NFL 2023 - 24 Week 17 Saturday Game Review: Cowboys Barely Hold On to Edge Lions in Dallas

  

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Saturday Game:

Dallas Cowboys 20, Detroit Lions 19

Former Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson was honored during halftime of this game. He took Dallas from being the worst team in the league in 1989, with a 1-15 record, to 13-3 and Super Bowl champions in 1992. Many legends were there from this franchise to see Johnson into the Dallas Ring of Honor.

As for the game itself, if this game will be remembered, people likely will recall the Lions taking some serious gambles. They tried for a fake punt from deep in their own territory in the first quarter, and were ultimately successful there, even though the drive stalled once they got near the goal line. The results of the game itself might have been different had they gone for the safer points of a field goal, rather than staking all on a touchdown, given how close this game would prove to be.

But the most important gamble that they took was late in the fourth quarter. Down a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, Detroit managed to get that touchdown. But instead of going for the tie with an extra point conversion, they went for the win with a two-point conversion. The first attempt was successful, until they were flagged and had to do it over again. On the second attempt, they fell short on a badly executed play. 

An onside kick in the end did not work for them, as the 'Boys managed to preserve a very narrow, tight win, which keeps their division title hopes alive, for now. At the very least, it continues to keep the pressure on the Eagles, who need to keep winning in order to finally capture the NFC East division title. 

The two teams were even in most categories. The Lions offense produced significantly more yards than the Cowboys. But the two teams were mostly even in other categories, such as time of possession and turnovers and penalties. It really was a close game which, fittingly, went down to the final seconds. Hope we see more such exciting games once the playoffs roll around!

Now, these two teams are even in terms of overall records, as well. Both teams are 11-5, although the Lions have already clinched the NFC North title, while the Cowboys still trail the Eagles. Not sure that these two teams will meet in the postseason or not. But if it's anything like this game, I will look forward to it!

My pick: Accurate