Dallas Cowboys Clutch Defense Beats Los Angeles Chargers 20-17: Live Game Log
The Chargers played host to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football in a matchup between two teams searching for answers. The extra day of preparation in advance of the nationally televised contest is welcomed by both teams. ... and in the end, Dallas made two huge clutch defensive plays at the end to seal a clutch 20-17 victory.
How did they get there? Follow along with our chronological coverage ...
It gives Los Angeles more time to heal some key starters. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been dealing with a broken finger on his non-throwing hand and the extra rest will put him in a better position to play. For Dallas, it's more time to deal with the shock of its 42-10 blowout loss to the 49ers last Sunday night.
While the Cowboys' loss to Arizona two weeks ago was bad enough, what happened in San Francisco was unthinkable for the team.
“When we lost to Arizona, I wish we could have played Thursday. Wish we could have played Monday, the next day,” defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said. “In this case, I think it’s probably better to have one more (day). I think each time is a little different. I’ll be honest. I’m glad it isn’t a bye. And we get ready to go.”
Dak Prescott (L) and Justin Herbert
FanStreamSports.com
Maybe the loss last Sunday will provide something positive, as the Cowboys are 9-1 after a loss since 2021.
The Chargers should have some key starters back in running back Austin Eckler and safety Derwin James, which will help their cause against Dallas.
“The bye week was definitely beneficial for me. I feel like I healed up pretty good over the bye for sure,” James said. “And it helped get some guys back out here on the team that we’re gonna need for the rest of the season. So it’s gonna be fun.”
While he expects fun, James also expects the Cowboys to be mad.
“As a human being, anybody that gets embarrassed, you’re gonna always respond and there’s always gonna be that urgency to respond. We know that,” he said.
Live updates will appear here after the 7:15 p.m. CT kickoff...
The Chargers won the toss and elected to defer possession until the second half, so Dallas starts the game with the ball.
FIRST QUARTER: Chargers 7, Cowboys 7
The kickoff goes to the DAL 1, returned by Turpin to the Cowboys 22 for a return of 21.
Pollard carries on first down off left tackle for a gain of 1. LAC-S.Joseph was injured during the play. Pollard runs for three on second down. On 3rd and 6, Prescott is sacked for a loss of 11. The Anger punt goes 53 yards to the LAC 32, returned 26 to the DAL 42 by Derius Davis.
Herbert completes to Everett for 15, out of bounds at the DAL 27 for a first down.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS CALLED BACK: Herbert completes to Palmer for 27 yards and a touchdown. TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty. PENALTY on LAC-Z.Johnson, Ineligible Downfield Pass, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 27 - No Play.
On 1st and 15 from the DAL 32, Herbert hits Ekeler for 28 yards to the DAL 4 and a 1st and Goal.
Herbert passes to Allen short on the left side for no gain, then Ekeler runs for three to the DAL 1.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS: On 3rd and Goal, Herbert hits Allen in the right side of the end zone for a touchdown. The kick is good for a 7-0 lead over the Cowboys with 10:31 left in the first quarter. The scoring drive goes 42 yards in five plays and takes 2:23 off the clock.
The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback. Dallas starts their second drive of the game at their own 25.
Dak passes to Lamb on the left sideline for 11.
Prescott throws complete to Lamb across the middle for 23.
Dak misses Gallup in the right flat, then Prescott hits Pollard in the right flat for seven. On 3rd and 3, Dak hits Pollard on the left side for seven and a first down.
Pollard runs off right guard for five, then Dak throws again incomplete to Gallup alone in the end zone. On 3rd and 5, Dak scrambles up the middle for four to the LAC 18.
TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS: On 4th and 1 from the LAC 18, Dak carries up the middle for 18 yards and a touchdown! The kick is good for a 7-7 tie with the Chargers. The scoring drive goes 75 yards in nine plays and takes 4:10 off the clock.
That's the longest rushing touchdown of Dak Prescott's career.
The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback. LA starts its second drive of the game at its own 25.
