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00:00Illinois, yeah, they got hit late by Perriman with the helmet leading it. That's probably what
00:09do some higher than the Cowboys understandably so.
00:13Ball plays a completed pass, personal foul, unnecessary roughness number six in defense.
00:1715-yard penalty at the end of the play, automatic first down.
00:21Indeed. Perriman's penalty will tack on 15 to the end of the play.
00:25Illinois in that position is still a defenseless player. So forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player,
00:37a guy who has not turned into a runner yet. He's grounds for a penalty and that was the case for Perriman.
00:43Yeah, it kind of begs the question, like what gets you kicked out? He kicked Tony Jefferson out last week.
00:48I was going to say Tony Jefferson last week for just a bang-bang, you know,
00:53he set his target line for the chest, receiver lowered his, and he got a guy laying on the ground and hit him in the side of the head.
01:00Here we go!
01:02Ends up being a 28-yard play with the penalty.
01:05Now Williams with a sprinting run past the 40, and into Marcus Williams, the veteran safety, playing his second game with the Chargers.
01:14I feel like that provided a little motivation for the Cowboys. Look, they don't want to be pushed around, and I think that's become the impression,
01:27you know, especially when you just look at what's happening on the defensive side of the ball with the Cowboys,
01:31is that offenses can come in here and just kind of run their way all over him.
01:34In this Cowboys defense, when they want to be physical, they can be physical.
01:40Second and short, Prescott takes a deep shot down the sideline!
01:44It is Pickens picking it for the touchdown!
02:01Welcome back into the fold for George Pickens!
02:05They wanted to get him involved, how about that for a deep shot score?
02:09Bottom line is, when this guy is one-on-one, Dak Prescott is going to throw it to him.
02:14There is no better target, especially down the field.
02:17When he gets running, he's like a 400-meter sprinter, he just gets faster the further he gets down the field.
02:23But Dak Prescott's anticipation of when he threw this ball, how he laid it to that backcourt of the end zone,
02:28to allow George Pickens to run underneath it, was textbook.
02:3238-yard strike is the longest play of the game, and the first touchdown in about a month for George Pickens.
02:42The Cowboys have jumped back out in front.
02:44Now pass to George Pickens, first off, see Derwin James, he's this deep half safety,
02:48and as Dak drops back, see how his eyes are looking right?
02:52And that's actually going to pull Derwin James just a little bit this direction,
02:56forces him to turn his hips, which is what opens up that back left corner of the end zone.
03:03Look at his eyes there, looking right, bop, bop.
03:05It's almost like you saw him counting in his head, creating that rhythm.
03:09It's like bop, bop with your feet.
03:10Yep.
03:11One, two, nothing's there to the right.
03:13You pull Derwin James off the hash.
03:15You lay that ball back left corner of the end zone to your stud wide receiver.
03:18You love that matchup.
03:19Excellent execution by Dak Prescott.
03:21An even better ball.
03:23Boy, we have seen some dives in this first half from these two quarterbacks.
03:29Four combined touchdown passes for Prescott and Herbert to just five combined incompletions.
03:36This is Keiondre Lambert-Smith, who had his first NFL touchdown against Kansas City last week.
03:41He's going to get dragged down by Pryquez Bridges, the former L.A. Charger draft pick.
03:48Now Justin Herbert takes over, DB.
03:50Herbert is eight of nine, 126 yards and two touchdowns.
03:53He's got a perfect quarterback rating right now.
03:55So for the Dallas Cowboys defense, the only way is up from here for a defense that unfortunately is just about dead last in the league in every statistical category.
04:05Points given up, yards, third down percentage.
04:08So what do you do from here?
04:10I think you've got to get aggressive.
04:11I know you've been playing more man.
04:12I think it's zone pressure.
04:13You just have to find ways to get a negative play so you can get them in a third long and try to get off the field.
04:19Herbert scrambling to his right and throwing up the sideline for Gisley.
04:25Gisley makes the catch at the 25-yard line.
04:28Picks up six.
04:30And look, you can play confident because your offense is playing really well right now.
04:35And just from what I'm observing, I don't see the Chargers defense really being able to stop Dallas' offense.
04:42I think they're operating extremely efficiently, running the football, the intermediate passing game.
04:46They've been able to hit big plays, which is not something that the Chargers defense typically gives up.
04:51But nonetheless, they possess the ball.
04:53They're probably going to limit the possessions for this Charger offense as a result.
04:57So at this point, man, turn it loose.
04:59Be aggressive.
05:00Try to force a negative play.
05:06Toss play for Vidal.
05:07He's got Matlock out there blocking for him along with the left tackle, Dekulis.
05:12Still in there for Jamari Salyer.
05:15And it's good enough for a first down, a pickup of five yards.
05:19I've been really impressed with the way that Vidal has run the football, especially in Martin Hampton's absence.
05:27He was really the bell cow for this offense.
05:30And you see how physical he runs.
05:32He's only 5'8", 215 pounds, so low center of gravity.
05:35He's able to shed those tacklers.
05:37He's just another hammer for this offense.
05:39He's waived in the preseason and signed to the practice squad.
05:42Wasn't even promoted to the active roster until October.
05:46He played two of the first five weeks.
05:49As Bill Parcells would say, running backs come in all shapes and sizes.
05:52But what he wants is a big lower half, right?
05:55So strong legs, like big calves, ankles.
06:00Those are the guys that are going to be able to sustain a 17-game NFL season with just the physicality that comes with playing that position.
06:07I think what he brings, too, is he is such a good pass protector.
06:10As I was watching that game last week against the Chiefs, here's Nick Bolton, one of the better pressure linebackers in the league, hitting the A-gap.
06:17And Vidal is just, boom, bowing up every time.
06:28Motion Vidal out.
