The Detroit Lions head back to Dallas this week, the scene of last year's controversial flag on a potential game-winning two-point play in which referees deemed left tackle Taylor Decker did not report as eligible.
The call left the Lions seething last season. Heading into the rematch on Sunday, however, Detroit players said the hullabaloo offers little motivation in 2024.
"As controversial as last year was, it was last year. So I think we're very hopeful and we're all just ready to go over there, and we're on a mission this year," star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson said Tuesday, via the Detroit News. "We're not going to let the past define us."
Quarterback Jared Goff concurred when asked if players want revenge.
"No. It's a different team," Goff said. "But it wasn't like ... we got screwed intentionally. I think it was just a mistake that the officials made and it happens. That type of stuff happens and you move on, but no, I don't think we take it personally."
The Cowboys have won each of the past five matchups against the Lions (2016-2023), Dallas' best record versus any opponent since 2016, when Dak Prescott was drafted. The QB's 5-0 record versus Detroit is his best versus any opponent, and the Lions are one of three teams he's not lost to in his career (2-0 vs. Pittsburgh, 1-0 vs. Cincinnati).
The Lions last defeated the Cowboys in Week 8, 2013, a 31-30 win at Ford Field -- Matthew Stafford had a 1-yard rush TD to take the lead with 0:12 remaining in the game (Tony Romo was Dallas' QB).
"You can always find something (to motivate you). To me, you always find a nugget, it doesn't matter who you're playing. There are reasons behind why you want to win, and you find what those are and they're different every week," coach Dan Campbell said. "But you've got to play a clean game."