Dak Prescott returns and Cowboys win thanks to recipe that buoyed them without him

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys didn't take the lead until midway through the third quarter, and then, perhaps as much due to Detroit Lions mistakes as their own successes, they ran away with a 24-6 game that seemed far less dominant than the score suggested.

At halftime, the Cowboys drives had amounted to three punts, a fumble and a field goal. Dallas opened the game converting 1-of-7 third-down attempts in quarterback Dak Prescott’s return from a six-week recovery.

Nonetheless, Dallas improved to 5-2 in a competitive NFC East by powering the 2022 recipe that has worked best for them: a disruptive defense and two-headed running game.

Prescott, finding a rhythm late six weeks after suffering a thumb fracture that required surgery, ultimately finished 19-of-25 for 207 yards and a touchdown. Rookie tight end Peyton Hendershot caught Prescott’s first touchdown of the year and Henderson’s first of his career.

Ezekiel Elliott punched in two touchdowns on 15 carries for 57 yards, while shifty back Tony Pollard amassed 109 yards from scrimmage.

Credit Dallas’ takeaways with generating momentum, as cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis each intercepted Jared Goff, while Micah Parsons and rookie defensive end Sam Williams strip-sacked the Lions’ quarterback.

Detroit was without star running back D’Andre Swift (who was inactive battling shoulder and ankle injuries) and by midway through the first quarter, also receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (concussion). The Lions also couldn't overcome Dallas' pass rush.

Goff was 21-of-26 for 228 yards and two interceptions.

Follow Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein

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