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Cowboys Coach's Immediate Message After Painful Loss to Lions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit K. | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 1:39 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys’ postseason hopes took a major hit Thursday night after a 44–30 loss to the Detroit Lions. It was a frustrating night for the Cowboys team that had surged back into contention with three straight wins.

Dak Prescott threw for 376 yards, but Detroit’s revitalized defense sacked him five times and forced three turnovers. However, despite the loss, head coach Brian Schottenheimer wasted no time setting the tone for how his team must respond.

Reporter Jon Machota captured the coach’s immediate message on X, quoting Schottenheimer as saying he has no concerns that tonight’s loss will deflate the team.

"Special group of guys. They’re not gonna let that happen," Schottenheimer said. "… We’ll pick ourselves up and go back to work."

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has no concerns that tonight’s loss will deflate the team from what they’ve accomplished in their three previous games: “Special group of guys. They’re not gonna let that happen. … We’ll pick ourselves up and go back to work.” pic.twitter.com/yxYnQGzWMh
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 5, 2025

With CeeDee Lamb exiting in the third quarter due to a concussion, Dallas leaned heavily on kicker Brandon Aubrey. He delivered five field goals, including three from beyond 55 yards, but field goals were not enough to keep pace with a Lions offense firing on all cylinders.

Jahmyr Gibbs powered Detroit with three touchdowns, while Jared Goff carved up the Cowboys for 309 passing yards. The Lions again avoided back to back losses and boosted their playoff probability.

Schottenheimer acknowledged the defensive issues, noting Detroit’s explosive plays repeatedly shifted momentum. Still, players echoed their coach’s mindset.

"These guys aren’t deflated… they are ticked off," Prescott said, emphasizing that the team must channel frustration productively.

At 6-6-1, the Cowboys remain inconsistent but not finished. With the Minnesota Vikings up next, Schottenheimer and his team are focused. Dallas intends to regroup quickly and fight to stay alive in the playoff race.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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