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00:00San Diego. January 2nd on Fox. The new year begins with the Holiday Bowl. Arizona. Out of a cannon. Takes on SMU. Wow. It's a primetime matchup. The Trustin' Will Holiday Bowl. January 2nd on Fox.
00:19Dak Prescott leads one of the highest powered offenses in the NFL. Playing his home finale this season as Justin Herbert and the Chargers have plenty to play for in the playoff chase.
00:39From Arlington, Texas, the Fox NFL pre-kick is presented by Nationwide. Nationwide is on your side.
00:47The Chargers make their first trip to Arlington, Texas in eight years with a lot at stake as the Cowboys play their home finale and try to salvage the rest of their season.
00:57Inside the broadcast room, Adam Meen, the Texas native and former Charger Drew Brees. Christina Pink is with us as well.
01:03You guys saw the Philadelphia Eagles last night. They win the NFC East. Dallas is officially eliminated from playoff contention.
01:09So the focus really shifts to the Chargers. They're still in contention for the AFC West.
01:14They can clinch a playoff spot as early as this evening with a win and some help.
01:18And I think, Drew, for this Charger defense, one of the best in the NFL, this Dallas offense is a great litmus test for what they're going to see assuming they make the playoffs.
01:27They have a huge challenge today. They're going up against the number one offense in football.
01:30A quarterback who's playing at the top of his game in Dak Prescott.
01:33Two elite receivers in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.
01:36But their style of defense is to try to take those guys away.
01:38So it's really going to be Dallas' ability to be very patient, run the football, basically beating the Chargers at their own game.
01:43And this is how the Chargers beat other teams, running the football and being very patient.
01:47And also keeping their defense off the field.
01:49Because on the other side, the Dallas defense has a huge challenge.
01:52But I think they have a decided advantage up front with their defensive line.
01:55If they can stop the run, force the Chargers into third and longs, that's where Justin Herbert has gotten sacked, gotten hit, and really struggled.
02:01Third and five or less. Keep that in mind when the Chargers are on offense.
02:04It's been a huge number over the course of the season to their success or failure.
02:09It's the Chargers and the Cowboys.
02:11More coming up from Arlington after this.
02:12He can tell him he can take the freeway down.
02:17We are Fox Sports.
02:23Fox Sports welcomes you to the following presentation of the National Football League.
02:31Chargers have won their last three games since the bye week.
02:37Two and a half of those games.
02:39Christina Pink, Justin Herbert's been dealing with that broken left hand.
02:42What's the latest?
02:43Yeah, Adam.
02:44The paint is what it is.
02:45You just got to put it aside and play ball.
02:47That is what Justin Herbert told us coming into this one.
02:49It has been 20 days since he had surgery on that fractured left hand.
02:53The swelling is down.
02:54The mobility's improved.
02:55But he's still working on his range of motion, which means no snaps under center in practice this week.
03:00Although he told us that's not been an issue for him in the game.
03:03What has been an issue is holding on to that football.
03:05He said it's a little tougher for him.
03:06So he'll be working on that ball security during the game today.
03:09Turnovers and sacks have been a big issue for this group.
03:12Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh, who will turn 62 on Tuesday, has a chance to take this Chargers team to a second straight playoff in two seasons.
03:20And they're still in contention to win the AFC West.
03:23Broncos host the Jaguars in a big game in the late window this afternoon.
03:28And we'll be keeping our eyes on that after we finish this one up.
03:32Meanwhile, Ryan Schottenheimer, first-year head coach of the Cowboys, of course.
03:36He was the quarterback coach when his late father, Marty, was the head coach of the San Diego Chargers.
03:41Ryan said the Chargers organization still means a lot to him.
03:45When he was in San Diego, it's where he grew his family and became a man.
03:50Still important to him to this day.
03:53Kickoff from Cameron Dicker, the Austin, Texas native, is grabbed by the electric Camonte Turpin.
03:59You've got to bottle him up, and the Chargers do just that.
04:02Shy the 21-yard line.
04:04Excellent special teams coverage.
04:07Delshawn Phillips, their special teams, maven with the tackle.
04:10And Dak Prescott did not have a touchdown recorded in a loss to Minnesota last week.
04:17Back-to-back tough losses to Detroit and Minnesota.
04:19Kills their playoff chances.
04:21But Dak still leads one of the best offenses in the NFL.
04:23Three!
04:24Three!
04:26Yeah!
04:28Here we go!
04:30And a classic cadence from Prescott.
04:32And a fake.
04:33Dude, Javante Williams, and he finds George Pickens.
04:37He's had a quiet last few weeks, but a loud start with a pickup of 14 yards for the Cowboys.
04:44Yeah, I would expect the Chargers defense today to be very in tune with where George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb are at all times.
04:50Those are the two big playmakers on this Dallas offense, responsible for so many of their big plays.
04:56And really, the structure of this Charger defense is really designed to keep a top on it and force you to run the football.
05:03There's a handoff for Javante Williams.
05:06And he'll pick up solid yardage on first down.
05:09About five.
05:10I should note that for Dallas' offensive line, Tyler Smith moved to the left tackle position.
05:16Some struggles from Nate Thomas.
05:18So they moved Smith over to contend with what is one of the best defenses in the NFL, especially on the edges.
05:24Yeah, they feel like that could be their best offensive lineman lineup thus far.
05:28Because Tyler Smith played four years of tackle at Tulsa.
05:31Ended up playing guard because of Tyron Smith being here for a long time.
05:34But now they bumped back out to tackle.
05:36Bryce Scott, second down, and he's got a man at midfield.
05:41And it's a first down for CeeDee Lamb.
05:43So both Pickens and Lamb involved early for two first down catches.
05:47Now this is a heavy zone defense.
05:49In fact, it's the highest percentage of zone of any defense in the league right now.
05:5383% zone.
05:55And it's a lot of shell zone, meaning two safeties.
05:58So there really is a lot of space in the defense for those types of completions.
06:02They have limited explosive plays.
06:04Because that's kind of a trend that we see across the league with that shell defense.
06:07Trying not to give up the big deep ball.
06:10Devontae Williams is familiar with the Chargers from his days with the Broncos.
