Cowboys vs. Lions: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic Rivalry

The Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry is one of the most storied in the history of the NFL. The two teams have met 110 times since 1952, with the Cowboys holding a slim 52-51-5 advantage. The rivalry has been marked by intense competition, memorable moments, and a passionate fan base.

History of the Rivalry

The Cowboys and Lions first met in 1952, when they were both members of the Western Conference. The Lions won the first game, 48-7. However, the Cowboys would soon become a dominant force in the NFL, and they quickly began to dominate the rivalry.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Cowboys won 10 of the 12 games against the Lions. During this period, the Cowboys were led by legendary quarterback Roger Staubach, who threw for over 3,700 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career.

The Lions enjoyed a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, winning six of the eight games against the Cowboys during that time. Led by Barry Sanders, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, the Lions were a force to be reckoned with.

Memorable Moments

The Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry has been filled with memorable moments. Here are a few of the most notable:

• 1963: The Cowboys defeat the Lions 51-7 in the NFL Championship Game. This was the first NFL championship for the Cowboys, and it began their dynasty of the 1960s and 1970s.
• 1983: The Lions upset the Cowboys 48-25 in the NFC Championship Game. This was a major upset, as the Cowboys were heavily favored to win.
• 1999: The Lions defeat the Cowboys 30-24 in overtime. This was a huge win for the Lions, as it helped them clinch a berth in the NFC playoffs.

Cowboys vs. Lions: A Statistical Comparison

The Cowboys and Lions have faced off 110 times since 1952. Here is a statistical comparison of the two teams:

Pros and Cons of Each Team

The Cowboys and Lions are both talented teams with a rich history. However, each team has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Cowboys

• Pros:
  • High-powered offense led by Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott
  • Strong defense led by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs
  • Experienced coaching staff led by Mike McCarthy
• Cons:
  • Offensive line has struggled with injuries
  • Secondary has been inconsistent at times

Lions

• Pros:
  • Exciting offense led by Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown
  • Talented defense led by Aidan Hutchinson and Romeo Okwara
  • Young and promising head coach in Dan Campbell
• Cons:
  • Offensive line needs improvement
  • Pass rush has been underwhelming at times

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the most wins in the Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry?

The Cowboys have the most wins in the rivalry, with a record of 52-51-5.

Who is the all-time leading rusher in the Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry?

Barry Sanders is the all-time leading rusher in the rivalry, with 1,647 yards.

Who is the all-time leading passer in the Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry?

Roger Staubach is the all-time leading passer in the rivalry, with 3,768 yards.

What is the largest margin of victory in the Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry?

The largest margin of victory in the rivalry is 44 points, which occurred in a 51-7 Cowboys win in the 1963 NFL Championship Game.

What is the most common score in the Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry?

The most common score in the rivalry is 24-17, which has occurred four times.

Call to Action

The Cowboys vs. Lions rivalry is one of the most exciting in the NFL. If you're a fan of either team, be sure to check out the next game. You're in for a treat!