For the Dallas Cowboys, home isn’t what it used to be. Once a fortress where victories were nearly guaranteed, AT&T Stadium has become a source of growing frustration. In the past, the Cowboys ruled their home turf with an iron fist, rattling off 16 consecutive home wins across 2022 and 2023. Yet, since the dawn of 2024, something has shifted. It seems the Cowboys can’t find their rhythm in front of their fans, and today’s game against the Detroit Lions is the latest example of their downward spiral.
What’s going on in Dallas? After another brutal first half, the Cowboys trailed 27-6 at the break, adding yet another disappointing chapter to their 2024 season. Despite a brief moment of hope at the beginning of the game, it quickly turned into a familiar nightmare for the Cowboys faithful. Not only did the Lions dominate in all phases of the game, but the loss took place on a significant day-Jerry Jones’ 82nd birthday. As the owner looked on, his team continued their inexplicable struggles at home.
The Cowboys had shown promise early, marching down the field on their opening drive, but it only resulted in a field goal. This brief 3-0 lead was quickly erased as the Lions imposed their will. Detroit’s offense sparked to life with a dazzling 70-yard drive that ended with David Montgomery bruising his way into the end zone, giving the Lions a 7-3 lead. From there, it was all Detroit, with the Cowboys offense stumbling and the defense left guessing.
Turnovers and trick plays: Cowboys collapse at home again
A critical moment came when Dak Prescott threw his second red-zone interception in as many weeks. The intended pass to CeeDee Lamb was picked off by Detroit’s Brian Branch, marking a devastating shift in momentum. The Lions wasted no time capitalizing on the turnover, executing a stunning trick play-a double-reverse flea flicker-that led to a 52-yard touchdown by tight end Sam LaPorta, pushing the Lions’ lead to 17-3. It was a play that seemed to symbolize how thoroughly outmatched the Cowboys were.
Adding salt to the wound, the Cowboys’ decision to go for it on 4th & 2 from their own 38-yard line late in the second quarter failed miserably. Prescott’s pass to Kavontae Turpin fell incomplete, giving Detroit excellent field position. Just a few plays later, Montgomery powered in his second touchdown of the game, extending Detroit’s lead to 27-3. A late field goal by Dallas only served to reduce the deficit slightly before the half, leaving the Cowboys in a familiar hole at home.
The numbers are staggering. In their last four home games, Dallas has been outscored 110-35 in the first half. The slide began with a crushing playoff loss to the Packers and has since snowballed into routs at the hands of the Saints, Ravens, and now the Lions. While questions swirl about the team’s preparation and performance, what’s clear is that their home advantage has vanished, leaving fans wondering if this Cowboys team has lost its edge altogether.