Ekeler runs off right guard for one, then Everett runs off left end for two to the DAL 28. On 3rd and 7, PENALTY on DAL, Defensive Too Many Men on Field, 5 yards, enforced at LAC 28 - No Play. On 3rd and 2, Herbert throws incomplete to Everett. The Scott punt goes 45 yards to the DAL 22, fair caught by Turpin.
Dak hits Lamb running free across the middle for 16 yards.
Dak scrambles to the left side for 11 yards.
Dak Prescott has 33 yards rushing, his season high.
Dowdle carries for seven, then Dak gets sacked for a loss of three.
DAL TIMEOUT (#1) at 2:05
On 3rd and 6, Dak hits Gallup but he dropped it. It would've been short of the line to gain anyway. The Anger punt goes 45 yards to the LAC 2.
Ekeler runs up the middle for three yards to the LAC 5, then Herbert hits Allen for 11 and a first down at the LAC 16.
Herbert finds Ekeler for five on the left sideline to the LAC 21.
END OF THE FIRST QUARTER
SECOND QUARTER: Cowboys 10, Chargers 7
Herbert - under pressure from Donovan Wilson - passes incomplete to Kelley. On 3rd and 5, Herbert completes a pass to himself after his pass is batted down at the line of scrimmage and he runs for 10 yards and a first down.
Ekeler runs up the middle for five, hit hard by Hankins. Then Herbert scrambles up the middle for no gain, and is hit by Kearse. PENALTY on DAL-J.Kearse, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at LAC 36 - No Play.
Herbert is sacked by Bell for a loss of two. PENALTY on DAL-S.Williams, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 49 - No Play.
On 1st and 10 from the DAL 44, Spiller runs off right tackle for two, then Herbert passes incomplete to Everett. On 3rd and 8, Herbert throws short to Allen, incomplete. The Scott punt goes 30 yards to the DAL 12.
Pollard carries off right guard for one, then Dak hits Pollard in the backfield for a loss of one. Penalty on DAL-B.Cooks, Illegal Shift, declined. On 3rd and 11, Dak finds Cooks for a gain of six on the right sideline. The Anger punt goes 55 yards to the LAC 27. PENALTY on DAL-T.Wheat, Illegal Formation, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 18 - No Play. Anger punts 55 yards to the LAC 32.
Ekeler runs off right end for three, then Bell hits Ekeler at the line of scrimmage for no gain. On 3rd and 7, Herbert throws deep down the right sideline incomplete. PENALTY on DAL-D.Fowler, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced at LAC 35 - No Play. On 3rd and 2, Ekeler runs up the middle for no gain, tackles by Wilson and Bell. The Scott punt goes 38 yards to the DAL 22.
The Cowboys' defense has five penalties tonight already for 35 yards. The offense has been clean so far.
Dak hits Cooks for 17.
Dak connects with Gallup finally for eight, then Pollard runs off left guard for three and a first down at the 50.
Dak is under pressure in the backfield and throws incomplete to Luepke. PENALTY on LAC-D.James, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at 50 - No Play.
Dak hit Gallup perfectly in stride in the end zone, and Gallup dropped it. Gallup was interfered with too, and it didn't get called. Pollard runs for two off right tackle.
On 3rd and 8, Prescott finds Lamb for 11 on the right sideline for a first down.
Pollard carries off right guard and is stuffed in the backfield for a loss of two, then Dak hits Pollard for nine down the right sideline. On 3rd and 3, Dak connects with Pollard for no gain.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS to CHARGERS: On 4th and 1 from the LAC 13, Dak attempts a QB sneak up the middle, and carries for no gain. Dallas leaves points on the board.
Herbert passes incomplete to Ekeler, then Herbert hits Palmer deep down the right side for 26 yards to the LAC 39.
-TWO-MINUTE WARNING-
Herbert finds Everett for no gain, then hits Palmer for 11 and a first down to the 50.
Herbert passes incomplete Allen deep down the left sideline, then Herbert misses Ekeler. PENALTY on LAC-T.Pipkins, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at 50 - No Play. Herbert passes short right side to Parham, out of bounds at the LAC 46 for a gain of six. On 3rd and 14, Herbert passes incomplete. His arm was hit by pressure in the backfield. The Scott punt goes 40 yards to the DAL 14, Turpin returns one yard to the 15.
