In a closely contested Monday night showdown in Southern California, the Dallas Cowboys managed to edge past the Los Angeles Chargers with a hard-fought 20-17 win, improving their season record to 4-2.
The game started with both teams exchanging early touchdowns in the first quarter. Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert connected with Keenan Allen for a 1-yard touchdown, taking an initial 7-0 lead. Dallas swiftly responded as quarterback Dak Prescott orchestrated an 18-yard touchdown run, leveling the score.
A field goal by Brandon Aubrey in the second quarter handed the Cowboys a slim 10-7 halftime advantage, despite a missed opportunity in the red zone earlier on.
The third quarter remained scoreless until a 24-yard field goal from the Chargers’ Cameron Dicker brought the game to a 10-10 tie. However, a 2-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to Cooks in the fourth quarter allowed the Cowboys to regain a 17-10 lead. Nonetheless, a special teams blunder by the Cowboys allowed the Chargers to capitalize, resulting in a game-tying touchdown.
With the clock winding down, a crucial 39-yard field goal gave the Cowboys a narrow 20-17 lead with just 2:19 remaining. The Chargers, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t secure a comeback as a resilient Cowboys defense, led by Micah Parsons, forced a critical turnover that sealed the victory for Dallas.
Throughout the game, both teams faced challenges with penalties, with the Cowboys accumulating 11 penalties for 85 yards and the Chargers receiving nine penalties for 79 yards.
Prescott delivered a solid performance, going 21-of-30 for 272 yards with a touchdown, leading the team in rushing yards with 40 and an additional touchdown. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb proved instrumental, catching all seven of his targets for an impressive 117 yards.
On the other side, Herbert’s 22-of-37 passing for 227 yards, along with two touchdowns and an interception, was not enough to secure a win for the Chargers.
As the Cowboys head into their bye week with a 3-2 record, the 2-3 Chargers will brace themselves for a challenging clash against the 5-1 Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7.
