Lions spoil Jerry Jones’ birthday, dominate the Cowboys in AT&T Stadium

Taking on the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the Cowboys hoped to get their first home win of the season. Much like their other two games at AT&T Stadium this season, Dallas got blown out from the very start. The depleted Dallas defense got off to a poor start, allowing an easy touchdown drive by the Lions on their first offensive possession. It didn’t get any better from the Mike Zimmer-led unit, as they allowed 492 yards and 47 points throughout the game.

From ESPN Research: The Cowboys have allowed 448 yards through the first three quarters today, their most given up through three quarters of a game since Week 10 of 2013 when the Saints put up 465 yards.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 13, 2024

While the defense had a historically bad game, their struggles shouldn’t come as the biggest surprise. The defense entered the game short-handed, not having DE Micah Parsons, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, or CB DaRon Bland. While they managed to hold their own last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Lions are a true Super Bowl contender and have one of the most prolific offenses across the league.

What continues to be a massive concern for the Cowboys is their offense. They only produced a putrid 251 total yards, 53 rushing yards, and failed to reach the end zone. After having a career game last week, RB Rico Dowdle only received two carries in the first half on Sunday against the Lions. QB Dak Prescott couldn’t get anything going in the passing game, with just 178 yards and two interceptions.

Team owner Jerry Jones celebrated his birthday on Sunday, turning 82 years old. Well, he celebrated until the game started. The performance from the Cowboys was a birthday present that Jones will look to forget. Their three performances at home have been so lopsided, that many fans and analysts on social media are wondering if there could be a drastic coaching change during the team’s bye week.

The Detroit Lions beating the Mike McCarthy out of the Dallas Cowboys.

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 13, 2024

It is highly unlikely that Jerry Jones would let go of Mike McCarthy so soon into the season, as they are 3-3 through six games. Regardless, McCarthy’s seat was considered hot heading into the season on an expiring contract. It is safe to assume that his seat is becoming even warmer following the team’s unimpressive performance against the Lions.