Prescott throws incomplete to Gallup, then hits Lamb for 23 yards to the LAC 48 with :55 left in the half.
Prescott connects with Gallup for 11 more to the LAC 37.
Dak scrambles right, out of bounds for two yards. PENALTY on DAL-Tyl.Smith, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at LAC 37 - No Play.
On 1st and 20, Dak connects with Ferguson for 15 yards at the LAC 32, who is hit in the head by James. PENALTY on LAC-D.James, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at LAC 32.
Dak hits Pollard for three.
DAL TIMEOUT (#2) at :03
FIELD GOAL COWBOYS: Aubrey is good from 32 for a 10-7 lead over the Chargers as time expires in the first half. The scoring drive goes 57 yards in six plays and takes :59 off the clock.
HALFTIME
THIRD QUARTER: Cowboys 10, Chargers 10
The kickoff goes into the end zone for a touchback. The Chargers will start their first drive of the second half from their own 25.
Herbert connects with Palmer on first down for nine to the LAC 34. PENALTY on LAC-T.Pipkins, Ineligible Downfield Pass, 5 yards, enforced at LAC 25 - No Play.
On 1st and 15, Herbert throws incomplete deep down the right side to Allen, then Herbert connects with Palmer for 17 to the LAC 37 for a first down.
Ekeler runs off left tackle for six, then again off left guard for three. On 3rd and 1, Ekeler runs up the middle for three and a new set of downs.
Herbert catches a short pass from Herbert on the right side for six yards. PENALTY on LAC-R.Slater, Illegal Shift, 5 yards, enforced at LAC 49 - No Play.
On 1st and 15, Palmer catches the Herbert pass for a gain of six on the left side, then Herbert connects with Parham across the middle for 13 and a first down.
Ekeler runs up the middle for two, then Herbert hits Allen for 19 and a first down at the DAL 16.
Hebert misses Ekeler - batted down at the line of scrimmage by Lawrence, then Herbert throws complete to Ekeler for no gain. On 3rd and 10 from the DAL 16, Herbert scrambles right for nine yards.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS to COWBOYS: On 4th and 1, Herbert throws incomplete in the end zone for Palmer, broken up by Daron Bland. The Cowboys take over at their own 7-yard line.
Prescott throws incomplete to Gallup. Penalty on DAL-Z.Martin, Offensive Holding, declined. Pollard runs up the middle for two. On 3rd and 8 from the DAL 9, Prescott is sacked for a loss of four. The Anger punt goes 56 yards to the LAC 39. Davis returns 12 yards to the DAL 49.
Kelley runs up the middle for two, then Herbert his Kelley through the air for two more. On 3rd and 6, Herbert finds Allen for 23 yards to the DAL 22 and a first down.
Herbert scrambles left for one, then Herbert finds Allen for eight. On 3rd and 1, Herbert keeps it up the middle for four and a first down.
On 1st and Goal from the DAL 9, a direct snap to Ekeler gains one, then Herbert scrambles for two. On 3rd and Goal, Herbert throws incomplete to Parham in the end zone.
FIELD GOAL CHARGERS: Dicker is good from 24 for a 10-10 tie with 1:08 left in the third quarter. The scoring drive goes 43 yards in 10 plays and takes 5:02 off the clock.
The kickoff goes into the end zone for a touchback.
Pollard runs up the middle for one, then runs off left guard for a loss of two.
END OF THE THIRD QUARTER
FOURTH QUARTER: Cowboys 20, Chargers 17
On 3rd and 11, Prescott scrambles right and hits Pollard underneath and Pollard runs 60 yards to the LAC 16.
DAL TIMEOUT (#1) at 14:03
Pollard carries right side to Pollard for nine yards. PENALTY on DAL-C.Lamb, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at LAC 12.
On 1st and 16 from the LAC 22, Dowdle runs off right tackle for four, Prescott scrambles left for no gain. Penalty on LAC-J.Taylor, Defensive Holding, offsetting, enforced at LAC 18 - No Play. Penalty on DAL-Tyl.Smith, Offensive Holding, offsetting.
