Offensively, the Cowboys struggled all game totaling 247 yards of offense and 14 first downs. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s struggles continued as he tossed two interceptions giving him five in the past two games. He finished 20-0f-27 for 179 yards passing. Running back Rod Smith led in rushing with 41 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Wide receiver Terrance Williams led in receiving with four catches for 54 yards. Without running back Ezekiel Elliot the Cowboys are averaging just 8 points a game.
The Cowboys defense was carved up for 515 yards, 25 first downs, forced zero turnovers and did not register a sack. The secondary had a hard time containing wide receiver Keenan Allen as he hauled in 11 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Jaylon Smith led in tackles with seven. In the last two meetings against the Cowboys, Rivers has thrown for 835 yards and six touchdowns to just one interception.
The Chargers struck first as kicker Nick Novak hit a 22-yard field goal late in the second qu
arter to take a 3-0 half-time lead after two turnover on downs and a missed field goal on their first three drives of the game. The Chargers racked up 229 yards of offense, 10 first downs, controlled the clock for 16:17 and limited the Cowboys offense to 84 yards and five first downs.
The Chargers started the third quarter strong as Rivers found tight end Hunter Henry for a 3-yard touchdown to take a 9-0 lead after a missed Novak extra point. Late in the third quarter, the Chargers found the end zone again as Rivers connected with wide receiver Tyrell Williams for a 27-yard touchdown to make it 16-0.
For the first time in 10 quarters and the second time since Elliott’s suspension, the Cowboys found the end zone as Smith punched it in from 2-yards out and after a failed two-point conversion cut the lead to ten, 16-6 early fourth quarter. Six plays later the Chargers answered as Rivers found Allen who broke three tackles on his way to the end zone from 42-yards out to make it 22-6 after another missed extra point.
The Cowboys got as far as the LAC 13-yard line before Chargers cornerback Desmond King jumped in front of wide receiver Cole Beasley and took the interception 90-yards for a touchdown to take a commanding 28-6 lead middle fourth quarter. On the following drive, Prescott was intercepted by cornerback Casey Hayward allowing the Chargers to run out the clock and secure the win dropping the Cowboys 30-19-1 on Thanksgiving Day.
The Cowboys will look to end their three-game losing streak next Thursday as they take on division rival Washington Redskins. The game can be seen on NBC and NFL Network. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:25 p.m.