06:14He runs into Deshaun Hand after a gain of four.
06:17Jesse Minter's been a hot name as of late.
06:20Was with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.
06:23Get the sense, though, he wants to stay at the NFL level and continue to grow his resume.
06:27It's been a great one these last two years.
06:29Running two of the better defensive units the last two seasons.
06:32Yeah, and he's been outstanding, especially, you mentioned earlier, limiting the big plays.
06:36They have the second-fewest plays at 20-plus yards this year given up by this defense.
06:41And Minnesota has allowed fewer.
06:43Williams in space.
06:45And Henley's there, the leading tackler for the Chargers.
06:48He makes the stop shy of the first-down marker.
06:52It'll be third down and short coming up for the Cowboys.
06:54And this is really a good formula for Dallas right now.
06:59It's a lot of play action.
07:01They're doing more play action now than they ever have.
07:03And really, that's something that, throughout the offseason, Brian Schottenheimer brought to Dak.
07:08Actually put Dak under the center a lot more than he has been in the past.
07:12And it's been really effective for this offense.
07:14It's obviously number one in the NFL in yards.
07:16And a lot of that is because of the play action pass.
07:26Roll out for Prescott on third down and short.
07:29And C.D. Lamb trying to reach up to snatch it incomplete.
07:33Brings a fourth down and two at the plus 40-yard line.
07:35Yeah, you got, you've got, it looks like he, obviously, a sprint out to the right.
07:42You know, you got about three receivers flowing to the right.
07:45Looked at the ball, just sailed on him a little bit.
07:47But here you are, you got Aubrey with the biggest leg in the league.
07:50Certainly could attempt a 57-yard field goal here.
07:54But in a game like this, they're going to play aggressive.
07:58They want to close out the season strong.
08:01Out of playoff contention, so why not go for it on fourth and two
08:06with a shot for Pickens.
08:08Back shoulder throw first down.
08:14There's an explosive play in the past game a lot by the Chargers.
08:18Yeah, I love it.
08:18So typically you're going to get inside technique, which Cam Hart's inside.
08:21He's going to take away the slant,
08:23which is commonly what you would think on fourth and short,
08:26which opens up a release to the outside.
08:29And no bigger target or better target down the field than George Pickens.
08:33They pick up 28, but Cooper Beebe, the center for the Cowboys,
08:37is down to the deck.
08:39The new year begins with the Holiday Ball.
08:44Wow!
08:44Arizona takes on SMU January 2nd on Fox.
08:49Today's game is sponsored by Verizon, the best 5G network.
08:52There's only one best.
08:55Brock Hoffman's got plenty of starting experience.
08:58Cooper Beebe got poked in the eye on that last sequence.
09:01So Hoffman started six games this year.
09:04Will snap it to Prescott, who gives it to Williams,
09:07and takes it into Thierry Tartt,
09:11just inside the 10-yard line for a short game.
09:16Cooper Beebe had dealt with an ankle injury this year,
09:19started the last seven games, including today.
09:21And in the middle, you see him grab towards his helmet.
09:27And he was being tended to on the deck.
09:30Hoffman's back in, playing his 49th consecutive game for the Cowboys.
09:36You see the linebacker run out with Jamison Wood.
09:40They got CeeDee Lamb in the backfield that time,
09:44and they throw it to him, a little Texas route for CeeDee,
09:46so mixing it up on offense.
09:49That's right.
09:49Denzel Perryman, linebacker, ran out there with Javante Wings,
09:53who knew his man-to-man.
09:54So here's CeeDee Lamb,
09:55with Dexter Jackson now having to play in the box,
09:58and you create a little natural pick,
10:01which allows CeeDee Lamb with that in-cut.
10:04It's basically a choice route.
10:06He's got a three-way break.
10:07He can break out.
10:08He can hook it up or he can break in.
10:09He had the in-cut.
10:11Nice positive play in the red zone.
10:14Tenth play of this opening drive
10:15is a Prescott throw underneath,
10:17and a touchdown for Dallas.
10:18It's Ryan Flodoy.
10:20His breakout second season of the NFL continues.
10:36We thought it coming in that Jake Ferguson and Flonoy
10:39would have opportunities inside
10:41with all the attention that goes to George Pickens.
10:43You see, George Pickens doubled,
10:45which opens up that lane over there on the shallow cross
10:49for Flonoy.
10:50Just a nice job by Dak, though.
10:51Progression.
10:52Eyes go to the left.
10:53Gradually make your way back across.
10:55Find the open receiver.
10:56Touchdown, Cowboys.
10:59Dak Prescott, six of seven
11:01on an 11-play drive.
11:03Ten-play drive.
11:04And it ends with a score for the...
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11:29Number one passing offense in the NFL
11:32was sharp through the air.
11:33Six completions for Dak Prescott.
11:35About five of them went to a wide receiver,
11:38including the final one,
11:39to Flonoy for a five-yard touchdown.
11:42They were getting a ton of zone.
11:44They got that one snap of man on the fourth and short,
11:47which opened up the big play opportunity
11:48for George Pickens.
11:50I think any time those guys are single,
11:52they're going to get the football today.
11:53That was a fourth and short completion to Pickens.
11:55He had a couple of grabs.
11:57Lamb had a double-digit yard catch
11:59on that opening series as well.
12:04And Aubrey boots it away.
12:09Monty Bydel will return it.
12:11No Darius Davis for a second straight game,
12:13their main return man.
12:14So Bydel, former practice squad player,
12:18turning into their leading rusher,
12:19takes it a lot past the 35.
12:21Good field position for Justin Herbert,
12:24dealing with that broken left hand.
12:26Completion percentage,
12:27the accuracy hasn't been where he wants
12:29in the last couple of games.
12:30He's taken 11 sacks,
12:31but in those two games,
12:33wins against Philadelphia and Kansas City,
12:35and they're still alive for the AFC West.
12:38Yeah, not too shabby.
12:39They're just finding ways to win football games,
12:41and a lot of it is just the run game.
12:43It's pounding the rock out of multiple formations,
12:46multiple personnel groups,
12:47finding ways really just to win the time of position.
