Dallas Cowboys (11-5) – Detroit Lions (11-5): 20-19
In a highly anticipated shock in the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys beat the Detroit Lions in a difficult end to the match. The Lions failed on a 2-point conversion attempt in the final moments, after scoring a touchdown in the final seconds. The Cowboys can thank Ceedee Lamb (227 yards, 1 TD), the true hero of this match.
Dallas was able to count on a newfound defense, like Micah Parsons, who was much more impressive than his statistics might suggest. Offensively Dak Prescott (26/38, 345 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) got back on track at the end, relying on Lamb but also Brandin Cooks (60 yards, 1 TD) to make the difference.
Jared Goff (19/34, 271 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) did not shine, and the running game was not enough to win this game. The defense has nothing to be ashamed of, like a flamboyant Aidan Hutchinson (3 sacks), but this squad ended up tiring at the end of the match. If the Lions played their luck to the end with a touchdown from Amon-Ra St Brown, the missed conversion at the end of the match cost the victory
With this victory, Dallas can still play for the division title as Detroit falls behind Philadelphia in the race for the number 2 seed.
Ceedee Lamb, lightning in the night
Following a field goal from the Lions, and after a first offensive aborted by an interception by Ifeatu Melifonwu, the Cowboys struck first with a huge reception from Ceedee Lamb for 92 yards, which unlocked the counter (7-3). A great action for one of the best receivers in the league.
UNREAL 92-YARD TD 😱😱😱
📺: #DETvsDAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/urKeZaIvCL pic.twitter.com/uVK0ixWWZo— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
After this game, it is rather the individual errors which punctuate this first act. Jared Goff is intercepted by Jourdan Lewis, while Ceedee Lamb commits a fumble one yard from the end zone while his team could break away. The Lions are fighting, even finding a new lease of life on a punt feint. But the offensive ends at the gates of the end zone after a last effort from Micah Parsons and his squad.
Like Micah Parsons or Aidan Hutchisonthe first half is defensive and ends with this small score of 7 to 3 in favor of the Texas players.
Elbow to elbow
While Detroit was unable to materialize in the first 30 minutes, the second act started better. After a 13-play, 74-yard drive, David Montgomery (65 yards, 1 TD) dives into the end zone to give Detroit the advantage (7-10). The Lions are in front, and have the momentum.
Dallas reacts thanks again and again to Ceedee Lamb. The inevitable Brandon Aubrey (35/35 on the season) scores a 51-yard field goal to equalize. The match heats up, and Detroit scores a new field goal after a long reception from Jameson Williams (10-13).
Dallas didn't take long to respond, with a perfect drive that Brandin Cooks completed with a touchdown (17-13). The Cowboys are ahead in an absolutely crazy fourth quarter. While Detroit is still in the race, it is an interception by Donovan Wilson on Jared Goff which complicates the situation.
Dallas took the opportunity to add 3 points, and leave the Lions with only one minute and forty-one seconds without a timeout. Nothing insurmountable for Detroit, which moves up the field thanks to Sam Laporta (84 yards) and Amon-Ra St Brown (90 yards, 1 TD), who scores the touchdown (20-19).
Detroit decides to go with 2 points, and scores. Except… the referees consider tackle Taylor Decker ineligible, and the Lions have to start again. Without success, Dallas wins in a confusing situation.
