The Detroit Lions managed to fend off a late-game rally to claim an important victory against the Dallas Cowboys during a primetime matchup. However, the joy of the win was overshadowed when news broke that safety Brian Branch will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles. This significant injury opens the door for a veteran free agent acquisition to play a crucial role in the team”s future success.
In the game, quarterback Jared Goff surpassed 300 passing yards, showcasing a strong performance when the Lions needed it most. Despite facing considerable pressure, he executed plays effectively, leading the team to a vital win.
The Lions have increasingly relied on rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who continues to take on a larger workload compared to veteran David Montgomery. Montgomery did, however, contribute a notable 35-yard touchdown run, marking the first instance since Week 5 where both running backs found the end zone in the same game.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown reaffirmed his reputation as one of the toughest players in the NFL, participating in nearly every snap despite not practicing leading up to the game. With Kalif Raymond still recovering from injury, the Lions leaned on rookie TeSlaa, who scored his fourth touchdown of the year.
Special teams were significantly boosted by Kennedy, while Cunningham took a snap in a wildcat formation during his first game as a practice squad elevation. New waiver claim Hayden Rucci was inactive, resulting in the Lions fielding only two active tight ends, a situation that will be critical moving forward following the placement of Brock Wright on injured reserve.
Four starters played every snap, and Graham Glasgow made his return, with Trystan Colon and Miles Frazier sharing responsibilities at left guard. Frazier performed well in his NFL debut, while Colon improved after a shaky start. The Lions also utilized a near equal rotation between Davenport and Muhammad opposite Aidan Hutchinson on the edge, with Muhammad stepping up to record three sacks, bringing his season total to a career-best nine.
Most of the linebacker duties fell to Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez, with Barnes and Nowaske also contributing. Currently, it appears that Nowaske has moved ahead of Rodriguez on the depth chart, as both players exhibit similar skill sets.
With Terrion Arnold expected to miss the remainder of the season, the Lions are focusing on Reed and Robertson on the outside, with Ya-Sin in the slot. Whiteside saw action for one snap after rejoining the active roster, while Dorsey continues to play a significant role in special teams. The absence of Branch and Kerby Joseph“s ongoing knee issues will likely elevate Maddox“s responsibilities in the upcoming games. Additionally, Thomas was called upon to step in for Branch after Thomas Harper exited the game under concussion protocol. How the Lions handle their defensive lineup in light of these injuries will be closely observed.