12:49They're one of the best teams in the NFL
12:51with 33 minutes a game, time of possession.
12:53I think Buffalo has been better in that category this year.
12:56Bydel, nothing there as he maybe gets a yard on the play.
13:02But there's San Diego,
13:03I see, I said it too,
13:04because I was thinking about your time
13:06and Brian Schottenheimer's time,
13:08this L.A. offense.
13:09You said a possession offense.
13:10They want to grind it out.
13:12They get to third and five or less better
13:14than any team in the NFL.
13:15They do, and they really have to.
13:17You know, unfortunately,
13:18because of the injuries to Rashawn Slater,
13:20their left tackle who has not played at all,
13:22Joe Ault,
13:23for most of the season,
13:25they've really had a makeshift offensive line,
13:27a lot of different O-line groupings,
13:29and it's just forced them to have to play much more conservative.
13:32Extra body coming for Dallas.
13:34Chris Herbert gets rid of it,
13:35and a catch made by Ladd McConkie.
13:39The leading receiver in terms of yardage,
13:41he picks up four against this Cowboy defense,
13:44which is feeling some pressure right now.
13:46Matt Eberflus, the defensive coordinator,
13:48is actually up in the box for the first time
13:50since he was a college assistant.
13:52It's a big week for what Dallas is trying to do to bounce back.
13:55It is, and I think it's a good adjustment,
13:56because you just see things as a coordinator from up high a lot better,
14:00and you can make adjustments a lot faster.
14:02You see leverage, you feel space,
14:03you can make those adjustments,
14:05which is really where they've struggled,
14:07especially over the last five games.
14:09You saw Aaron Whitecott,
14:11he's the defensive line coach,
14:12making the on-field adjustments
14:14in conjunction with Eberflus up top.
14:17Third down and four.
14:19Five or less.
14:20This is where the Chargers are great,
14:21and they get a big play from the rookie, Trey Harris.
14:27Second round pick had his best game last week
14:30when Quinton Johnston was out.
14:32Harris hoping to be a bigger part of the offense.
14:35He is.
14:35This is man-to-man.
14:36He's on Ravel.
14:38Just a simple out-cut there.
14:40You know, typically third and medium,
14:41all your attention is going to Keenan Allen.
14:43It's going to Ladd McConkie.
14:44Those are the guys that are typically
14:45catching those short intermediate routes.
14:48But to your point,
14:48Trey Harris has taken a much larger role in the offense,
14:52gotten opportunities with Quinton Johnston being out.
14:55Quinton Johnston is back this game,
14:56but nonetheless, Trey Harris is getting some touches.
14:59On first down, Herbert.
15:03Climbing the pocket as he often does with that big frame.
15:06Whips it across his body for a first down catch.
15:09Back-to-back to Trey Harris.
15:1234 yards on the last two grabs by the rookie out of Mississippi.
15:16Listen, the Cowboys playing a bit more aggressive right now.
15:21It's zoned, and yet a lot of games up front.
15:24You've got five-man rush,
15:25which means you're a little bit short in coverage.
15:28And this is where Justin Herbert's been so dangerous.
15:30It's also why he takes so many hits.
15:32It's because when he does vacate the pockets,
15:34it's not to the right or to the left.
15:36It's typically up through the meat of the pocket.
15:39But he's got such a big arm.
15:40He's got such a big stature.
15:42He has no problem delivering the ball down the field
15:44and taking those big shots.
15:49Extra lineman in the game and Trevor Penning.
15:51Omari and Hampton.
15:53He's been back the last couple of games from injury.
15:55He dives ahead for three.
15:58It's good to get him back.
16:00You know, Kamani Fidel did such a great job
16:02in Omari and Hampton's absence,
16:04but the two of these guys together,
16:06really, they're both kind of the hammer.
16:08You know, they both average over four yards of carry,
16:10but 220 pounds each, they pack a punch.
16:14This is something, and you were just talking about
16:15the tackle injuries between Slater and Ault.
16:19Jamari Salyer making his fifth start of the season.
16:22He is down.
16:23He's their starting left tackle right now.
16:26Austin Dekulis is a third-year man out of LSU.
16:30He's one of the backup tackles.
16:31Bobby Hart is a backup who's starting
16:33for the injured Trey Pipkins right now on the right side.
16:36So this revolving door up front for the Chargers
16:40continues.
16:46Protection's been a problem for the Chargers all year.
16:48You can understand why with these injury elements.
16:56It's been a problem from the start of the year.
16:58Rashawn Slater got hurt before the season began.
17:00Joe Alton, midway through the year, got hurt.
17:02Pipkins, he was out last week and out again this week.
17:08No Charger quarterback other than Phillip Rivers
17:11has been sacked more than Justin Herbert.
17:13Well, and it's exactly why they need to run the ball
17:17and get into third and five or less.
17:19The statistics are very much in their favor
17:21when they can get there.
17:22In fact, 63% conversion in third and five or less,
17:25which has kept them on the field, time of possession,
17:27all those things.
17:28When they're third and six plus,
17:29that's where Herbert gets hit, gives up sacks,
17:31and it's really problematic for this offense.
17:33So these second down and seven plays are being shot down
17:36the field, end zone.
17:38It is held onto by Johnston for the touchdown.
17:45The Texas native with a fabulous catch for the score.
17:49Boy, it is good to have Quinton Johnston back.
17:57He is their big-size receiver.
18:00Their down-the-field threat,
18:02but could not have thrown this ball any more perfect.
18:08Right in front of his home fans.
18:11Played at TCU right down the road, Fort Worth.
18:14What a catch.
18:15Dicker ties it up at seven apiece.
18:20Johnston back after the groin injury
18:22kept him out against Kansas City last week.
18:24From Temple High School,
18:26two hours south of AT&T Stadium,
18:29but as Drew mentioned,
18:30he played his college ball about 20 miles west at TCU.
18:34Perfect matchup for the Chargers,
18:36perfect ball placement by Herbert,
18:37and a phenomenal catch by Quinton Johnston,
18:42whose TCU team beat Jim Harbaugh and Michigan
18:45in the 2022 college football playoff semifinal.
