Tag: Chargers vs. Cowboys

Everything to know from Chargers’ preseason win over Cowboys

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 26-19 win over the Cowboys.

The Chargers picked up a win to close out the preseason, defeating the Cowboys by the score of 26-19.

Here’s our recap of the Bolts’ victory.

It was over when…

Robert Kennedy intercepted Trey Lance in the end zone as time expired.

3 stars of the game

  1. S Tony Jefferson: Jefferson had a pretty quiet summer. But his performance on Saturday raised the eyebrows of the coaching staff to garner serious consideration of making the 53-man roster. The 10-year veteran led the team in tackles (14) and added two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble.
  2. WR Simi Fehoko: It’s going to be difficult to keep Fehoko off the roster. He showed out every day over the past month and capped it off with a 78-yard touchdown, beating Andrew Booth down the right sideline to haul Easton Stick’s deep pass.
  3. EDGE Tre’Mon Morris-Brash: Morris-Brash is another summer standout who capped off with an impressive showing. He picked off Lance and took it back to the end zone. His Pick 6 extended the Chargers’ lead late in the fourth quarter to put a stamp on the game.

Quick hits

  • Easton Stick played the whole game to try to prove to the coaching staff that he is a serviceable backup. And Stick’s performance left a lot to be desired. Aside from his pass to Fehoko for the 78-yard touchdown, Stick’s accuracy issues were still evident. Aside from that deep throw, he went 11 of 28 with 109 yards and an interception.
  • In the running back battle, Jaret Patterson continued to impress, rushing for 27 yards on six carries (4.5 YPC). Elijah Dotson posted 23 yards on four rushes. Isaiah Spiller was inefficient.
  • I mentioned how Fehoko further made his case to make the roster. The same can’t be said about rookie Brenden Rice, who finished the game with just 11 yards on one catch. Rice was targeted seven times. Stick and Rice could not get on the same page for the third straight week despite Rice consistently getting open.
  • The other seventh-round pick, Cornelius Johnson, finally made his presence felt after being fairly quiet this summer. Johnson had three catches for 34 yards.
  • Derius Davis’ speed is going to be a problem for opposing defenses this season. Davis scored the first touchdown on the Chargers’ first offensive play, scampering 70 yards on an end-around.
  • Jesse Minter’s defense finished with six turnovers, five being interceptions.
  • The unit held the Cowboys to 1-of-4 in the red zone.
  • JT Woods’ tackling in the open has improved tremendously. That was one of his issues since coming out of college.

What’s next?

The Chargers will have until 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday to reduce their roster to 53 players before they open the regular season against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Chargers vs. Cowboys preseason Week 3: How to watch, listen and stream online

Find out how to tune in to watch the Chargers take on the Cowboys in the preseason finale.

The Chargers close out the preseason on Saturday, as they face off against the Cowboys.

Here is everything you need to know so you can tune in:

Game Information

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys

Saturday, Aug. 24 — 1:00 p.m. PT

AT&T Stadium — Arlington, TX

Television

The game will be televised on KCBS-TV in Los Angeles. Noah Eagle and Dan Fouts will have the call.

Radio

ALT FM-98.7 (English broadcast)

FM 105.5/94.3 (Spanish broadcast)

Streaming

FuboTV (try it for free).

Jim Harbaugh reveals plans for Chargers’ final preseason game

Easton Stick will start and play the entire game.

The Chargers will play their final preseason game against the Cowboys on Saturday.

The preseason has been about giving playing time to players on the backend of the depth chart fighting for spots on the 53-man roster, not so much to the starters. And that is unlikely going to change this weekend.

Jim Harbaugh said about 15 starters on offense and defense won’t play in the game.

Easton Stick will start at quarterback. Harbaugh said the plan is for him to play the entire game. Luis Perez will be the backup “in case Easton breaks a chin strap.”

“Go have it,” Harbaugh said about the players who will play. “I feel like they’re in a great place. I feel like we’ve got guys we feel like we can count on, but that leaves about 20 spots open — 10 on offense and 10 on defense — to really show that they’re the best players.”

“That next wave, [we want] to be able to tell who the best players are,” Harbaugh added.

Chargers 53-man roster projection: Who’s in, out ahead of final preseason game

Here’s how we see the Chargers’ roster shaping up ahead of the final preseason game.

The Chargers’ second preseason game against the Rams shed more light on some players and position battles.

