Lions Defeat Cowboys 44–30 Behind Jahmyr Gibbs’ Three-Touchdown Performance

DETROIT, MI — December 5, 2025

The Detroit Lions secured a 44–30 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on Thursday night, driven by a dominant offensive showing and multiple key defensive plays, according to the official NFL broadcast transcript.

Detroit opened the game with early momentum, keeping pressure on Dallas while consistently moving the ball. The first quarter featured productive touches from running back Jahmyr Gibbs, including a swing-pass conversion on third down and a physical run inside the 15-yard line. Detroit capped the opening sequence with a Jake Bates field goal to begin scoring.

Dallas answered with a 57-yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey, tying the game at 3–3. The Cowboys followed with completions to George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and CeeDee Lamb, but Detroit’s defense repeatedly applied pressure, totaling multiple sacks as recorded in the broadcast.

Detroit’s offense continued establishing balance with receptions by Amon-Ra St. Brown and strong runs from both Gibbs and Javonte Williams. Gibbs punched in Detroit’s first touchdown of the night on a short run through the middle, giving the Lions their first lead.

Dallas responded with key plays from Lamb and Pickens, with Aubrey adding another field goal to narrow the margin. But Detroit extended the lead again when Williams broke multiple tackles on a 35-yard touchdown run, pushing the Lions ahead 17–9.

Midway through the second quarter, Detroit’s defense shifted momentum dramatically. Linebacker Derrick Barnes intercepted a deflected pass intended for Pickens and returned it deep into Dallas territory. Moments later, rookie receiver Isaac TeslAA scored on a 12-yard touchdown catch, widening Detroit’s advantage.

Dallas stayed in the game with continued completions to Pickens, Flour­noy, and Ferguson, and Aubrey connected on a 55-yard field goal to keep the score within reach. Detroit answered with another Bates field goal, bringing the halftime score to 20–9.

Early in the second half, Barnes came up with Detroit’s second major defensive play — another interception following a tipped pass. Detroit quickly capitalized with a touchdown strike to TeslAA.

Dallas rallied behind Dak Prescott, who hit Lamb for a deep gain and connected with Ryan Flournoy for a 42-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion to Ferguson brought the Cowboys within three.

Detroit responded again, with Jameson Williams making multiple key receptions and Gibbs breaking loose for another touchdown run. With Detroit leading by 10, the Lions’ defense delivered again: Al-Quadin Muhammad recorded his third sack of the night, pushing Dallas into long-yardage situations.

Prescott continued connecting with Flournoy, Pickens, and Turpin late, but Detroit’s defense stiffened. With under four minutes remaining, DJ Reed intercepted Prescott, sealing possession for Detroit.

The Lions extended the lead with another touchdown from Gibbs — his third of the night — following a long reception by St. Brown and strong blocking from Detroit’s offensive front.

Detroit closed out the game with continued pressure on Prescott, including additional sacks and defended passes. The official broadcast concluded with the Lions winning 44–30, moving forward into the final stretch of their season.

At the Appalachian Post, our sports coverage is built on accuracy, clarity, and respect for the game. We report results the way they happen: cleanly, directly, and without exaggeration. Every recap focuses on the key plays, momentum shifts, and performances that define each matchup. We avoid speculation, bias, and hype, choosing instead to highlight the real story on the field, court, and ice. Our goal is to keep fans informed, grounded, and connected to the teams and leagues they love through straightforward, trustworthy reporting.

Sources

• NFL official broadcast transcript (NFL.com / NFL YouTube full-game broadcast)