In a tightly contested NFL match, Detroit Lions' Ifeatu Melifonwu made a standout play with an interception, his third at home and eighth of the season, in back-to-back games. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who has been known for his NFL-best efficiency on extended plays, threw the interception, his eighth of the season and first ever against the Lions. Prescott's performance was inconsistent, missing a potential touchdown to Cooks and a 25-yard pass that fell incomplete. The Cowboys' running game faced challenges, with Tony Pollard ending the first quarter with three carries for negative five yards despite the team's early aggressive passing. The Cowboys also recorded three tackles for loss against the Lions' running game. The Lions' defense, noted for its performance against the run, was effective in the game. At the end of the first quarter, the Cowboys led 7-3, with Prescott having completed 5 of 9 passes for 137 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. CeeDee Lamb had a significant impact with two catches for 123 yards, including a 92-yard touchdown. Lions' quarterback Jared Goff threw for 55 yards, and running back David Montgomery had six carries for 20 yards. Aidan Hutchinson's pressure on Prescott led to the interception by Melifonwu, who has also recorded 3 sacks and a forced fumble since entering the starting lineup four games ago.
On bright side, that third-down give-up run for 0 yards was Cowboys RB Tony Pollard's longest carry of first quarter. His other two were for minus-2 and minus-3 yards. Dallas averaged minus-1.7 yards per carry, 15.2 yards per pass in first quarter with CeeDee Lamb's 92-yard TD.
Like last week, Detroit's run D looks good so far: Pollard with three carries for minus-5 yards in first quarter.
End of the 1st quarter in Arlington: Cowboys 7, Lions 3 QB Dak Prescott: 5 of 9, 137 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT WR CeeDeeLamb: 2 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD RB Tony Pollard: 3 carries, minus-5 yards Lions QB Jared Goff: 5 of 8, 55 yards Lions RB David Montgomery: 6 carries, 20 yards
Dak: Rips a 25-yard seam into the tight end's hands on second-and-14 only to see it fall incomplete, again McCarthy: Let's run a stupid toss on third-and-14
Cowboys have had three tackles for loss against the run in the first quarter so far. The Lions planned to run on the Cowboys suspect run defense. Not going so well so far
#55 had a free shot at Dak Prescott for a safety but completely missed it… wow 9 point swing. https://t.co/HlCOz7E0ur
Detroit had the right pressure dialed-up. Open rush lane. Have to get the QB on the ground. Tough spot for the secondary there.
I am continually amazed how bad the Dallas Cowboys' rushing attack is, for such an otherwise good team. https://t.co/ovJcgnP36G
#Cowboys defense does its job and only thing suffered by the INT is loss of field position, but no points.
Back-to-back games w/ an INT for Ifeatu Melifonwu, the younger brother of former #Raiders 2nd round pick Obi Melifonwu
Where has Melifonwu been all year? Over last 3 weeks he's got 3.0 sacks, 2 INTs & 5 passes defended. Kid is ballin. #DETvsDAL
as Aikman just noted RE: Prescott's tendencies on money downs: Detroit takes away the first look to Lamb, the first look underneath is covered ... then the desperate heave to Lamb. Interception.
That's Dak Prescott's eighth INT of the season.
Terrible throw by Dak Prescott. He was flushed up in the pocket, looked like he was going to try to run, and then flung it to CeeDee Lamb. Never saw S Ifeatu Melifonwu along the sidelines. That was his 8th interception of the season and just his 3rd at home.
Another big play for Grafton’s Ifeatu Melifonwu. Now with 2 INTs, 3 sacks and a FF since entering the starting lineup four games ago
Lions defense is different with @CuseFootball Ifeatu Melifonwu out there.
Cowboys attacked the Lions' suspect secondary early, Dak Prescott with five passes on first six plays. But the fifth is intercepted. Rare miscue on an extended play, where Prescott has operated with NFL-best efficiency this season.
Ifeatu Melifonwu is slowly becoming my new favourite Detroit Lion.
Aidan Hutchinson chasing after Dak Prescott in the pocket and he throws a INT, on the move, as Ifeatu Melifonwu picks it off.
Now, Melifonwu HAS been playing his best football lately.
Horrible decision by Dak. Just trying to force it to lamb. Why? And that’s after missing cooks for 6.
Ifeatu Melifonwu interception. This man is making PLAYS for the Lions. https://t.co/Yzf57V0eGG
Dak Prescott intercepted by Detroit with a late throw to the sideline. His first ever interception against the Lions
Ifeatu Melifonwu keeps getting it done
Melifonwu with another INT. #DETvsDAL
Dak missed a Cooks TD again.