Dallas Cowboys Drop to 6-8-1 with Uninspiring Home Performance

The Dallas Cowboys were doubled-up at home on Sunday afternoon in a disappointing 34-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that now brings their record to 6-8-1. 

The team had issues on both sides of the ball, with the run game poor as lead back Javonte Williams managed just 34 yards on nine carries, and the defense surrendering 85 yards (5.3 yards per carry) to Chargers’ running back Omarion Hampton. Charger quarterback Justin Herbert missed just six passes (23/29), and threw for 300 yards and two scores. Chargers’ receivers were again running freely throughout the game, with Quentin Johnston catching four passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Tre’ Harris caught four for 54, Keenan Allen five for 44, and Ladd McConkey four for 43 and a touchdown. The Cowboys’ cornerbacks, with Trevon Diggs back and rookie Shavon Revel manning the other side with DaRon Bland out for the remainder of the season, did not perform very well.

Cowboys’ signal-caller Dak Prescott completed 21/30 for 244 yards and two scores, with George Pickens turning things around - seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown - after consecutive disappointing weeks. CeeDee Lamb caught six passes for 51 yards. Ryan Flournoy caught Prescott’s other touchdown pass, but Flournoy exited the game early with a knee injury. 

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown left the game after the first drive with a concussion and did not return. Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams did not play due to a concussion. If both are unable to go on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders, the team’s chance to avoid a second consecutive losing season gets dire. 

The Cowboys registered zero sacks on Sunday, though rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku got some pressure on Herbert. The first-year edge from Boston College has been one of the lone bright spots on the defensive side of the ball this season. The Chargers managed one sack, courtesy of linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu. 

Though the Cowboys’ playoff chances effectively ended on Saturday night, the Sunday effort against the Chargers at home was a disheartening one, while also a reminder of who the team has been all season - poor backend play on the defense and, if the offense does not score enough as was the case on Sunday afternoon, then the team simply cannot win games.

The team visits the 4-11 Washington Commanders on Christmas Day at 1 p.m. eastern, with both teams at this stage just playing for pride. The Chargers, meanwhile, are tied with the Buffalo Bills for the AFC’s top Wild Card spot.