Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score as the Los Angeles Chargers closed in on a playoff spot with a 34-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Game Summary
The Chargers’ fourth consecutive win gave them a chance later in the day to clinch their second postseason berth in two seasons under coach Jim Harbaugh. With a record of 11-4, Los Angeles would be in with a loss or tie by either Indianapolis or Houston.
Herbert’s performance was a season high: 23 of 29 completions for 300 yards, a 79% completion rate, and two passing touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown, completing a 1-yard plunge on a modified version of the tush-push. The Chargers finished with 452 total yards, another season best.
The Cowboys, at 6-8-1, were eliminated from the playoffs for the second year in a row after Philadelphia’s NFC East-clinching victory at Washington on Saturday. Dak Prescott had two touchdown passes on his first two drives but could not find the end zone again.
Key Performances
- Justin Herbert – Two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, 300 yards, 79% completion.
- Quentin Johnston – 23-yard touchdown pass, four catches for 104 yards.
- Ladd McConkey – 25-yard touchdown reception.
- Omarion Hampton – 5-yard rushing touchdown in the second half.
Herbert’s first half was explosive: touchdowns on all three drives. The second-half field goal by Cameron Dicker, after a 33-yard run by Herbert, capped a 27-17 lead with nine minutes remaining.
Defensive Analysis
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus moved to the coaching booth from the sideline, but the Cowboys’ defense remained beleaguered. Herbert’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Johnston and the subsequent 25-yard catch by McConkey highlighted the Chargers’ offensive line’s protection.
The Cowboys’ defense struggled to contain Herbert’s broken left hand, which was heavily wrapped. The Chargers did not reach 300 yards in the first two full games with Herbert’s left hand heavily wrapped, making this performance a notable turnaround.
Injuries
- Chargers
- LT Jamaree Salyer – hamstring injury in the first half, did not return.
- CB Donte Jackson – exited with a groin injury in the third quarter, did not return.
- Cowboys
- LB DeMarvion Overshown – concussion in the first half, did not return.
- C Cooper Beebe – missed three plays in the first quarter after being poked in the eye.
Prescott’s first touchdown pass was a 5-yard throw to Ryan Flournoy, who had another touchdown wiped out by a holding penalty before exiting with a knee injury and not returning. George Pickens scored on a 38-yard catch when Prescott hit him in stride in the end zone, but Pickens had seven yards on 130 catches after two sub-par games that led to criticisms about his playing style.
Standings Implications
With the win, the Chargers moved closer to a playoff berth. Their record of 11-4 would secure a spot with a loss or tie by either Indianapolis or Houston. The Cowboys’ loss further cemented their elimination, as they had already fallen behind in the NFC East.
Upcoming Games
- Chargers: Houston at home on Saturday.
- Cowboys: Washington on Thursday.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Herbert’s 300-yard game and two touchdown passes lead the Chargers to a 34-17 win over the Cowboys.
- The victory puts Los Angeles in line for a playoff spot, depending on results from Indianapolis and Houston.
- The Cowboys’ season continues to falter, with injuries and a lack of offensive production.
The Chargers’ offensive prowess, combined with a defense that held the Cowboys to 17 points, marks a significant moment in their pursuit of a postseason berth. Herbert’s performance underscores his resilience despite a broken left hand, and the team’s fourth straight win positions them for a potential playoff run.