Here’s an attempt at predicting the 53-man roster ahead of Los Angeles’ preseason finale against the Cowboys:

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, QB via trade or sign

I have a hard time believing that the Chargers’ backup quarterback is currently on the roster. Despite performing well as a starter in the final few games of last season when Herbert landed on injured reserve with a finger injury, Easton Stick has struggled all summer. Luis Perez has flashed, but I don’t think he’s ready for the backup role. I see Los Angeles adding someone like Tyler Huntley, Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Taylor Heinicke.

Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal

Nothing changes with the first three running backs from my last projection. Patterson has received most of the reps as the third back throughout the summer. I had Isaiah Spiller over Vidal after the first week of preseason, but that changed after Vidal led the team in rushing against the Rams. There’s no denying that Vidal is a talented player who could contribute in his rookie season.

Wide receiver (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko

No changes to the first five wide receivers listed. But in this projection, I am giving the nod to Fehoko over Brenden Rice. Not only has Fehoko excelled on offense, as a pass-catcher and a blocker, but he’s also flourished on special teams.

Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr., Tucker Fisk

Parham has been back on the field after missing some time with an injury early in the summer and has shown what he brings to the table as a receiver. I have Fisk over Stone Smartt and the undrafted free agents Luke Benson and Zach Heins because he showed some real juice as a blocker against the Rams last weekend.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell

No changes.

Edge rusher (4): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

In my last projection, Chris Rumph II made the roster as the fifth edge rusher. However, he suffered a foot injury in the preseason opener against and has been out since. I think he could end up on the injured reserve to start the season. Tre’Mon Morris-Brash has made his case to make the roster. But ultimately, I think he ends up being a practice squad candidate.

Defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock

I had the Chargers rostering five defensive tackles before. But that changed when they signed Tart, who already flashed his playmaking skills this past weekend.

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

No changes.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still

No changes.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Thomas Harper

The fourth safety spot between Harper and JT Woods will be a tough decision for the coaching staff. You can make the case for both players. While Woods has shown improvement and is getting reps at outside cornerback, where I believe he is better suited, Harper has made plenty of plays on defense and special teams to warrant a spot.

Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

No changes.

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 7: Where Chargers stand after loss to Cowboys

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Cowboys.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Cowboys.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 7:

USA Today: 19 (Previous: 20)

“You can argue they stole defeat from the jaws of victory yet again. Now? Better regroup quickly for a short week that will end in Kansas City against the rested Chiefs … in a game the Bolts really need.”

Touchdown Wire: 12 (Previous: 11)

“Every week, the Chargers ruin their lives, go to rehab, get clean, and then relapse. And then the cycle repeats the next week.”

NFL: 14 (Previous: 13)

“Having entered Monday night’s game with a mangled finger on his non-throwing hand, Justin Herbert looked pretty unencumbered early but struggled at times late. Herbert missed a wide-open Keenan Allen twice on deep balls (one in each half), couldn’t find Josh Palmer on a critical turnover on downs, nearly threw an interception with about nine minutes left and did throw a pick to essentially end the game. The 4th-and-1 incompletion to Palmer in the red zone and Bolts CB Michael Davis’ whiffed tackle on Tony Pollard — while other Los Angeles defenders stood nearby and watched — were almost too on the nose for the Chargers, the way these plays have piled up this season. A few critical penalties (some wiping out big gains) really put it over the top, and breakdowns late on both sides cost L.A. yet another close game.

CBS Sports: 21 (Previous: 18)

“When will Brandon Staley learn it’s OK to take field goals to tie games? It cost him again against the Cowboys. Typical.”

ESPN: 14 (Previous: 13)

Lesson learned: Every game is going to be close.

“It doesn’t matter if it is the Aidan O’Connell-led Raiders or the record-setting Dolphins offense; the Chargers have found ways to be in close games each week. All five of the Chargers’ games have been decided by seven points or less. It’s a point coach Brandon Staley has attempted to dismiss. “It’s not college football where, you know, Georgia is playing UAB, you know, or, or Austin Peay,” he said. But at some point, this team will need to become more consistent and put opponents away. Until then, the Chargers will always be a step below the contenders in the AFC.”

Yahoo Sports: 14 (Previous: 13)

“Monday night’s loss was the quintessential Chargers game. They had chances to win but somehow lost yet another close game. It’s uncanny how all Chargers losses seem to go that way. The Chiefs are up next on the schedule and L.A. is in danger of digging itself a big hole by the end of October.”

The Athletic: 21 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers defense, which gave up conversions on third-and-19, third-and-6 and third-and-9 on the Cowboys’ go-ahead drive Monday night, is 30th in the league in yards per play allowed (5.8) and 27th in defensive success rate (55.8 percent). The Chargers are a disappointment at 2-3, and it’s particularly acute considering they have only beaten the Vikings and Raiders.”

