The Dallas Cowboys’ chances of reaching the postseason suffered a significant setback following their Week 14 defeat against the Detroit Lions.Coming into the matchup on a three-game winning streak—highlighted by a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving—the Cowboys appeared to be gaining momentum.
Yet, their defense struggled immensely, surrendering more than 400 yards and 44 points throughout the contest.
Following the game, quarterback Dak Prescott spoke out with a strong reality about the team.
“I think guys are pissed off right now,” Prescott said.
“I don’t think it’s any deflated moment like, oh, hands are up, we’re done. No. No. Absolutely not. I think you’re going to get a team that’s pissed, especially as we talk about a team that’s kind of changed since the bye week. This is the first time this group, to an extent, suffered this. So hopefully it pisses people off the right way, we use it as fuel, and I know, starting with myself, I’ll make sure we have a great week of prep for the next one.”
The defeat carried extra sting for one member of the Dallas defense.
Trailing 30-27 with 8:24 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Lions faced a third-and-6. Detroit quarterback Jared Goff connected with wide receiver Jameson Williams on a short pass, and Williams turned it into a 29-yard gain that pushed his team deep into Cowboys territory—a pivotal moment that shifted the game’s momentum.
The drive gained even more yardage when Dallas defensive end James Houston was flagged for striking Goff in the head, adding 13 yards to the penalty. Just two plays afterward, running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a 10-yard touchdown rush, extending Detroit’s advantage to 37-27 with 7:17 left.
On Saturday, the NFL delivered further bad news to Houston, issuing a $5,722 fine for a “blow to the head/neck.”
Despite the struggles of the Dallas Cowboys’ overall defensive unit this season, Houston has emerged as a standout performer, pacing the team with 5.5 sacks.