18:49Now he plays for Harbaugh,
18:51calling in his eighth touchdown of the season.
18:54Tell you what, he's come a long way since his rookie year.
18:57You know, as a rookie, he's obviously a big target,
18:59but a very raw athlete.
19:01You see, you need a lot of work just with his route running,
19:03but he has become a very complete receiver.
19:06Can run every route in the book,
19:07and certainly he's such a big target
19:09with throws down the field.
19:10So, Phillips makes another special team's tackle,
19:14stopping Turpin in his tracks.
19:1624-yard return.
19:18We talked about this, Drew.
19:20This is a great Dallas offense
19:22going up against a great Charger defense,
19:24and I think this is a great litmus test
19:26for what the Chargers are about to experience
19:27the next couple of weeks,
19:29and if they clinch a spot in the playoffs
19:30in the postseason.
19:31Yeah, look, this is good on good.
19:33And I think what I was most looking forward to seeing
19:35is just how patient the Cowboys offense
19:37is willing to be against this defense
19:39that typically does not give up any big plays.
19:42The Javante Williams on the carry.
19:44He'll take it past the 30-yard line
19:46into Denzel Pyramid.
19:47We do see Cooper Beebe back in at center for Dallas
19:51after he got poked in the eye on the previous drive.
19:54Hoffman came in for him,
19:55but Beebe's back out there.
19:57They're going to need everything they can,
19:59especially against this defensive front.
20:01You talk about four really good edge players
20:04in Khalil Mack and Tulu-Pirotu,
20:07and Adafi when he comes in typically
20:09in pass rush situations,
20:10Bud Dupree as well.
20:12They do an excellent job of setting those edges.
20:14Without Dupree today,
20:15but they have been very good on the edges as of late.
20:19Nice run by Malik Davis,
20:20who saw the most run he's had
20:22in the NFL last week against Minnesota.
20:2537 snaps of career high against the Vikings.
20:28A couple of touchdowns
20:30the last three games for Davis.
20:32Yeah, the Chargers don't bring pressure much,
20:35but actually Henley coming free off the edge,
20:40and just if you can hit,
20:41if you can hit that run
20:42in between the tackles
20:43with speed and intensity,
20:45a lot of times you can beat those edge rushes.
20:48Turpin in the backfield.
20:49Prescott looking for Turpin.
20:52And the speedster.
20:54That's grabbed by Tony Jefferson
20:56by the shirt tail.
20:58It ends up being a gain of seven yards.
21:01Jefferson's had a wild last few weeks, huh?
21:04He has.
21:04He's had an unbelievable season here
21:08with the Chargers,
21:09especially after taking a year off.
21:11You thought he was going into
21:12the scouting department, actually,
21:13for the Chargers,
21:14and the next thing you know,
21:15he's playing safety for them.
21:17But he's really been a tone setter for them.
21:19I mean, everybody taught Derwin James
21:20is certainly the engine
21:21that runs this defense,
21:22but Tony Jefferson
21:23has been an enforcer on the back end,
21:26not just with his physicality,
21:28but with his ball production.
21:29He's got four interceptions this year already.
21:31Coupled in those last three games.
21:33He's got ejected last week
21:34against Kansas City
21:35for a couple of hard hits.
21:37Perriman makes the hit here
21:38on Malik Davis
21:39after a gain of a yard.
21:41So it's going to be third down
21:42and very short
21:42for Dallas's offense.
21:44Perriman is another one of those guys.
21:46Number six,
21:48linebacker.
21:49In his 11th year,
21:50he actually started
21:51with the Chargers
21:51for a long time,
21:53then went to Houston
21:53and then came back.
21:55Do not be fooled
21:56by his stature.
21:57He's 5'11",
21:58but 240 pounds.
22:00And he packs a punch.
22:01He's a great tackler.
22:03He's got a nose
22:03for the football.
22:04He can key a guy
22:04he knows.
22:05Great instincts
22:06and really a great
22:06communicator for this defense.
22:08Another 29th career game
22:09for Perriman.
22:11Nice push by Beebe
22:12as he got in behind
22:13Javante Williams
22:14to muscle him
22:16across the line to gain.
22:18And it'll be another
22:18first down for Dallas.
22:21Jesse Minter's defense.
22:23So far,
22:25this game has gone
22:26exactly the way
22:26Dallas would want
22:27offensively.
22:29They've been able
22:30to hit this Chargers defense
22:32with a few play actions.
22:34A big play to George Pickens
22:36on that first drive
22:37and now they've just been able
22:38to steadily run the ball.
22:40They struggled
22:41on third down last week.
22:42They've been able
22:42to convert a couple of times
22:44already today.
22:46Prescott,
22:47nice easy pitch and catch
22:49for CeeDee Lamb
22:50to the 40-yard line.
22:52Pick up about
22:52six.
22:54Pass defense has been
22:55really good for Los Angeles.
22:58Fewest pass touchdowns allowed.
22:59They have allowed
23:00the lowest quarterback rating
23:02in the NFL this year.
23:04The takeaways
23:04are starting to rack up too.
23:06Look, they've got
23:07a bunch of guys
23:07in the secondary
23:08who have great ball skills,
23:10but because of the zone coverage,
23:11they always have their eyes
23:12on the quarterback.
23:13And then you've got
23:14these pass rushers
23:15with Tooley and Mack
23:17who are just wreaking havoc.
23:18So the ball's having to come out
23:19a little bit earlier
23:20than you want.
23:21Tip balls.
23:22They've been able to get
23:23a lot of ball production
23:24that way.
23:25Here's Prescott
23:25on the scramble
23:26with nothing downfield
23:28and Dak will move the chains.
23:30Only running the ball
23:31about three times a game.
23:33He picks up eight yards
23:34to get a fresh set of downs
23:36for Dallas.
23:37Yeah, you don't see Dak
23:39take off and run
23:40as much as maybe you used to.
23:42Sure.
23:43He's become a little bit more wise
23:45in his older years.
23:47He'd rather have the completion
23:48and the big play.
23:50I'm with you, Dak.
23:51But when needed,
23:53this guy's a leader.
