ARLINGTON, Texas – The Cowboys were no match for the Lions, who dominated this game from start to finish.
Any chances the Cowboys had to make this a game, occurred in the first half. Even with that, it would've been an uphill battle in this one-sided contest.
Here are five plays you might forget that could've helped the Cowboys early in the game to keep this from getting out of hand.
Cowboys fail to score TD on first drive – The whole reason to take the ball to start the game is to get some momentum early and, of course, to score an early touchdown. The Cowboys were able to move the ball to the Lions' 18-yard line, but on second down, Dak Prescott lofted a pass to the end zone for CeeDee Lamb, who had his arms pulled for a moment and couldn't get them up in time to make the catch in the end zone. The Cowboys had to settle for a field goal, and obviously that wasn't going to get the job done on a day like this.
Lions strike early on third down – On the Lions' first drive of the game, the Cowboys forced Detroit into a third-and-5 and Jared Goff went to Tim Patrick, who was getting bumped by Amani Oruwariye. At the last second, Patrick located the ball and caught the pass right off the turf for 42-yard completion. What appeared to be a stop for the Cowboys defense was instead a first down for the Lions at the Dallas 23-yard line. Two plays later, Detroit was in the end zone for a 7-3 lead.
Second-down tackle on Ferguson in the open field – On the second drive of the game for the Cowboys, already down 7-3, they were again inside the Lions' red zone. On second-and-11 from the 13-yard line, Prescott found Jake Ferguson in the right flat with plenty of space to maneuver. But Lions cornerback Amik Robertson made a great open-field tackle on Ferguson at the 6. That set up a third-down pass that was intercepted by Brian Branch, eliminating a chance to get crucial points when the game was still in doubt.
Ferguson dropped pass – Early in the second quarter, down 10-3, the Cowboys were trying to mount a drive. On second-and-5 at their own 35-yard line, Prescott rolled right and threw back deep to the left side where Ferguson was double-teamed. He still positioned himself to make the catch but dropped what would've been a big gain, likely giving the Cowboys at least field-goal position if not more. But yet another miscue led to a punt.
Fourth-down miss to Turpin – With the score at 20-3 late in the first half, the hopes of any comeback were fading fast. But the Cowboys seemingly had one more chance to get back in the game. With a fourth-and-2 at their own 38-yard line with 2:45 to play in the half, the Cowboys elected to go for it. A slant pass to KaVontae Turpin fell incomplete. While it appeared Turpin was interfered with before the ball got to him, there was no call and the Lions took over. Detroit padded the lead to 27-3 and eventually led at the half, 27-6.
