The Dallas Cowboys celebrated their fourth win of the season on Monday night, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 at SoFi Stadium. The game was decided by a 39-yard field goal by rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey, who remained perfect in his NFL career. The Cowboys then took a knee to run out the clock and give thanks for their hard-fought victory.
A Slow Start for the Cowboys
The Cowboys did not have a smooth start to the game, as they fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter. The Chargers scored on their opening drive, with quarterback Justin Herbert finding wide receiver Keenan Allen for a 12-yard touchdown. The Cowboys struggled to move the ball on offense, as they faced pressure from the Chargers’ defensive line and committed several penalties.
The Cowboys finally got on the board in the second quarter, with Aubrey kicking a 28-yard field goal. The Chargers responded with a 40-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins, making it 10-3. The Cowboys then tied the game with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 4-yard touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott. The score was 10-10 at halftime.
A Defensive Battle in the Second Half
The second half was a defensive battle, as both teams failed to score in the third quarter. The Cowboys had a chance to take the lead, but Aubrey missed a 44-yard field goal attempt that hit the upright. The Chargers also had an opportunity to score, but Herbert threw an interception to Trevon Diggs in the end zone.
The Cowboys broke the tie in the fourth quarter, with Aubrey kicking a 32-yard field goal. The Chargers then made a costly mistake, as punt returner Andre Roberts fumbled the ball and the Cowboys recovered it at the Chargers’ 20-yard line. The Cowboys capitalized on the turnover, with Prescott throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper, making it 20-10.
The Chargers did not give up, as they mounted a comeback drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Austin Ekeler. The score was 20-17 with 7:11 left in the game. The Cowboys then ran out the clock with a series of runs by Elliott and Tony Pollard, who combined for 187 rushing yards on the night. Aubrey sealed the win with his final field goal, and the Cowboys took a knee to celebrate.
A Crucial Win for the Cowboys
The win improved the Cowboys’ record to 4-2, keeping them one game behind the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. The Cowboys also bounced back from their humiliating 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5, which was their worst defeat since 2017.
The Cowboys showed resilience and grit in their victory over the Chargers, overcoming adversity and mistakes. They also showed solidarity and support for their former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is now in charge of the Chargers’ offense. Moore was fired by the Cowboys after last season, when they hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach.
The Cowboys will now enjoy their bye week, before returning to action in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings. They will hope to continue their winning ways and challenge for the NFC East title.