23:55And he wants to set the tone
23:56for this offense
23:57and whatever it takes.
23:57Here we go!
23:59Turpin in motion.
24:02A little option play
24:04and a zone read
24:05and they give it to Kavante
24:06with a good run.
24:07The ball came out
24:08but it went out of bounds.
24:10It's still going to end up
24:11being a gain of nine.
24:13I think they're going to
24:13mark him down.
24:15Let's see if it came out loose.
24:17It would depend.
24:18The only thing it would impact
24:19is where the ball is spotted.
24:20He was already down
24:21so it's a full nine-yard run
24:23for Turpin.
24:24I'm really looking forward
24:26to seeing how they continue
24:27to utilize Turpin today.
24:29Of course, you're always
24:30going to get him on the speed sweeps
24:31and some of the down-the-field stuff
24:32but as we saw a few plays ago,
24:34he's coming out of the backfield
24:35catching balls.
24:36He's a guy who can have
24:37a big impact today.
24:40Handed off for Davis
24:41and a first down
24:42of the 21-yard line
24:44and we check in with
24:45Parisa Thompson for a game break.
24:46What's up, my friend?
24:47Thank you so much, Adam.
24:48Bucs down three.
24:49That's what's up to the Panthers
24:50in the battle for first place
24:51in the NFC South
24:52but Baker Mayfield puts it up
24:53only Mike Evans
24:54can come down
24:55with the score.
24:55Bucs lead the Panthers
24:567-3.
24:59First of two meetings
25:00in the final three weeks
25:02between the Bucs
25:02and the Panthers.
25:04Panthers have had
25:05some upset wins
25:05including against Dallas
25:06this season.
25:08They'll put themselves
25:09into contention
25:09to make the postseason.
25:11Here we go, Mike Chase!
25:14Prescott.
25:15Handing defeat.
25:16Check down underneath
25:17and a tough catch
25:18is made by Javante Williams.
25:20Grabbed and hit hard
25:23by Denzel Pyramid
25:24immediately.
25:25We'll mark him down
25:26at the 16-yard line.
25:28Anytime you play
25:29a zone defense
25:30especially as you get down
25:31in the red zone
25:32there's even more
25:36of a sense of urgency
25:37to get quicker
25:38to the checkdowns
25:39because those linebackers
25:40are really going to react quickly
25:41and see if he catches this.
25:42And they ruled it
25:43incomplete afterwards.
25:44They thought he maybe
25:45had a chance
25:46to secure that ball
25:47but clearly hit the ground
25:48so they properly call
25:49that incomplete.
25:53Here we go!
25:55Second down for Prescott.
25:57Another throw.
25:58And this time
25:59it's held on to
26:00by Jake Ferguson.
26:03Career high
26:0478th reception
26:05for Ferguson.
26:06That's going to bring up
26:07third down and four.
26:09Jake Ferguson
26:09has had a phenomenal year.
26:10He's been one of Dak's
26:11best targets.
26:12He's a guy who I
26:13also think could have
26:14a big game today
26:15just with this zone defense
26:17and a lot of the space inside.
26:19The way he can work
26:20the middle of the field.
26:21His awareness in zone.
26:24Especially in the red zone here.
26:27Hey, we go to three.
26:28We go to three.
26:29Take all of it.
26:30All right, Derwin James
26:31hanging around out here.
26:32This looks a little suspicious.
26:34Here we go!
26:36Like this!
26:37He drops back in coverage.
26:39Prescott over the middle.
26:41C.D. Lamb holds on
26:42for the first down.
26:43And that puts him
26:44over 1,000 yards.
26:47That'll take us to the end
26:49of the opening quarter.
26:50That is now five straight
26:521,000-yard receiving seasons
26:54for C.D. Lamb.
26:56He and Michael Irvin
26:57are the only two Cowboys
26:59to ever have five straight
27:011,000-yard seasons.
27:03Both teams...
27:04Scott right here
27:04on that last play.
27:06Directive protection.
27:07Communicate with the offensive line
27:08and set the rhythm.
27:09Take all of it.
27:10Take all of it.
27:11Go, get it.
27:12Go, get it.
27:12Go, get it.
27:13Go, get it.
27:15Here we go!
27:16Like this!
27:19I love it.
27:20So he says,
27:21reload to three.
27:22He saw what I saw.
27:23He's like,
27:24Derwin James never lines up
27:25with a weak side.
27:26We're going to take
27:26the protection over there
27:28and I've got to get
27:28this ball out.
27:30First and 10
27:31after that completion
27:32to Lamb.
27:33Incomplete.
27:33Looking for Pickens
27:34there in traffic.
27:36Yeah, Benjamin St. Juice.
27:38One of the rotational
27:39corners in the area.
27:41Go, go, go, go, go.
27:42Tight windows down here
27:44in the red zone.
27:48Max done a really nice job
27:49of being patient
27:49and taking a lot
27:50of those completions
27:51and it seems like
27:51the Chargers have been
27:52giving those up.
27:53It's been a lot of this
27:54kind of bend,
27:55don't break thus far
27:56but this is where
27:56the game's going to be won.
27:57When you get down
27:58to the red zone,
27:59you're going up
27:59against the top five
28:00defense in the NFL
28:01and keeping people
28:02out of the end zone.
28:03Here we go!
28:05Like this!
28:08Prescott stepping up,
28:10firing on the move
28:11to Pickens
28:11and three on three there.
28:13Derwin James
28:14hits Pickens
28:15at the five.
28:17It will bring up
28:17third down.
28:18Cowboys can still
28:19get a first down
28:20just inside
28:21the one-yard line.
28:22Well, I love
28:26these situations.
28:28This is good on good.
28:29You've got so many
28:31great matchups
28:32when you think about
28:32the Cowboys' offense
28:33down here in the red zone.
28:34Obviously, your receivers,
28:35Jake Ferguson
28:36has been a great
28:36red zone threat.
28:38I love seeing how
28:39this Charger defense
28:41is going to defend them.
28:42It looks like
28:42a bracket-style defense.
28:45Lamb and Pickens
28:46on the left.
28:48Prescott,
28:49back foot,
28:50back of the end zone.
