The Dallas Cowboys endured a frustrating night against the Detroit Lions, and the game left the organization with mixed feelings. The defeat came down to small details, but the postgame conversation focused on one specific coaching decision.
Executive vice president Stephen Jones emphasized that the most important margin was not on the scoreboard. He believed the real difference appeared between the yard markers and the coaching staff’s trust in kicker Brandon Aubrey. His comments ignited the internal discussion.
Jones highlighted Aubrey’s historic performance, as the kicker made five field goals, the second such game of his career. He also made a tackle on a long return that prevented a defensive disaster. In a game filled with mistakes, Aubrey was the team’s most reliable piece. That is why the decision not to attempt another long field goal caught Jones’ attention, and he regretted not giving Aubrey that decisive opportunity.
The moment that split the coaching staff
According to the Essentiallysports report, the play that raised questions came with 1:23 on the clock. Dallas trailed by 14 points, and a field goal would not have changed the outcome. For that reason, Brian Schottenheimer, identified as the one who made the call, decided to attack through the air. However, the strategy failed. With 1:13 remaining, Dak Prescott’s short pass to Ryan Flournoy was intercepted by D.J. Reed, a mistake that sealed the loss.
Even so, Jones stressed that the staff’s confidence in Aubrey remains absolute. He recalled previous attempts in which Schottenheimer and special teams coach Sorensen showed boldness by allowing long kicks. “It just shows the confidence we have in him,” he said.
Cowboys 30-44 Lions
Victoria importante para Detroit en la pelea por los playoffs.#MundoNFL | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/6Us9eLimGp— Mundo NFL (@MundoNFL) December 5, 2025
Aubrey has responded with historic numbers. He now has six field goals from at least 60 yards, the most in league history. This season he has made 27 of 29 field goals. On extra points, he converted 28 of 29. He currently ranks as the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history, with 90.35 percent.
The loss hurt, but Dallas remains alive in the playoff race. The Chargers’ victory over the Eagles revived the team’s mood. With Philadelphia at 8-5, the Cowboys sit one and a half games behind with four weeks left. That result boosted Jerry Jones’ optimism. “Very excited,” he said after learning the divisional rival’s score.
Now, the Cowboys prepare for a crucial matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Every play will matter as they try to keep the playoff dream alive.