On 2nd and 12 from the LAC 18, Prescott finds Lamb for 15 yards to the LAC 3 and a 1st and Goal.
Pollard carries up the middle for one.
TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS: Dak completes to Brandin Cooks - his first touchdown as a Cowboy - for two yards and a touchdown. The kick is good for a 17-10 lead over the Chargers with 11:19 left in the game. The scoring drive goes 75 yards in eight plays and takes 4:49 off the clock.
The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.
Herbert misses a wide-open touchdown pass deep down the left sideline to Allen. Herbert then throws incomplete to Parham. PENALTY on DAL-J.Kearse, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at LAC 25 - No Play.
On 1st and 10, Ekeler is stuffed in the backfield by Odighizuwa for a loss of four. Herbert hits Palmer at the line to gain for 15 yards. PENALTY on LAC-R.Slater, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at LAC 26 - No Play.
On 2nd and 24, Herbert connects with Allen for 23 yards to the LAC 39. On 3rd and 1, Ekeler rushes up the middle for five. PENALTY on LAC-Z.Johnson, Offensive Holding, 9 yards, enforced at LAC 39 - No Play. On 3rd and 11, Bland almost intercepts Herbert, but it's incomplete.
PUNT FUMBLE RECOVERY CHARGERS: The Scott punt goes 49 yards to the DAL 21 - muffed on a really weird play - recovered by the Chargers. First down LA at the DAL 21.
Herbert passes incomplete to Allen. PENALTY on DAL-S.Gilmore, Defensive Pass Interference, 15 yards, enforced at DAL 20 - No Play.
Ekeler runs for one, then Herbert throws incomplete to Palmer in the end zone. On 3rd and Goal from the DAL 4, Herbert connects with Ekeler, tackled by Bell for a gain of just two.
LA TIMEOUT (#1) at 7:15
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS: On 4th and Goal from the DAL 1, Herbert connects with an uncovered Everett in the end zone for a touchdown. The kick is good for a 17-17 tie with 7:11 left in the game. The scoring drive goes 20 yards in four plays and takes 1:30 off the clock after the Dallas turnover on special teams.
The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.
PENALTY on DAL-Tyl.Smith, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 25 - No Play.
On 1st and 15 from the 20, Prescott hits Gallup for five, then Dak is sacked for a loss of eight. On 3rd and 18, Prescott scrambles right for nine. PENALTY on LAC-M.Davis, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 26. Penalty on LAC-J.Taylor, Illegal Contact, declined.
Cooks runs off right end for 14 and a first down.
Dak throws incomplete to Gallup on the left side, then Pollard runs up the middle for four. On 3rd and 6, Dak hits Lamb deep for 18 yards and a first down at the LAC 33 and a first down.
Dowdle runs for one, then Dak hits McKeon for five but McKeon can't handle the catch. On 3rd and 9, Dak throws complete to Cooks for 11 and a first down.
Pollard runs off right tackle for no gain.
LA TIMEOUT (#2) at 2:36
Prescott scrambles for no gain.
LA TIMEOUT (#2) at 2:28
On 3rd and 10, Dak throws incomplete to Pollard in the end zone.
FIELD GOAL COWBOYS: Aubrey is good from 39 for a 20-17 lead over the Chargers with 2:19 left in the game. The scoring drive goes 54 yards in 14 plays and takes 4:52 off the clock.
The kick goes into the end zone for a touchback.
Herbert hits Allen on the left sideline for four yards. PENALTY on DAL-M.Parsons, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced at LAC 25 - No Play.
On 1st and 5, Herbert scrambles for three.
-TWO-MINUTE WARNING-
On 2nd and 2 from the LAC 33, Herbert is sacked by Parsons for a loss of eight.
INTERCEPTION COWBOYS: On 3rd and 10, Herbert is under pressure and throws across the middle for Johnston, INTERCEPTED by Gilmore at the LAC 33 with 1:29 left in the game. The Cowboys can kneel the ball to end the game.
Prescott kneels to end the game.
END OF GAME
