The Dallas Cowboys secured a thrilling 20-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, thanks to a stellar performance by their defense. The Cowboys defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions by Trevon Diggs and a game-sealing fumble recovery by Randy Gregory. The Cowboys improved to 4-2 and took the lead in the NFC East, while the Chargers fell to 3-3 and lost their second straight game.
Cowboys Offense Overcomes Mistakes
The Cowboys offense had a mixed night, as they racked up 395 yards of total offense but also committed three turnovers and 12 penalties. Dak Prescott threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions. Ezekiel Elliott ran for 71 yards and a touchdown, while CeeDee Lamb had eight catches for 81 yards and a score. The Cowboys also got contributions from Tony Pollard, who had 58 rushing yards, and Dalton Schultz, who had six receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown.
The Cowboys had several chances to put the game away, but they failed to capitalize on some of their opportunities. They settled for two field goals in the red zone, missed another field goal attempt, and turned the ball over on downs at the Chargers’ 20-yard line. They also had a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty and a fumble returned for a touchdown overturned by a review.
Chargers Offense Struggles Against Cowboys Defense
The Chargers offense had a frustrating night, as they were unable to sustain drives and finish in the end zone. Justin Herbert threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions and a costly fumble. Keenan Allen had six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, while Mike Williams had five receptions for 54 yards and a score. The Chargers also got some production from Austin Ekeler, who had 66 rushing yards and 49 receiving yards.
The Chargers were plagued by turnovers, penalties, and missed opportunities. They lost two fumbles in their own territory, one of which led to a Cowboys touchdown and the other to a game-winning field goal. They also had 10 penalties for 101 yards, including several that negated big plays or extended Cowboys drives. They also failed to convert on fourth-and-one at the Cowboys’ 34-yard line in the fourth quarter, and missed a field goal attempt in the first half.
Cowboys Defense Makes Big Plays
The Cowboys defense was the difference-maker in the game, as they came up with big plays at crucial moments. Trevon Diggs had two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in the second quarter to give the Cowboys a 14-7 lead. He became the first player in NFL history to have an interception in each of his first six games of a season. Randy Gregory had two sacks and a forced fumble, which he recovered at the Chargers’ 27-yard line with 1:52 left in the game. He also had a strip-sack that was ruled an incomplete pass after a review. Micah Parsons had four tackles and a sack, while Jourdan Lewis had seven tackles and a pass breakup.
The Cowboys defense held the Chargers to 4-of-13 on third down conversions and 1-of-4 on fourth down conversions. They also limited the Chargers to 17 points, well below their season average of 26.8 points per game. The Cowboys defense has shown significant improvement under new coordinator Dan Quinn, as they rank fourth in the league in takeaways with 14.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Cowboys will look to extend their four-game winning streak when they host the New England Patriots next Sunday. The Patriots are coming off a close win over the Houston Texans, improving to 2-3 on the season. The Cowboys will try to maintain their lead in the NFC East, where they have a two-game advantage over the Washington Football Team.
The Chargers will try to bounce back from their two-game losing streak when they visit the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday. The Ravens are coming off an epic comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, improving to 4-1 on the season. The Chargers will try to keep pace with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, where they are tied for second place behind the Las Vegas Raiders.
