Jack Fox didn’t get to use his incredible kicking skills as the Lions never punted in this game. The man doing some kicking though was kicker Jake Bates. Bates was 4/4 on field goals and 5/5 on extra points.
The defense forced five turnovers in this game with Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph hauling in a total of three interceptions. Branch also forced a fumble.
Of course all the excitement of the win was lost when Aidan Hutchinson went down with a serious leg injury. The defensive leader went down when he sacked Dallas Cowboy quarterback Dak Prescott. Hutchinson stayed in Dallas overnight and underwent surgery. To say his loss will be felt is an understatement. Fans and media have already started to speculate on possible trade scenarios for the team to bring in help.
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