The Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats have a storied history in the NFL, with their matchups always generating buzz among fans. Their October 13, 2024, clash at AT&T Stadium was no exception, delivering a game that left everyone talking. The Lions dominated with a jaw-dropping 47-9 victory, marking one of the most lopsided games in recent memory. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the stats, this article breaks down the player performances in an easy-to-read, engaging way. Let’s dive into the numbers, key moments, and standout stars from this unforgettable game.
Game Overview: Lions Roar Loud
The Detroit Lions came into the game with a chip on their shoulder, especially after their controversial 20-19 loss to the Cowboys the previous season. This time, they left no doubt, putting up a historic performance. The final score of 47-9 was the Lions’ largest road win since 1970 and tied for the third-largest in their franchise history. For the Cowboys, it was a tough day, as this defeat marked their worst home loss since 1988. The Lions outgained Dallas 492 yards to 251, controlled the clock with 34:43 in possession, and forced five turnovers while giving up none. Let’s break down the player stats that made this game a Lions masterclass.
Quarterback Breakdown: Jared Goff Shines, Dak Prescott Struggles
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Jared Goff was the maestro of the Lions’ offense, orchestrating a near-perfect game. He completed 18 of 25 passes (72%) for 315 yards, throwing three touchdowns with zero interceptions. His passer rating of 153.8 was one of the highest of his career, and this performance came on the heels of a 155.8 rating in his previous game against the Seahawks. Over these two games, Goff achieved the highest passer rating over a two-game span in NFL history (minimum 40 pass attempts). His efficiency was off the charts, posting a 0.88 EPA per dropback, a metric that measures expected points added per play.
Goff’s standout moments included a 42-yard pass to Tim Patrick and a 52-yard flea-flicker touchdown to tight end Sam LaPorta. His ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers and avoid mistakes was key to Detroit’s relentless attack. Whether it was quick slants or deep bombs, Goff was in complete control, making him the game’s undeniable MVP.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
On the other side, Dak Prescott had a day to forget. Under constant pressure from the Lions’ ferocious defense, he completed just 17 of 33 passes (51.5%) for 178 yards. Prescott threw two interceptions and was sacked four times, resulting in a dismal 42.2 passer rating. The Lions’ defensive front, led by Aidan Hutchinson before his injury, made life difficult for Prescott, who struggled to find rhythm. His interceptions, one to Brian Branch in the first quarter and another later in the game, halted any chance of a Cowboys comeback. While Prescott showed flashes of brilliance, like a 27-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb, the Lions’ defense ensured he couldn’t sustain drives.
Running Back Performances: Lions’ Duo Overpowers Cowboys
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)
The Lions’ running game was a two-headed monster, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combining for 143 yards on 28 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Montgomery was the workhorse, rushing 12 times for 80 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including a 16-yard run in the first quarter and a 1-yard plunge before halftime. His six rushing touchdowns in the 2024 season rank him second in the NFL, trailing only Derrick Henry.
Gibbs complemented Montgomery with his explosive speed, carrying the ball 12 times for 63 yards. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact kept the Cowboys’ defense on their heels. Together, they powered the Lions’ ground game, which racked up 184 total rushing yards and controlled the game’s tempo.
Rico Dowdle and Cowboys’ Rushing Woes
The Cowboys’ rushing attack, by contrast, was nearly nonexistent. Rico Dowdle led the team with just 25 yards on five carries, averaging a meager 2.8 yards per attempt. The Cowboys totaled only 36 rushing yards as a team, unable to establish any ground game against Detroit’s stout defensive line. Without a balanced offense, Dallas leaned heavily on Prescott, which played right into the Lions’ hands. The lack of a running threat limited their play-action opportunities and left them one-dimensional.
Receiving Corps: Lions’ Depth Shines, Cowboys Lean on Lamb
Lions’ Receivers: Spreading the Wealth
Detroit’s passing game was a team effort, with multiple players stepping up. Here’s a look at the top performers:
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Jameson Williams: 3 receptions, 76 yards, 1 touchdown. Williams’ speed stretched the field, and his 37-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter sealed the blowout.
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Kalif Raymond: 4 receptions, 73 yards. Raymond was a reliable target, picking up key first downs with his quick routes.
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Tim Patrick: 3 receptions, 68 yards. His 42-yard grab set up an early touchdown, showcasing his veteran savvy.
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Sam LaPorta: 1 reception, 52 yards, 1 touchdown. LaPorta’s flea-flicker touchdown was a highlight, as he raced down the sideline for a massive score.
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Amon-Ra St. Brown: 4 receptions, 37 yards, 1 touchdown. St. Brown’s 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter added to his season total of three scores.
Goff’s ability to distribute the ball ensured the Cowboys’ secondary couldn’t key in on one player, making Detroit’s offense unpredictable and lethal.
Cowboys’ Receivers: CeeDee Lamb Stands Out
CeeDee Lamb was the bright spot in an otherwise dim Cowboys offense. He caught 7 passes for 89 yards, including a one-handed 27-yard grab that set up an early field goal. However, the Lions’ secondary, particularly Brian Branch, kept Lamb in check for much of the game. Other receivers, like KaVontae Turpin, struggled to get open, and a failed fourth-down pass to Turpin in the second quarter led to a momentum-shifting Lions touchdown. The Cowboys’ lack of depth at receiver was evident, as Prescott had few reliable targets beyond Lamb.
