Lions at Cowboys Recap, Highlights, Final Score, More

The Dallas Cowboys were simply far too much for four quarters as the Detroit Lions got throttled on Monday Night Football.

The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions had a straight-up knockout slugfest on Monday Night Football in Week 16. But in the second half, all the punches were landed by the Cowboys. The Cowboys dominated the second half for a 21-point win over the Lions.

Both teams were strong in the first half with the Cowboys scoring on their first two possessions, including a 55-yard touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott, the second touchdown of the game by the Cowboys in the first quarter.

Before Elliott’s big rush to the end zone, the Cowboys had the opening touchdown of the game, a 21-yard reception by Brice Butler off a Dak Prescott pass. That was answered in the same quarter by the Lions when Zach Zenner rushed for a 7-yard score.

The Lions tied the score in the second quarter, then took the lead with touchdowns from a 1-yard Matthew Stafford run and another 5-yard rush by Zenner, putting Detroit in front, 21-14. Dez Bryant tied the score with an absolutely amazing one-handed catch in the end zone while under pressure, resulting in a 25-yard reception and a 21-21 score at the half.

To start the second half, Cowboys defensive back J.J. Wilcox forced the first Lions turnover of the game with an interception. On the ensuing Cowboys drive, the Lions had a costly pass interference call, and three plays later, the Cowboys added points with a 1-yard run by Elliott to regain the lead at 28-21 following the PAT by Dan Bailey.

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The Cowboys added to their lead with a 10-yard reception by Jason Witten off a left-handed pass from Bryant, who was wide open in the end zone, completing an eight-play, 95-yard drive in the third quarter. Bailey kicked the PAT to push the Cowboys lead to 35-21.

The fourth quarter began as a success for the Cowboys too with Bryant catching his second touchdown pass of the game, this time in double coverage, for a 19-yard reception for a touchdown. That pass was Prescott’s third touchdown pass of the game.

David Irving stopped the Lions from adding points by sacking Stafford, forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Cowboys, all but sealing the game plus keeping the Lions scoreless in the second half.

Next: NFL Power Rankings for Week 17

Three Stars

Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys — Elliott finished with 12 carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns. He helped set the tone against the Lions in the win.

Dez Bryant, Cowboys — Bryant totaled four receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a 10-yard touchdown pass, the first scoring throw of his career.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys — The Cowboys rookie quarterback was 15-of-20 for 212 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Highlights

Next Game

The Cowboys wrap up the 2016 regular season with an away game at the Philadelphia Eagles with a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field. The Lions host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football on Jan. 2 at Ford Field with the NFC North Championship on the line.