The next Cowboy to score a playoff touchdown against Detroit will be the first.
Yet, somehow, Dallas is 1-1 in its post-season history against the Lions. If that lack-of-scoring trend continues Sunday, it will be almost impossible for these Cowboys to advance in the NFC Playoffs.
Favored by a touchdown at AT&T Stadium against Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, the Cowboys had best put up at least a couple of touchdowns. The production of their previous two playoff games against the Lions – 5 and 6 points – won’t cut it.
In 1970 the Cowboys hosted the Lions in a Divisional Playoff Game at the Cotton Bowl. All they needed to win was a field goal by Mike Clarke, as the defense shut out the Lions (and added a safety) by limiting them to seven first downs and forcing three turnovers. The 5-0 win moved the Cowboys into the NFC Championship Game and eventually Super Bowl V.
In the 1991 playoffs the Cowboys again sputtered offensively against the Lions, but this time wound up getting hammered, 38-6. While the Cowboys were undecided on who to play at quarterback - a hot Steve Beuerlein or a finally healthy Troy Aikman – the Lions got three touchdown passes from Erik Kramer and a 47-yard scoring run from Barry Sanders in their romp at the Silverdome. The Cowboys, who would win the ensuing two Super Bowls, proved they were still a year away by mustering only two field goals by Ken Willis.
It remains the only post-season victory in Lions’ history, as they were trashed by the Washington Redskins in the NFC Championship Game the following week.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
