The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for another matchup with the Detroit Lions this Sunday at AT&T Stadium, less than a year after their controversial 20-19 win on New Year’s Eve. As tensions rise, the narrative of that game, especially the failed two-point conversion attempt by the Lions, is back in the spotlight.
In that game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell opted to go for a two-point conversion three times, all unsuccessfully, after the Lions scored a touchdown with 23 seconds left. The most talked-about play was an illegal touching penalty on Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who caught what appeared to be a go-ahead pass, only to be flagged because Decker was ineligible.
Many Lions fans claim the officiating cost them the game. However, the confusion appears to have been self-inflicted as Decker’s ineligibility was clearly announced by the head official at the time. The Lions, seemingly trying to pull off some trickery, didn’t correct the official’s announcement, leading to the failed play.
Now, ahead of Sunday’s rematch, the Lions are motivated but acknowledge they’ve moved past last season’s controversy. However, Detroit’s head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that his team is on a mission, not driven by last year’s outcome, but focused on getting their fourth win of the season.
Extra Point Drama
Another unusual moment in last Sunday’s game against the Steelers occurred during the final extra-point attempt by the Cowboys. The Steelers were called for offside twice while trying to block the kick. Referee Shawn Hochuli warned that a third infraction would result in an “unsportsmanlike conduct penalty,” which would automatically award the Cowboys the extra point without needing a kick. It’s a rarely seen rule that surprised even veteran observers.
Postgame Tensions
After the Cowboys’ 20-17 win over Pittsburgh, tensions flared when Steelers wide receiver George Pickens yanked Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis’ facemask out of frustration, leading to a personal foul penalty. Lewis, who had played a key role in recovering the game-sealing loose ball, brushed off the incident, saying, “I should have expected that from him.”
Injury Woes Continue for Cowboys
The Cowboys have been plagued by injuries this season, especially on defense. Rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland suffered a torn meniscus during last Sunday’s game and is expected to miss significant time. The Cowboys were already without Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, and now Kneeland’s absence leaves the team thin at defensive end.
However, there is hope on the horizon as cornerback DaRon Bland may make his season debut on Sunday against Detroit. Bland, who missed the first five games with a foot injury, is expected to help shore up the Cowboys’ secondary. “DaRon Bland has a real chance to play,” said Stephen Jones, though his role may be limited in his first game back.
Final Thoughts
As the Cowboys look to keep their momentum going, they’ll need to overcome both injuries and a determined Lions team seeking to avenge last season’s loss. With DaRon Bland’s potential return and some key performances in recent weeks, Dallas is poised for another thrilling matchup this Sunday.
