Week 14 Thursday Night Football Statistical Review: Lions take a shootout with Cowboys

The Lions tore apart what had seemed like an improved Cowboys defense: Detroit amassed nine drives in scoring range and converted five red-zone trips into four touchdowns.

CeeDee Lamb was on pace for a big game: The star wideout still finished with 121 receiving yards on six catches, but a concussion prematurely ended his outing.

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In a crucial matchup for their respective playoff chances, the Detroit Lions earned an important win by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 44-30 on Thursday Night Football.

Game Summary

According to the PFF noise-canceled score metric, the Lions were indeed the better team in a high-scoring game, amassing nine drives in scoring range against a Cowboys defense that might not be as improved as it looked in recent weeks.

Passing Summary

The Lions' passing game was dominant throughout the game. The Cowboys' pass game was similarly efficient, but a crucial interception on a batted pass and an almost-safety tanked the unit's efficiency. The Lions also capitalized with a handful of sacks on a night when Dak Prescott dropped back 60 times.

Receiving Summary

Three players nearly reached 100 receiving yards for the Lions, as Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs dominated in the receiving game.

After multiple stellar performances in recent weeks, it was a quiet night for George Pickens. CeeDee Lamb was on pace for an outstanding game before a concussion ended his night. In the end, Ryan Flournoy ended up having the most targets and targeted air yards for the Cowboys, and he racked up 115 yards and a touchdown.

Rushing Summary

Neither team was particularly consistent on the ground, but the Lions had a few explosive runs and four rushing touchdowns between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.