No excuses from Chargers QB Justin Herbert in loss to Cowboys: ‘That was on me’

After the Chargers’ loss to the Cowboys, Justin Herbert owned up to his struggles.

More often than not, Justin Herbert has shined under the lights in prime time. However, it was not his night in the Chargers’ loss to the Cowboys on Monday.

Herbert has been lauded for his ability to make dazzling throws, but he missed a few, including two to Keenan Allen, that would’ve put Los Angeles in a good position.

The first came right before the half when Herbert misfired to a wide-open Allen down the left sideline. He airmailed it and the ball ended up going out of bounds. A completion would’ve put them in field goal range to tie the game at 10 apiece.

The second missed opportunity came near the start of the fourth quarter. Allen ran a silky smooth out-and-up that put Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland on skates. It resulted in Herbert overthrowing Allen. Had he completed the pass, Allen would’ve likely been in the end zone.

“Keenan ran two great routes and that’s on me as a quarterback,” Herbert said. “We had those explosive opportunities. We have to capitalize on those. That’s on me as a quarterback.”

Herbert finished with 22-of-37 passing for 227 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His passer rating was 84.0, his second-lowest mark of the season.

Dallas had a 47.6% pressure rate on Herbert, the highest against Herbert this season. It definitely factored into how he played, as Herbert looked uncomfortable and forced many throws, including his interception to Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore that sealed the game.

“I missed a couple receivers, threw some bad passes,” Herbert said. “A lot left out there … so there’s a lot to work on and improve on.”

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ loss to Cowboys

How social media reacted following the Chargers’ loss to the Cowboys.

Fresh off their bye, the Chargers fell to the Cowboys in yet again, thrilling fashion on Monday night.

Here are some reactions following the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 takeaways from Chargers’ 20-17 loss to Cowboys

Here’s what stood out from the Chargers’ Week 6 loss to the Cowboys.

Another week, another Chargers football game. Los Angeles watched the Cowboys commit eleven penalties but committed nine of their own to salt away a 20-17 loss that dropped the Chargers to 2-3.

Here’s what to take away from the loss.

Everything to know about Chargers’ loss to Cowboys

To recap the Chargers’ loss to the Cowboys, here is everything you need to know.

In yet another game that was determined in the final two minutes, the Chargers fell to the Cowboys on Monday night, 20-17.

To recap Week 6, here is everything you need to know:

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Cowboys in Week 6

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Dallas.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Oct. 16 at 5:15 p.m. PT.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

In what will likely be the game of the week, you have a Chargers team that is well-rested after being fresh off their bye and a Cowboys team that will be plenty fired up after suffering an embarrassing loss to the 49ers. Speaking of being fired up, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will be as well, as he is facing the team that relieved him of his duties at the end of the 2022 season. Moore will look to light up the scoreboard using not only Justin Herbert but Austin Ekeler, who returns after missing the last three games. They will be taking on a Dallas defense that has given up 28 or more points in 2 of its last 3 games. Los Angeles’ defense hasn’t been anything to gloat about, but the Cowboys’ offense has struggled. I still expect a high-scoring affair, but for the Bolts to prevail.

Chargers 31, Cowboys 27

Alex K:

The way to defeat the Chargers defense is to throw the ball down the field, something the Cowboys have struggled to do all season with Mike McCarthy calling plays. Dallas will probably still put up points because they simply have too much talent not to, but a litany of injuries on defense should prevent them from slowing the Chargers too much. The only reason I won’t predict a larger margin of victory than this is that it’s a Chargers game.

Chargers 34, Cowboys 28

Alex I:

The Cowboys will be looking to rebound from their loss to the Niners and keep pace in the NFC East. LA is certainly going to get the best punch Dallas can throw with players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons in need of bounce-back efforts.

The Chargers are well-rested after their BYE. Austin Ekeler and Derwin James are back for the team. Joey Bosa seems like he’ll play after a limited practice on Saturday.

This game seems like an old-fashioned SoFi shootout that is decided by who has the ball last. Brandon Staley tends to execute his best defensive game plans in primetime moments for what it’s worth. This Dallas offense has not been quite as explosive or as efficient through five games and the loss of Trevon Diggs on defense has been felt.

LA finally puts it all together in their most complete showing of the year to knock off the Cowboys on a Cameron Dicker field goal.

Chargers 31, Cowboys 30