In the locker room: Lions “unload the clip” in statement about win over Cowboys

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – Whether it was last year's controversial finish, overcoming the doldrums against the Dallas Cowboys or gaining attention in the late afternoon window, the Detroit Lions wanted to make a statement at AT&T Stadium.

Statement made.

The Lions defeated the Cowboys 47-9, going all out from start to finish in the stunning win and were 4-1 after the bye week. They ran trick plays, looked for the offensive linemen, threw touchdowns and received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for cheering down the stretch.

“We knew we were going to come in here and release the clip,” Decker said. “We wanted to make a statement. And we wanted to get this win. It's a talented squad they have there, especially after a bye, we don't want to suffer a drop in our performance. We were aiming for a more comprehensive performance, especially on offense. I played well against Seattle and I think we played even better this week. We just have to keep going and keep playing complementary football and help our defense.

“The more we can keep them off the field, the fresher they are and they can go out and get some turnovers and stops.”

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Alex Anzalone, a fellow veteran and leader, said the defense knew this was an opportunity for them to make a statement. And the linebacker wasn't afraid to say that this game had a little more meaning when it came to going out and making a statement.

Detroit's offense scored on nine straight possessions and topped 40 points in consecutive weeks for the first time since 1962. And the defense kept the Cowboys out of the end zone, racked up four sacks, managed four takeaways and held them to nothing until the game was out of reach for the second- and third-team units.

“We knew going into this game that it was going to be a statement game,” Anzalone said. “I think it's one of the crucial games of your season. You can prove a point. You know, the 3-25 Central, 4-25 Eastern game that a lot of people are watching in Dallas, I think it was an opportunity for us to take advantage of.

“Every game you want to make a statement, but I think this game is special.”

For more from the locker room at AT&T Stadium, see below:

Opening remarks from Lions HC Dan Campbell: “Let me start here. I hate it for Hutch. That's hard. You know, it was tough and he's in good hands now. He is taken care of. He will stay here. And you know, obviously he's going to be down for a while. And that's hard. It's hard to lose someone like him, but afterward we know a lot more and of course wish him all the best. As for the guys, man, I thought we really played the most complete game we've probably played here in a long time, if not the most since we've been here. I just thought all phases progressed, you know, especially offensively and defensively. You know, we applied pressure. We finally got several games to take home, and they came in quantities. We talked about it. These things come in bundles. Branch gets two picks. He hits the ball out. Actually gets three picks. And so a number of things came out. Kerby got one. We challenged at the rim. We were better. We have limited some of the possible penalties. I thought our front came to life and we were active all day. And then on offense, you know, with the big guys up front, we were able to dominate the football. Montgomery and Gibbs and then Goff – we were able to get a lot of explosives today.”

Lions quarterback Jared Goff on Aidan Hutchinson's injury: “Really hard, really hard. He's a guy who is part of the heartbeat of this team. He is a leader. He does everything right. He's a great teammate. He is everything you want in a player and teammate. Seeing him go down like that and being visibly upset is hard for all of us. He'll be fine. He will come back at some point, whenever that may be. If I know him, he’ll be fine and get back on his feet.”

Lions LB Alex Anzalone on Hutchinson injury: “I would probably focus more on the human aspect. I think it's obvious how good he is and what a great player he is on the field, what he does schematically for our team and what a season he's had. Seeing him in this situation somehow brings you back down to earth. We play a violent, dangerous sport. It just is what it is and it happens. Seeing him go out like that is hard just from a human perspective.”

Goff, on trying to get the O-lineman some touches in Dallas: “Yeah, we joked that we might have to throw two tackles. They were close. Both were close. I was kind of amazed. I tried to pass that on to Decker… but yeah, they were close.”

Lions RB David Montgomery on Goff saying he's his favorite teammate ever: “JG, that’s my guy. We joke all the time about his speed and how fast he really is or isn't. Jared is a great leader. And he leads in a way that infects everyone around him. You want to be a part of it. You want to be with a guy like that, so I’m just glad he gave me that compliment.”

Montgomery, on the offensive explosion of the last two games: “I think there was a period at the beginning of the season where we were trying to figure out our identity and put it together. I think now we're starting to implement a lot more. The funny thing is that we don't even all agree. The little things here and there that we can clean up. The sky really is the limit for us. I’m excited to see what comes next.”

Montgomery on his contract extension: “Yeah, I was definitely excited when we found out we could do this. Just knowing that I will be in a place where I feel like I am wanted and can show what I can really do makes me truly grateful. I am so blessed that God has enabled me to be in a position where I can give Him glory for the things He has given me. I’m just happy that I can be here for the next few years.”

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