Recap: Cowboys beat Lions, 24-6, as offense struggles with turnovers

The Lions defense played by far its best game of the season. It got several big stops when it needed to. But of course, it was the offense’s turn to wet the bed.

The Lions turned the ball over five times in the second half — four by Jared Goff — in a 24-6 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

It was clear that Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn weren’t lying when they said they were going to make some adjustments on defense. They got a pass rush — Aidan Hutchinson had a sack and a half. Josh Paschal played well in his NFL debut. Jeff Okudah was everywhere on the field. It was a heck of a performance for a defense that sorely needed it.

But the offense hasn’t scored a touchdown in its last two games. One of these days, both areas of the team will need to perform well at the same time.

Final: Cowboys 24, Lions 6

Cowboys seal the deal

-Q4 1:55: Prescott to Peyton Hendershot for the TD. 24-6.

Goff turns it over again

-Q4 2:13: Goff is stripped and Dallas recovers. The game is officially over now. At least it was a quick game.

Cowboys tack on a TD

-Q4 2:46: That’ll probably do it. Zeke Elliot scores from a yard out, and it’s 17-6 Cowboys.

Goff throws another INT

-Q4 8:29: Goff throws another pick. This team can’t get out of its own way. Third turnover today.

-Q4 9:52: The Lions defense is playing its tails off. Another Dallas punt. The offense has to capitalize.

Lions fumble at the goal line

-Q4 12:21: Unbelievable turn of events. Lions almost scored, ruled down at the 1, and then Williams fumbles. Cowboys ball

End of third quarter: Cowboys lead Lions 10-6

-Q3 4:50: Hutchinson gets a big sack on third down to force a Cowboys punt. That’s a huge stop.

-Q3 6:56: Goff was sacked on first down and that killed the drive. Lions punting again. This is starting to get away from them. And then a big punt return for Dallas.

Cowboys take the lead

-Q3 10:18: And just like that, Dallas is in the end zone. Cowboys take a 10-6 lead.

Goff throws a pick

-Q3 13:37: Goff throws an interception to begin the second half, which is the exact opposite of what the Lions needed.

Second half underway

Lions get the ball to start the second half.

First half stats

Goff: 10/12, 85 yards

Williams: 8 rushes, 37 yards

Hockenson: 2 catches, 25 yards

Hutchinson/Anzalone: half sack each.

Halftime: Lions 6, Cowboys 3

Lions had 1:45 and three timeouts and Dan Campbell went ultra conservative. Can’t say I agree with that.

Lions force a much-needed turnover

-Q2 1:45: Lions recover a fumble deep in their own territory. Kerby Joseph with the hit to force it out.

Two-minute warning

Cowboys are driving.

-Q2 4:03: Lions go three-and-out after Goff was sacked on second down. They are punting.

-Q2 6:40: The Lions defense is playing very well. Jeff Okudah is playing extremely well. It forces another Cowboys punt.

Lions add another field goal

-Q2 7:59: Badgley is perfect from 53 yards. Lions may have found its kicker. It’s 6-3

Cowboys settle for three

-Q2 12:24: Cowboys counter with a chip shot FG. The Lions defense bent, but didn’t break. 3-3.

End of first quarter: Lions lead Cowboys 3-0

Lions get on the board first

-Q1 3:58: Michael Badgley makes his first field goal as a Lion, a 40-yarder, and it’s 3-0 Lions. Ben Johnson called some nice plays on that drive.

-Q1 8:53: Jeff Okudah with a big tackle for loss on third and 1 and the Lions force another three-and-out. Couldn’t ask for a better start for the defense.

-Q1 10:39: Jamaal Williams fumbled on second down, and then Ben Johnson called a delay on third and 7. The Lions will punt.

-Q1 13:26: Aidan Hutchinson sacks Dak Prescott on third down and the Cowboys go three-and-out. Great start for the Lions defense.

Kickoff

Cowboys won the toss and elected to receive. Lions defense up first.

Injury designations

ACTIVE: WR Josh Reynolds (knee/ankle), DE Josh Paschal (sports hernia), CB Jerry Jacobs (knee), DL John Cominsky

INACTIVE: RB D’Andre Swift (ankle/shoulder), OT Matt Nelson, DL Michael Brockers (healthy scratch), DE Charles Harris (groin), DL Demetrius Taylor, CB Will Harris (hip), S Ifeatu Melifonwu

Pregame

Fresh off a bye week, the Detroit Lions will look to get back on track against a Dallas Cowboys team that is getting its starting quarterback back.

Dak Prescott will play for Dallas for the first time since injuring his thumb in week 1. The Lions may get DL John Cominsky back to help it generate some pass rush, and also have activated DE Josh Paschal and CB Jerry Jacobs. The injury news isn’t as positive on the offensive front, however, as the Lions once again will be without running back D’Andre Swift.

The Lions will need to a lot to go right to pull off an upset on the road. It would be huge win for it if it can get it done.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Matthew Scheidel.