28:51It is hold in!
28:53There is a flag thrown,
28:54but Flannoy
28:55grabs his second
28:56of the game.
28:57We'll see if this
28:58comes back for a hold.
29:01That's a shame
29:02because that was
29:03an unbelievable throw.
29:04Holding.
29:04Number 73,
29:05offense.
29:0710-yard penalty.
29:08Replay.
29:09That is Tyler Smith
29:10who's back at left tackle
29:12today.
29:13He gets tagged
29:13with that penalty.
29:14Let's watch Tyler Smith
29:15right there.
29:20Going up against
29:21Khalil Mack.
29:22looks like right there
29:26just gives it a gray up.
29:28How about the throw
29:28from Dak Prescott?
29:29Yeah.
29:30Let's admire that
29:30for a second.
29:32And Flannoy.
29:34He's like,
29:34oh no!
29:35I had to, man!
29:38Three touchdowns
29:39this season
29:40coming into the game.
29:42He had the opening
29:42drive score.
29:44That one's taken off
29:45the board
29:45on the first penalty
29:46of the game.
29:50All right,
29:50they're playing
29:50man-to-man here
29:51with two safeties.
29:52So are they going to
29:53drop one of these
29:53safeties down in?
29:55Rob the middle?
29:57Stay high.
29:57They're bracketing.
29:58So Prescott's going to
29:59take a shot
30:00into double coverage
30:01for Turpin.
30:02And it's incomplete
30:03to bring up
30:03fourth down.
30:06Here about a 38-yard
30:07field goal try.
30:09Yeah, so it's third
30:10and long,
30:10but you know
30:10they're going to
30:11take a shot.
30:11So what do you do?
30:12You end up bracketing.
30:13So basically,
30:13everyone's man-to-man
30:14below.
30:15And then they're
30:15basically telling the
30:16safeties,
30:16hey, we're going to
30:17bracket.
30:17In other words,
30:18we're going to latch
30:18on to the two
30:20receivers that go
30:20vertical.
30:21You know,
30:21there was Turpin on
30:22one side
30:22and it was George
30:24Pickens on the
30:24other side.
30:2733-yard field goal,
30:29beg your pardon
30:29for Aubrey.
30:31Rarity last week
30:32to see him miss
30:33a pair of field goals.
30:34Only the third time
30:35in his NFL career
30:36he missed multiple
30:37field goals in a game.
30:39This one right down
30:40the middle to extend
30:42the Dallas offense
30:44to a 10-7
30:45on Saturday night.
30:47Eagles win the
30:48NFC East,
30:49eliminating Dallas
30:50from contention.
30:52You know that
30:52Dak Prescott
30:53wanted to close
30:54this year strong.
30:55Two very good drives
30:56totaling over 12
30:58minutes,
30:5810 plays
30:59and 16 plays.
31:01Take a 10-7
31:01lead.
31:03Little bouncer
31:03and Vidal has
31:05to corral it.
31:06And not a lot of
31:07room to go anywhere
31:08after all that.
31:09Just past the 10.
31:12Dirty kickoff
31:13from Aubrey
31:14that was well-placed
31:16and well-knuckled.
31:17Ends up being
31:18just a 9-yard
31:18return for Vidal.
31:20I was going to say,
31:20it's become pretty
31:21rare.
31:22It's pretty rare
31:23to have starting
31:24field position
31:25inside the 15-yard line
31:27on a kickoff
31:28these days.
31:32No Darius Davis
31:33again for a second
31:34straight game.
31:35He deals with an
31:35ankle injury for the
31:36Chargers return game.
31:38It's been a very good
31:39return man the last
31:40couple of years.
31:40Now Herbert and
31:46Chargers go to work.
31:48A couple of 20-yard
31:49completions on the
31:50opening drive.
31:51big to Hampton.
31:58Herbert wheels around fires
32:00into a tight window
32:01and Trey Harris
32:02has been heavily
32:03involved in the
32:04early going.
32:05He's had a couple
32:05of long receptions.
32:07This one's good for a
32:08first down to the 26.
32:10Yeah,
32:10great Roman
32:11offensive coordinator
32:12for the L.A.
32:14Chargers had so many
32:15great things to say
32:15about Trey Harris.
32:17Lacey said last week
32:18in the absence of
32:19Quinn Johnson
32:20he ended up playing
32:20three different
32:21receiver positions.
32:22No mental errors.
32:23They've just continued
32:24to give him more and
32:24more and he's obviously
32:26playing a big role
32:27in this game thus far.
32:28That's his third catch.
32:30High school quarterback
32:31in Lafayette, Louisiana.
32:33He was throwing to
32:34Malik Neighbors
32:35when he was a high
32:35school QB.
32:37Excellent young
32:38receiver for the
32:38Giants.
32:39They're growing a little
32:40different down there
32:41in Louisiana.
32:41That's right.
32:42Here is Hampton.
32:43Big run for the
32:44rookie.
32:46Marion Hampton
32:48playing his third
32:49straight game.
32:50The two-time
32:50All-American in
32:51North Carolina
32:51picks up 17.
32:53Yeah,
32:54this is one of the
32:54hallmarks of this
32:55Charger offense
32:57are these gap schemes.
32:58As you watch,
33:01it's Scott Matlock
33:02sealing the edge.
33:03It's Makai Becton,
33:05the right guard
33:05at 360 pounds
33:07pulling around.
33:09Who wants to
33:10set the edge
33:11with Makai Becton
33:12bearing down on you?
33:14And then,
33:15oh, by the way,
33:15you're going to have
33:16to tackle Amari
33:17and Hampton
33:17after that.
33:20Six-foot,
33:20220-pound
33:22rookie,
33:23Hampton.
33:23We're good,
33:25we're good.
33:28There is Hampton
33:29again.
33:29He takes it off
33:30the right side
33:31for a good gain
33:31to midfield.
33:34They still have
33:35Austin Dekulis
33:36at left tackle
33:37do the Chargers.
33:38So, again,
33:38that revolving door
33:39very much swinging
33:41wide open.
33:42KP,
33:42you're down
33:43to the field.
33:43You can give us
33:43an update.
