In a highly anticipated Monday night clash, the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious with a final score of 20-17 over the Los Angeles Chargers at Inglewood, California. Rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey became the hero of the night with a 39-yard field goal, and Stephon Gilmore sealed the deal with a crucial interception in the game’s closing minutes.
Quarterback Dak Prescott showcased his skills, completing 21 of 30 passes for 272 yards, along with a touchdown pass. Prescott added 40 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground, contributing significantly to the Cowboys’ victory.
Brandin Cooks made an impact with a touchdown reception, while CeeDee Lamb shined with seven receptions for 117 yards. In the rushing department, Tony Pollard was instrumental in the passing game, amassing six catches for 80 yards. However, Pollard struggled to find success on the ground, gaining just 30 yards on 15 carries.
On the Chargers’ side, Justin Herbert completed 22 of 37 passes for 227 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. Keenan Allen played a crucial role, amassing seven catches for 85 yards and contributing a touchdown. Gerald Everett also found the end zone with a touchdown reception.
Austin Ekeler, who had missed the previous three games due to an ankle injury, made a return but managed only 27 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Brandon Aubrey had a stellar performance, converting two field goals during the game and maintaining a perfect record of 16-for-16 this season. His 39-yard field goal became the decisive score in the game, and Stephon Gilmore’s interception of Justin Herbert at the Los Angeles 33-yard line with 1:22 remaining secured the victory for the Cowboys.
This game marked a significant matchup between the Chargers and the Cowboys, especially for Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who had previously served in the same role for the Dallas Cowboys during the previous four seasons. Notably, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy took over the role of running the offense and calling plays for this season.
One pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when the Cowboys faced a challenging third-and-11 situation from their own 24-yard line. Prescott connected on a short pass to Tony Pollard, who remarkably turned it into a 60-yard gain. Pollard’s impressive run was fueled by a missed tackle by Chargers cornerback Michael Davis, and it culminated with Pollard being brought down by Asante Samuel Jr. at the Los Angeles 16-yard line. A mere four plays later, Prescott connected with Brandin Cooks on a 2-yard scoring pass, giving the Cowboys a 17-10 lead with 11:19 remaining.
In the same quarter, Justin Herbert responded by tossing a 1-yard scoring pass to Gerald Everett, tying the game at 17-17 with 7:11 left.
The Chargers drew first blood in the game, as Justin Herbert executed a 1-yard scoring pass to Keenan Allen. The Cowboys swiftly responded when Prescott, on a fourth-and-1 situation, embarked on an 18-yard touchdown run, equalizing the score at 7-7 with 6:21 left in the opening quarter.
The first half ended with the Cowboys in the lead, 10-7, courtesy of Aubrey’s 32-yard field goal as time expired. The Chargers leveled the score at 10-10 with Cameron Dicker’s 24-yard field goal, just 1:08 left in the third quarter.
This game showcased the Cowboys’ resilience and offensive prowess, elevating their record to 4-2, while the Chargers now stand at 2-3, eager to rebound in the face of their next challenge.