Defensive Standouts: Lions’ Dominance and Cowboys’ Struggles
Detroit Lions’ Defense: Forcing Turnovers and Chaos
The Lions’ defense was the story of the game, forcing five turnovers and holding Dallas to just 251 total yards. Here are the key contributors:
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Brian Branch: The emerging star nickelback had a monster game, recording two interceptions and a forced fumble. His first interception off Prescott in the first quarter set the tone, and his second in the fourth quarter crushed any hopes of a Cowboys rally. Branch’s three interceptions on the season highlight his breakout year.
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Kerby Joseph: Joseph added a late interception off backup quarterback Cooper Rush, his fourth of the 2024 season, tying him for the NFL lead.
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Aidan Hutchinson: Before suffering a leg injury in the third quarter, Hutchinson sacked Prescott, adding to his NFL-leading sack total. His injury was a somber moment, but the Lions’ defense didn’t skip a beat, with players like Alim McNeill and Josh Paschal stepping up.
The Lions converted 3 of 7 third-down plays (42.9%) and went 5 for 8 on fourth downs this season, showing their aggressive play-calling. Their defense held Dallas to a 28.6% third-down conversion rate (2 of 7), stifling any offensive rhythm.
Dallas Cowboys’ Defense: Overwhelmed and Outmatched
The Cowboys’ defense, missing key starters, was no match for Detroit’s balanced attack. They allowed 492 total yards, including 315 through the air and 184 on the ground. While they managed four sacks on Goff, they couldn’t generate turnovers or stop the Lions’ relentless drives. Mike Zimmer’s unit struggled to contain Detroit’s playmakers, and their inability to get off the field on third and fourth downs (Lions converted 62.5% of fourth-down attempts) led to long, demoralizing drives.
Special Teams: Small Bright Spots for Dallas
Brandon Aubrey was one of the few positives for Dallas, hitting a 34-yard field goal to give the Cowboys an early 3-0 lead. He remains one of the NFL’s top kickers, with 15 field goals in 2024, second only to Chris Boswell. KaVontae Turpin also provided a spark with a 79-yard kick return that set up a field goal before halftime, but it wasn’t enough to shift momentum.
For the Lions, kicker Jack Bates was perfect, hitting field goals from 40 and 48 yards. Detroit’s special teams didn’t need to do much, as the offense and defense dominated, but their consistency added to the blowout.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
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Early Momentum Shift: After Dallas took a 3-0 lead, Montgomery’s 16-yard touchdown run put Detroit ahead for good. The Lions never trailed again, scoring on their first five drives.
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Flea-Flicker Magic: The second-quarter flea-flicker to LaPorta for a 52-yard touchdown was a masterstroke by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, showcasing Detroit’s creativity.
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Hutchinson’s Injury: The third-quarter injury to Aidan Hutchinson was a blow, but the Lions’ defense rallied, with Branch’s forced fumble and interception keeping Dallas at bay.
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Turnover Frenzy: The Lions’ five takeaways, including three interceptions and two fumbles, crushed Dallas’ hopes. Branch’s two picks and Joseph’s late interception were daggers.
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Goff’s Mastery: Goff’s 315 yards and three touchdowns, combined with zero turnovers, showed why he’s one of the NFL’s most efficient quarterbacks in 2024.
Statistical Highlights and Records
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Lions’ Historic Win: The 47-9 scoreline was Detroit’s largest road win since a 40-0 shutout of Green Bay in 1970. It tied for their third-largest road victory ever.
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Cowboys’ Historic Loss: The 38-point margin was Dallas’ worst home loss at AT&T Stadium and their largest since a 43-3 defeat to Minnesota in 1988.
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Goff’s Record-Breaking Stretch: His 153.8 passer rating in this game, paired with 155.8 against Seattle, set an NFL record for the highest two-game passer rating (minimum 40 attempts).
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Montgomery’s Touchdown Prowess: His two scores brought his season total to six, trailing only Derrick Henry in the NFL.
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Branch’s Breakout: His two interceptions marked the first time in his career he’s had multiple picks in a game.
Why This Game Matters
This game wasn’t just a blowout; it was a statement. For the Lions, it was revenge for last year’s controversial loss and proof they’re a legitimate NFC contender. Their balanced attack, with 315 passing yards and 184 rushing yards, showed they can beat teams in multiple ways. The defense, even without Hutchinson for part of the game, was relentless, forcing turnovers and dominating the line of scrimmage.
For the Cowboys, it was a wake-up call. Missing key defensive players exposed their lack of depth, and the offense’s inability to run the ball or protect Prescott highlighted areas for improvement. With a 3-3 record after the game, Dallas faces tough questions heading into the rest of the 2024 season.
Looking Ahead: December 5, 2025, Rematch
The Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats will face off again on December 5, 2025, at Ford Field. Detroit will look to build on this dominant performance, while Dallas will aim to redeem themselves at home. Fans can follow the action on Sofascore for live scores and stats. Based on this game, the Lions have the edge, but the NFL is unpredictable, and Dallas will be hungry for revenge.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats on October 13, 2024, was a masterclass in football. Jared Goff’s near-perfect passing, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs’ dominant rushing, and a defense that forced five turnovers overwhelmed Dallas at every turn. Standouts like Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta showed why the Lions are a force to be reckoned with. For Cowboys fans, it was a tough day, with CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aubrey providing the few bright spots.
