The Detroit Lions can enjoy a calmer weekend after securing a critical 44–30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, December 5. The win keeps Detroit firmly in the NFC playoff race, while it left Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones openly frustrated.

With the result, the Lions improved to 8–5, boosting their postseason probability to 54%, according to NFL Research. The Cowboys, meanwhile, dropped to 8% playoff odds, a sharp decline following weeks of strong performances that once suggested a late-season surge.

Jerry Jones Criticizes Cowboys’ Defensive Performance vs. Jared Goff

Speaking after the loss, Jones did not hold back. His main frustration centered on how Dallas’ defense handled Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

“He’s a statue — and I say that positively,” Jones said on The Fan, per Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas News.

Jones added that the Cowboys should have been more effective in stopping the run and applying pressure.

“We had our ears pinned back… We should’ve done better stopping the run and getting pressure on him. We’re going to be analyzing everything with real detail.”

Jones made clear that his remarks weren’t meant to criticize Goff, but rather to express disappointment in Dallas’ inability to dictate the game defensively.

Dan Campbell Praises Lions’ Discipline, Takeaways, and Pass Rush

After the win, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke glowingly about his team’s resilience and execution.

“I’m proud of the guys. They rallied. They showed up,” Campbell said. “The work was there all week… The intensity, the urgency. The guys don’t get frazzled. They don’t panic. They just go to work.”

Campbell highlighted the defense’s three takeaways, which directly led to 14 points, and a late interception by D.J. Reed that allowed Detroit to seal the win.

He also shouted out Al-Quadin Muhammad, who delivered a standout performance with three sacks. Campbell noted that while Aidan Hutchinson draws plenty of attention, contributions from playmakers like Muhammad are just as important.

Lions Look to Clean Up Mistakes and Build on Momentum

Looking forward, Campbell said Detroit must continue sharpening its execution.

“We clean up the stuff that bit us today. That’s what we do,” he said. “We did some good things today — let’s tweak a few things and do a version of it.”

With confidence rising and the playoff picture tightening, the Lions head into the final stretch with renewed energy after a statement win over Dallas.