Dallas Cowboys

11 takeaways: Dallas Cowboys crush the Detroit Lions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:47 p.m. ET

Fansided, Michael Vu/FanSided via The Landry Hat

With another strong performance by the Dallas Cowboys, here are 11 takeaways to think about as America’s Team prepares for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jan 23, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; ESPN broadcaster and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders former coach Jon Gruden at Team Irvin practice at Scottsdale Community College in advance of the 2015 Pro Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN analyst and former NFL head coach Jon Gruden said it best last night: If you have the Dallas Cowboys on your schedule, good luck.

Just so we’re clear here, he was emphasizing good luck.

After another brilliant performance by America’s Team, it’s apparent that Dallas is ready for the playoffs and more. The Cowboys had nothing to play for, other than suiting up for a quick tune up before the post season. The Lions, on the other hand, were suiting up for a spot in the playoffs.

Cowboys 42, Lions 21.

I want to be clear about this: The Dallas Cowboys had nothing to play for. Again, the number one seed is locked up, and their position in the tournament cannot change. Yet, the Cowboys blew the roof off and shattered the Lions into pieces.

Well, now that I got that out of my system, here are 11 takeaways to think about before the Cowboys head off to face the Philadelphia Eagles.

1. ESPN production crew jinxed the Detroit Lions

Forgive me. But I believe in these weird, odd occurrences that can sway things.

Towards the end of the third period, the Lions went for a 47-yard field goal. Instead of having the camera angles on the kicker, Matt Prater, audiences had the benefit to see what the fans in AT&T Stadium were wearing.

They were also the ones who told viewers at home that Prater missed his kick. Bad ESPN. Bad. It was downhill for the Lions from there on out — not that it was going well for them before that, though.

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches a touchdown pass while defended by Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dez Bryant is born again

Bryant entered the game just a few catches shy of receiving 50 balls. That’s not a lot of production from an elite player.

Things changed last night. Not only did Bryant show off his best Dak Prescott impersonation, he had four catches, two receiving scores and of course, his very own first touchdown pass. It was a brilliant call.

Bryant is getting hot again, which isn’t a good thing for defenses moving forward.

3. Jason Garrett culture in full effect

Cowboys had the option to rest. To sit. To watch.

Instead, the Cowboys suited up for a playoff themed dress rehearsal. Credit the head coach. The Cowboys are believing, whether it’s preseason, regular season or on the verge of playing in the post season.

Dallas is now at 13 wins for the year. They will have a chance to set a franchise team record of 14 wins in the regular season at Philly next week.

4. Randy Gregory plays; finds a spark

Welcome back, Mr. Gregory. Once considered a top-five talent in the 2015 NFL Draft, Gregory makes his 2016 debut with two tackles and one quarterback hit.

The 24-year-old showed some juice on the turf. Though it’s obvious his conditioning isn’t regular season ready, the young top gun showed heart and a willingness to play through injury.

Watch out for him to continue his journey back next week against the Eagles.

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates with mascot Rowdy after the game against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

5. Dak Prescott is ready for the playoffs

Prescott’s numbers against the Lions defense:

• 15/20

• 212 passing yards

• 10.6 AVG

• three touchdown passes

• 148.3 rating

• four carries for 35 yards, 8.8 AVG

I want to know why people still think Tony Romo should start over Dak. I don’t see it. I didn’t see before, I don’t see it now, and I won’t see it in the future.

Prescott had a fantastic game. The young quarterback delivered, and with the way he’s playing now, the playoffs can’t come sooner.

6. Cowboys offensive line talk never gets old

It all starts at the line. Prescott had another brilliant night, thanks to the offensive line who gave him time to check his reads.

Rookie runner Ezekiel Elliott busted for 80 yards on 12 totes, with a long of 55 yards. The Cowboys finished the game with 30 carries for 164 yards.

This offensive line play will be remembered. Years from now, offenses around the country will look up tape on this offensive line as an example of how football should be played in the trenches.

7. Dak doesn’t slide

During the week, I tweeted out how smart Prescott was with the ball and his body. Last night, he protected the ball but not himself.

Those extra yards aren’t worth it, especially in a game that means nothing. I love his passion, but those hits by the Lions defenders should have been avoided.

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

8. Scott Linehan and Rod Marinelli serve their revenge dishes

The two former Detroit Lions head coaches had a brilliant night. And while we admire their scheme and game planning over the Lions, it’s hard not to think about what their statuses will be next season with many teams in need of new head coaching talent.

For now, savor the 42-21 win. The Cowboys dominated on both sides of the ball, and the coordinators are responsible.

9. Sean Lee for Pro Bowl

Lee added another five tackles for the year last night. He needs to be part of the Pro Bowl list. That’s all.

10. David Irving is the new kid king

Irving helped the Dallas Cowboys stop an elite quarterback. Stafford was sacked four times, had one pick, and a final rating of 63.7.

Irving was credited with three tackles, 1.5 sacks, one pass deflection and two quarterback hits. America’s Team has found a new king at the defensive end spot.

11. Ezekiel Elliott won’t get the rookie rushing record

With just 80 rushing yards against the Lions, it looks like the big record is out of reach for Zeke. The Cowboys were cautious about their star runner, who only needed 12 carries to reach 80 yards.

Had the game been more important (or even next week’s contest against the Eagles for that matter), the fight for the record would still be part of today’s conversation.

For now, the Cowboys will just have to live with Zeke and MVP conversations. I can live with that.