The Lions make a big statement with a dominant win that embarrasses the Cowboys

You'll be hearing a lot about the Dallas Cowboys this week. When the NFL's most popular team gets into such an embarrassment at home, it's a topic of conversation.

But perhaps Sunday said more about the Detroit Lions.

The Lions looked great on Sunday, although the loss of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson due to a horrific leg injury will be a problem for them moving forward. Still, the Lions' offense continues to show that it may be the best in the NFL. Detroit did what it wanted on offense and the defense also slowed Dallas all day in a 47-9 win. The Lions looked like a real Super Bowl contender, although that's no big surprise.

Dallas seemed far from contending for anything meaningful, but the most important takeaway from Sunday might be how good the Lions can be.

The Lions had unfinished business

The Lions still had some unfinished business from last season, when they thought they had a win taken away from them because officials didn't recognize that offensive lineman Dan Skipper had declared himself eligible to play on a tricky 2-point conversion. On the first Sunday of the game, the Lions sent Skipper to declare himself eligible to play. There's a sense of humor there, but also a message that Detroit hasn't forgotten last season's loss.

Then Detroit played like it was getting revenge. The Lions even allowed a flea flicker when Amon-Ra St. Brown threw the ball back to Jared Goff after a putback and Goff caught a touchdown from Sam LaPorta downfield for a 52-yard touchdown. They later tried to pass the ball at the goal line to offensive lineman Taylor Decker – whose 2-pointer last season was canceled out by the controversial penalty – but was unsuccessful. Late in the third quarter, with the Lions leading 37-9, they executed a hook-and-ladder play on fellow offensive lineman Penei Sewell, but it was called back for a penalty. The Lions clearly wanted to make a statement and didn't care if the Cowboys' feelings were hurt. And it happened on Jerry Jones' birthday of all days.

The Cowboys didn't do themselves any favors. Dak Prescott threw a bad interception into the end zone when the Cowboys were down 7-3, and it was a turning point. Or maybe it was inevitable that the Lions would outscore the Cowboys.

Detroit looked better in every way on Sunday. That translates well to the Cowboys, who have played at home three times and been eliminated each time.

But the Lions appear to be one of the best teams in the NFL.

Next up for the Lions is a big test

Next week, the Lions play the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings, a game that could be crucial to winning the NFC North. Of course, Detroit playing without Hutchinson will impact this matchup and every other game the Lions will play without him. Most weeks they will probably have to outscore most teams.

Maybe they can do it. The Lions are versatile on offense, thanks in large part to their excellent offensive line. You can play it at your leisure with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Or Jared Goff can put up huge numbers with the variety of receiving options. He had 315 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday. The Lions had 492 yards as a team.

Detroit suffered a loss, but looked to be one of the best teams in the NFL all season long. Next week they can show whether they are the best team in the NFC North.