GAME-WINNER: Stephon Gilmore Seals Dallas Cowboys Win With Clutch Late-Game Interception
The Dallas Cowboys seemingly missed a golden opportunity for a late touchdown when Dak Prescott overthrew running back Tony Pollard late in the fourth quarter, but the defense stepped up in a big way to help seal the 20-17 win with less than two minutes remaining on Monday night.
On second down coming out of the two-minute warning, Micah Parsons came up with an eight-yard sack of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, but it was the next drop-back for the quarterback that proved to be the difference.
With Dallas leading 20-17, Herbert was once again under duress, and he attempted an off-balance throw to wide receiver Quentin Johnston, but Cowboys defensive back Stephon Gilmore made a diving effort to jump the route, grasping the interception and the win in the process.
You can see Gilmore's massive play below.
The sack before Gilmore's play could not have come at a better time. The Cowboys had gotten pressure on Herbert all night, but they had not been able to corral him for a sack, but Parsons ended that trend with authority, keeping the clock moving and giving the Chargers a third-and-long situation. Pressure again played an impact in Herbert's throw on the next play, but Gilmore's heroics will be the headlining takeaway from that final series.
October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
© Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Following a horrendous defensive (and offensive) showing last Sunday night in San Francisco, Dallas seemed to right the ship on Monday night, holding the Chargers to 272 yards of offense.
The one turnover forced by the Cowboys, however, proved to be the final difference, and that should provide a much better taste in the team's mouth heading into the bye week.
