Tag: Chargers vs. Cowboys

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

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Cowboys?

Find out who the experts are picking between the Chargers and Cowboys.

The Chargers are 1.5-point underdogs to the Cowboys in Week 6 of the 2023 regular season. The over/under is 51 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 51 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 31-27 win for the Chargers, with a combined total of 58 points. So if I were putting money behind my prediction, I’d bet the over.

As for game picks, analysts are slightly leaning toward Mike McCarthy’s squad in this one.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Cowboys
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Cowboys
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chargers
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Cowboys
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Cowboys
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Cowboys
NFL.com Staff Chargers (4 to 1)
Bleacher Report Chargers

Monday’s game will begin at 5:15 p.m. PT and will be televised on ESPN.

Chargers’ causes for concern vs. Cowboys

Reasons why the Cowboys could beat the Chargers in Week 6.

The Chargers take the field on Monday night against a Cowboys team whose season suddenly feels like it could be in flux.

After being shellacked by the 49ers on Sunday Night Football last week, Dallas fell to 3-2 with a gauntlet the Bolt, sneaky competitive Rams, and undefeated Eagles on tap.

Here are four reasons to be concerned that the Chargers don’t continue Dallas’ slide down the standings.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert won’t be affected by finger injury vs. Cowboys

There aren’t going to be any limitations for Justin Herbert.

Quarterback Justin Herbert is not likely to be affected by the injured finger on his non-throwing hand when the Chargers take on the Cowboys on Monday night.

“I think there’s so much going on during the game that you’re probably not going to be worrying about it too much. I think you’re just going to be worried about not getting tackled or not taking those hits. Whether it’s a scramble, it’s about being safe and getting down. That’s in the back of your mind.”

Herbert sustained the injury in Week 4 in the win over the Raiders. It occurred after he threw an interception. He attempted to make a tackle on the defender, but his finger got caught in the helmet of Maxx Crosby, resulting in him finishing the game with a large splint on his hand.

“I think it gets better every day,” Herbert said. “It’s nice having the bye week to get our bodies back. I think it’s getting better every day.”

Herbert said he plans to play with a glove on his hand as a way of protection and helping him get a better grip on the football.

Herbert didn’t take any snaps under center throughout the week of practice to protect his finger, but he did note that they’ve got some plays under center designed for the game.

Chargers final injury report: 2 doubtful, 3 questionable for Week 6 vs. Cowboys

The Chargers released their final injury report ahead of the Week 6 game against the Cowboys. 

The Chargers released their final injury report ahead of the Week 6 game against the Cowboys.

Austin Ekeler logged three full practices and will play for the first time since sustaining an ankle injury in the season opener against the Dolphins.

Justin Herbert (finger) is also off the injury report.

Alohi Gilman (heel) and Deane Leonard (hamstring) are doubtful.

With Gilman likely out, Los Angeles could resort to Dean Marlowe and Raheem Layne, who were the ones who got the start in place of Gilman and Derwin James in Week 4.

With Leonard sidelined, Essang Bassey will be the primary cornerback off the bench.

Joey Bosa (toe), Donald Parham (wrist) and Nick Williams (back) are questionable.