By Sunday 
A Throw That Changed Everything
With just over eight minutes left on the clock and the Lions clinging to a 30-27 lead, Jared Goff uncorked a beautiful 29-yard dart to Jameson Williams. It was one of those throws where fans go, “Yup, that’s why he’s QB1.”
But before Detroit could fully celebrate, one more moment stole the spotlight—just not in a way the Cowboys were hoping for.
Moments after the ball left Goff’s hands, Cowboys pass-rusher James Houston barreled in with a hit that arrived just a few seconds too late. The refs didn’t hesitate: 15 yards for roughing the passer. And suddenly, the Lions were sitting pretty at the Dallas 13-yard line.
Two snaps later? Jahmyr Gibbs made the Cowboys pay, slicing in for a 10-yard touchdown to push the Lions ahead 37-27.
A Costly Hit—On the Scoreboard and the Wallet
The Cowboys were already scrambling to keep their playoff hopes alive after the 44-30 loss. Now Houston may soon feel the pain off the field too.
The NFL has been swinging the hammer hard on any play that endangers quarterbacks this season. And with Houston checking all the boxes—late hit, high-impact, game-changing moment—league discipline seems almost inevitable.
The expected amount? A crisp $17,389 fine for a first offense.
And if it were to happen again, the NFL bumps that up to $23,186. Ouch.
For context, the league has already collected more than $211,000 in hit-on-a-quarterback fines this season. Even Baltimore’s Patrick Queen hasn’t escaped it—he’s the only player dinged twice, racking up $40,575.
Cowboys’ Discipline Under the Spotlight
Two weeks ago, Dallas had its own mini fine storm: DeMarvion Overshown was hit with an $8,166 penalty for a late hit, and George Pickens got slapped with a hefty $26,085 for using a prop.
Last week? Clean slate.
This week? Well… James Houston may be about to change that.
The Bottom Line
Goff’s throw was big. Houston’s hit was bigger—just not in the way the Cowboys needed.
And as the league continues to protect quarterbacks at all costs, expect that yellow flag to come with an equally bright fine.