33:44Yeah,
33:44Jamari Salier
33:45went from the
33:46blue medical tent
33:47back to the
33:47locker room.
33:48He is questionable
33:48to return
33:49dealing with
33:50a hamstring injury.
33:51So, yeah,
33:52the hits keep coming
33:52for an already
33:53banged up
33:53offensive line.
33:54Dekulis,
33:55the Houston area
33:56native,
33:57played in now
33:58career-high
33:5811 games
33:59in his third
34:00season.
34:01Jim Harbaugh
34:02has said
34:02the protection
34:03has to hold up,
34:05but understandable
34:06with all the
34:07different bodies
34:07that have been in
34:08there.
34:09Been a little
34:09more difficult
34:09this year.
34:12Herber,
34:12that's a go,
34:13and McConkie,
34:14a little cutback,
34:16and he picks up
34:16the first down
34:17as he moves
34:18past Reddy Stewart.
34:19Picks up
34:1910 yards.
34:20It's going to be
34:27really hard
34:28to cover these
34:28guys man-to-man
34:29as you watch
34:29Ladd McConkie.
34:31It's basically,
34:32again,
34:32it's a choice route,
34:33an option route.
34:34He's got a
34:34three-way go.
34:35That's really a
34:36tough job for any
34:37nickel corner,
34:38having to cover
34:39a guy like that
34:40who's so shifty
34:41on a three-way go.
34:42You just can't be
34:43right.
34:43However you leverage
34:44him,
34:44he's going to
34:45break away.
34:47Trayvon digs
34:48on the near side
34:49for the Cowboy
34:49defense.
34:50It's activated
34:51today.
34:54Shot position,
34:55so Herbert
34:55off play action.
34:57Nice maneuvering,
34:58nice throw on
34:58the move,
34:59and he's got
34:59another first down.
35:01This time it's
35:01the tight end
35:02Will Disley.
35:03He's had an
35:03up-and-down year,
35:04but he snags
35:06just his sixth
35:07catch of the season
35:07for 15 yards
35:08at a first down.
35:10Let's watch
35:11Herbert here.
35:12With a good run
35:12game comes a good
35:13run action or
35:14play action game.
35:16And Herbert,
35:16as good as anyone,
35:17have been able
35:18to buy time
35:18and be able to
35:19deliver the ball
35:20down the field.
35:21He is now
35:21six of six
35:22for almost 80 yards
35:23against a five-man
35:25rush or more,
35:25so against the
35:26Blitz.
35:28You mentioned
35:29it earlier,
35:29DB,
35:30some of that
35:31pressure on Matt
35:31Ibercluse
35:32to bring more
35:32pressure.
35:33They're starting
35:34to do that
35:34here in this
35:35first half.
35:35there is Hampton
35:38again,
35:38and a nice
35:40shot to try
35:41to grab him
35:42by Jadavian Clowney,
35:43but a flag came in.
35:45Potential face mask
35:46here.
35:56That's what
35:56Jim Harbaugh
35:57thinks as well.
35:58Allen Eck is our
36:03lead official
36:03third season
36:04as a referee.
36:05There were two fouls
36:06holding
36:06number 44
36:07offense.
36:08First of the foul,
36:09face mask
36:09number 42
36:10defense.
36:11Fouls offset
36:12the previous
36:12foul.
36:13Replay,
36:14first foul.
36:15Those fouls offset
36:16the Matlock
36:17penalty
36:18for holding
36:19Sage Clowney's
36:21penalty
36:21for the face mask.
36:22Sure enough,
36:25there's the face mask.
36:30But Dallas
36:31incorporated a
36:31five-man front
36:32there.
36:32You saw they got
36:33hit with a couple
36:33big runs.
36:35It's really their
36:35answer to that
36:36is they just get
36:37five of,
36:38you know,
36:38three of their
36:39big defensive
36:39linemen to
36:40cover up guard
36:42center guard on
36:43the interior with
36:44two good edge
36:45players and see
36:46if they continue
36:47to do that to
36:48try to stop the
36:48run game.
36:51Another extra
36:52body coming
36:52for Dallas.
36:53Herbert's
36:53protected but
36:54he overthrows
36:55his target
36:55McConkie.
36:57Took a hit
36:58to the deck
36:58and Oso
36:59Diggie Zua
37:00and Donovan
37:01Azaraku
37:02coming down
37:02on him.
37:03That'll bring
37:03up second
37:0310.
37:05First
37:05incompletion
37:06of the day
37:06for Herbert.
37:07Yeah,
37:08Oso
37:08Diggie Zua
37:09one of their
37:10defensive captains.
37:13Like that was
37:14a little bit
37:15late there but
37:16I think
37:17unfortunately
37:17for Herbert
37:18when you're
37:196'6",
37:19240,
37:20I just don't
37:20think you get
37:20the calls
37:21like maybe
37:21some smaller
37:22guys do
37:23because they
37:23just assume
37:24it doesn't
37:25hurt you
37:25as much
37:25but he's
37:27been hit
37:27more than
37:27any quarterback
37:28in the NFL
37:29thus far
37:29this season
37:30in the pocket.
37:36Just a
37:37four-man rush
37:38this time
37:38for Dallas.
37:39Herbert's
37:39got a man
37:40down the
37:41sideline
37:41McConkie
37:42for the
37:42touchdown.
37:43separation
37:48from McConkie
37:49against
37:50Diggs
37:50and a
37:51dime
37:51from
37:52Justin
37:52Herbert
37:52to take
37:53the lead
37:53for LA.
37:59Let's watch
38:00this.
38:00It looks like
38:01they clear
38:01this thing
38:02out and
38:02then you're
38:02going to
38:02get basically
38:03McConkie
38:04coming down
38:05the sideline
38:05on a
38:06wheel route.
38:06So you
38:09occupy
38:09safety
38:10unfortunately
38:11Trayvon
38:11Diggs
38:12he's got
38:12that deep
38:13third.
38:15He got
38:15distracted
38:15a little bit
38:16as well
38:16and allowed
38:17McConkie
38:17to get
38:17behind him.
38:19Dicker
38:20gives the
38:20Chargers
38:21a four-point
38:22lead.
