Cowboys at Chargers Preview: Can Dallas Slow Justin Herbert? Injuries & Roster Moves
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys hit the road for a prime-time showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night at Sofi Stadium.
Dallas looks to bounce-back after getting thrashed by the San Francisco 49ers, 42-10, in front of a record-setting audience.
The Cowboys are good at the 'get-right game' as of late ... Dating back to the start of 2021, Dallas is 9-1 in weeks following a loss. That ranks as the highest winning percentage among NFL teams in weeks following a loss during that time.
How is their health as they try to rebound? Here’s the final official report …
Beating the Chargers, who have extended rest coming off their bye, will be no easy feat. Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns to just one interception. His 106.3 passer rating ranks third in the league plus he leads L.A. with three rushing touchdowns.
On defense, Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack is coming off a monster game. Mack recorded six sacks in L.A.'s Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the first performance by any NFL player with at least six sacks since 2017.
This matchup will also feature the Cowboys' first game playing their former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Since Moore has taken over the Chargers' play calling, L.A. improved in total offense from the 18th-ranked offense last season to the fifth-ranked offense this season.
The bright side for Dallas is its starting offensive line will be healthy. Of note, quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown for a touchdown against 30 NFL opponents. With a touchdown pass against the Chargers, Prescott will have a touchdown pass against all 31 opponents he's faced. The Chargers defense ranks second-worst in yards allowed.
The bad news for Dallas is its recent string of injuries. KaVontae Turpin is dealing with a ankle injury but should play. C.J. Goodwin (torn pectoral) is out for the foreseeable future and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) is on injured reserve.
With Vander Esch out, an off the ball linebacker is needed, with Dallas thin there alongside developing second-year man Damone Clark. Dallas has signed former first-round linebacker Rashaan Evans to help fill the void.
The Cowboys have also discussed moving Micah Parsons to a spot where he might be playing more linebacker and a bit less as an edge rusher.
The Cowboys have a chance to redeem themselves in another road test... Entering Week 5, Dallas is chasing the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, who sit stop the NFC East division.
Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott
FUN FACT: The Cowboys will be making their 85th regular season appearance on Monday Night Football at the LA Chargers. Only the Miami Dolphins, with 86 games, have been featured on MNF more.
RECORDS: Dallas Cowboys (3-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
ODDS: Dallas is a 2.5-point favorite vs. the Chargers
GAME TIME: Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7:15 p.m. CT
LOCATION: Sofi Stadium - Inglewood, California
TV/RADIO: ESPN, 105.3 The Fan
THE FINAL WORD: Receiver CeeDee Lamb was visibly frustrated in the loss to the Niners. Lamb finished with four catches for a team-high 49 yards. Coach Mike McCarthy addressed the issue with him this week
"I had a great visit with CeeDee today," McCarthy said. "If he's not pissed off for not getting the ball, then I'm pissed off at him for not being pissed off. He's an impact player."
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