38:24Two
38:2420-plus
38:25yard
38:25touchdown
38:26passes
38:26from Herbert.
38:27One to
38:27Johnston
38:28one to
38:28McConkie
38:29Chargers
38:30in front
38:30in a
38:30high-scoring
38:31first half.
38:32This team
38:35continues later
38:36today on
38:37Fox and
38:37CBS
38:37followed by
38:38Sunday Night
38:39Football as
38:39the Patriots
38:40face the
38:40Ravens on
38:41NBC and
38:42concludes with
38:42Monday Night
38:43Football as
38:43the 49ers
38:44take on the
38:44Colts on
38:45ESPN and
38:45ABC.
38:46Then Week
38:4717 kicks
38:48off with a
38:48Christmas Day
38:48tripleheader
38:49starting at
38:501 p.m.
38:50Eastern on
38:51Netflix.
38:51Stream games
38:52live on your
38:52mobile device
38:53with NFL
38:53Plus.
38:54Today's game
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38:57There's only
38:58one.
39:00Let's take
39:01a closer look
39:01at that
39:02touchdown
39:02pass from
39:02Herbert to
39:03McConkie.
39:04So they
39:04motioned
39:04McConkie
39:05across the
39:05formation
39:06right here
39:06which actually
39:07creates a
39:08four-way
39:09for the
39:10defense
39:11which in
39:11a lot of
39:12cases
39:12creates
39:12adjustments.
39:13So what's
39:13happening?
39:14They're trying
39:14to get to
39:15a cover
39:15two,
39:16meaning
39:16safety
39:16responsible
39:17for
39:17deep
39:17half.
39:18Well,
39:18you throw
39:19somebody
39:19to occupy
39:20him.
39:20Trayvon
39:21Diggs
39:21occupied
39:21with the
39:22flag and
39:23then that
39:23leaves
39:23nobody
39:24for
39:24McConkie
39:24down
39:25the
39:25sideline.
39:27But
39:27really
39:27it's
39:27those
39:27miscommunications
39:28that have
39:28really hurt
39:29Dallas this
39:30year in the
39:30secondary.
39:31A lot of
39:31times they've
39:32done a nice
39:32job up front
39:33at the
39:33linebacker
39:34level but
39:35the secondary
39:35due to
39:36injury,
39:36due to a
39:37lot of
39:37young players
39:38having to
39:39step in
39:39and fill
39:39roles,
39:40those
39:40miscommunications
39:41has resulted
39:42in them giving
39:42up some of
39:43the most big
39:44plays in the
39:45NFL on
39:45defense this
39:46year.
39:46It's been a
39:46problem for
39:47Diggs when
39:47he has been
39:48healthy.
39:49Turpin's
39:50going to
39:50bring this
39:50out from
39:51the goal
39:51line.
39:53Out of
39:53steam and
39:54runs into
39:55Phillips
39:55again.
39:55There is a
39:56flag throw.
39:57It's three
39:57times that
39:58run into
39:59Delshawn
40:00Phillips,
40:01who's the
40:01special teams
40:02tackle leader
40:03for the
40:03Chargers and
40:04one of the
40:04top special
40:05teams tacklers
40:06in the
40:06NFL.
40:07During the
40:08return,
40:08holding number
40:0914 to
40:09receiving
40:1010-yard
40:11pounding,
40:12first down
40:12Dallas.
40:13Marquise
40:13Bell's penalty
40:14is going to
40:15set them
40:15back a
40:16little bit.
40:21Four drives,
40:22four scores
40:23between the
40:24two clubs
40:25in this
40:25game.
40:26That's kind
40:26of a typical
40:27of Dallas
40:27games this
40:28year.
40:28This has
40:31been impressive
40:32for Dallas
40:32thus far.
40:33They've really
40:33controlled the
40:34clock.
40:34First drive
40:35was 10
40:35plays,
40:3679 yards
40:37and a
40:37touchdown.
40:38Second drive
40:38actually 16
40:39plays,
40:4056 yards
40:40and a
40:41field goal.
40:42So honestly
40:42the best
40:42thing they
40:42can do
40:43is possess
40:43the ball
40:44because not
40:44only does it
40:45hopefully get
40:46them down
40:46and result
40:46in points
40:47but it
40:48keeps their
40:48defense off
40:48the field.
40:49handoff for
40:53Williams to
40:53start this
40:54drive and
40:54a good
40:55one to
40:56the 26
40:56yard line.
40:58This
40:59offense for
41:00the Cowboys
41:00comes in
41:02ranked in the
41:03top four in
41:04scoring.
41:04They've been
41:04particularly good
41:05at home.
41:06Remember last
41:06year this Cowboys
41:07team really
41:08struggled at
41:09home which is a
41:09rarity to see.
41:102-7 a year
41:12ago at home.
41:134-2-1 this
41:15season and the
41:15offense is a
41:16big reason why
41:17playing their
41:18home finale
41:18today.
41:26Take it to
41:26Williams.
41:27Prescott steps
41:28up and
41:29delivers a
41:29little bit
41:30behind
41:30Flanoy but a
41:31nice adjustment
41:32by Ryan and
41:33then multiple
41:34flags come flying
41:35in at the end
41:35of the play.
41:37And Denzel
41:37Perriman getting
41:38into it with
41:38Cooper Beebe.
41:39Deion Henley
41:40got into it as
41:41well.
41:41Prescott got
41:42pushed.
41:43So that
41:43naturally is
41:44going to have
41:45the Dallas
41:46offensive line
41:47step up for
41:48their QB.
41:49Prescott and
41:49Perriman two
41:50veterans who've
41:51combined for a
41:51lot of football
41:52in their NFL
41:53careers trying to
41:54settle things
41:54down.
42:07Harbaugh is
42:08saying hey
42:08let's get out
42:08of there.
42:09Let's clean
42:10things up.
42:11What are
42:12the
42:13things up.
42:13Let's
42:14get out of there.
42:14What are
42:14the
42:15rooms
42:15here?
42:21Say hey
42:21about
42:22비� famine
42:23or
42:33the
42:33evil
42:34RPGiks
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