06:29Herbert's going to look to that vacated spot.
06:31And that's a drop from Trey Harris, the first of his NFL career.
06:36Going to bring up third down and long.
06:38Now this is a matchup that they've been going up against with Ravel there.
06:44Trey Harris has been out of their big target with the intermediate throws.
06:51Looks like he might have dislocated a finger.
06:53Oof.
06:54Those are always fun.
06:55Oh, boy.
06:56Yep, there was the grimace.
06:58Yep.
06:59That popped back into place, seemingly.
07:01They'll tape two fingers together and he'll be good.
07:03Third Charger drive, only their second, third down try.
07:09And it's a third and long.
07:12Out route, grabbed by Lambert Smith.
07:15Breaks a tackle and is able to move towards the marker at the 41.
07:21And it's good enough for a first down as he was able to fight through the defense.
07:24I'll tell you what, the Chargers have a couple of these young receivers.
07:26This is Keandre Lambert Smith, who played a really big role for them last week.
07:31With Quentin Johnson being out, they had a critical two-minute drive at the end of that Kansas City game,
07:35where he ended up catching a touchdown pass.
07:38A great effort there.
07:40See, those are the moments where Chargers have the opportunity.
07:45Cowboys have the opportunity to get off the field and they can't make a tackle.
07:50Lambert Smith is Uncle Cam Chancellor, a long-time Legion of Boom member for the Seattle Seahawks defense.
07:56McConkie gets grabbed in space by Trayvon Diggs.
08:04Trayvon Diggs, big addition and a big storyline.
08:08Came off the injured reserve yesterday.
08:10Hadn't played since week six.
08:12Did practice the last two weeks.
08:14Was dealing with a knee injury, dealing with some lingering concussion symptoms.
08:18Jane Slater of the NFL Network did some great reporting about the relationship between Diggs, Schottenheimer, and Matt Eberflus.
08:25At times, somewhat contentious.
08:27Some pointed remarks have been made.
08:29The coaches need consistency from Trayvon Diggs if he's going to get a more consistent role back in this Dallas defense.
08:35He's on the sideline now.
08:37Slam, Allen, and he's got a first down into Dallas territory.
08:42Speaking of Trayvon Diggs, look, he's got an incredible opportunity here.
08:46Obviously, they paid him a big contract two years ago.
08:49He was going to be one of the elite corners in the league just, you know, based on his production and his ball skills.
08:55But, you know, and with Deron Bland on the other side, too, they have the chance to have two pretty good corners here.
09:01But to me, he needs to prove something.
09:03He's a guy who, man, he's a big corner.
09:06He's had great production for them in the past, but it's just been inconsistent.
09:10He's also been on the end of a lot of big plays as well.
09:13So, I think these last three games, he's got a lot to prove as far as his role on this defense moving forward.
09:19There is Hampton. Nice run.
09:22Gets grabbed by Rebel, a rookie.
09:25Bobby Hart with the block to take it down to the 43-yard line.
09:28Again, you mentioned there have been a lot of injuries in the back end for Dallas as well.
09:31Deron Bland just went back to IR with a foot issue.
09:34They don't have Kaelin Carson today.
09:36Wanye Thomas got hurt early.
09:38Josh Butler got hurt early.
09:39Hooker has missed time.
09:40Wilson has missed time.
09:42Diggs missed all that time.
09:43So, again, it's been a bad year defensively for Dallas.
09:46There's no lying about it.
09:48But there are some extenuating circumstances that have played a role in that.
09:51I think my point is he got paid to be a lockdown corner.
09:54And he's got an incredible opportunity to play for this organization and be a leader on that defense for a long time.
10:00Nice run by Hampton.
10:02He powers through a tackle.
10:03He's got a first down down inside the 35-yard line.
10:07This has been the big problem for the Cowboys really the last two years since Dan Quinn took the head coaching job in Washington.
10:13It was Mike Zimmer last year.
10:15Matt Eberflus, who was a long time Dallas assistant, coming back as the D.C. this year.
10:20They got Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams.
10:22Overshown came back.
10:23Although he is out for the rest of this game dealing with a concussion.
10:26So, again, in and out, different bodies, different personnel groupings.
10:31So, it's hard to look at the whole season just because of everything that you mentioned and all the injuries.
10:35And, you know, losing a teammate, Marshawn Nealon, as well has just been really tough.
10:41There is Vidal getting grabbed by the veteran Donovan Wilson.
10:46But right on cue with that tackle for no gain, I really look at the last five games since the bye week because that was right around the time where they made those trades.
10:55They brought in Quinnen Williams.
10:57They got Logan Wilson.
10:58They got some guys healthy.
11:00You know, they had a stretch.
11:01The last five weeks, they've been a top five rush defense, believe it or not.
11:05It was just so bad for the first, you know, ten games that they had a lot to catch up on.
11:12Yep.
11:13Missing Quinnen Williams today.
11:14Overshown's out for the rest of this game.
11:16Trying to navigate.
11:17Justin Herbert and the Chargers are driving.
11:20Remember, they are slated.
11:21It's the most.
11:23Great time to be down in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metroplex.
11:28Settled Arlington, Texas in the 1840s.
11:30Was founded in 1876 along the Texas and Pacific Railway.
11:35And it's come a long way since.
11:39Beautiful area to be in.
11:41We're happy to be here, even if there are some Grinches among us.
11:46Cowboys will play on Christmas against Washington.
11:49Saturday night game against Houston coming up for the Chargers.
11:52Second down at 11 from the 31 for Herbert.
11:55And there's some pressure.
11:56Able to scramble out to his left.
11:58And he'll step out of bounds.
11:59That'll stop the clock inside of two minutes of the first half.
12:02And it'll set down a, set up a much more manageable third down.
12:06Yeah, this is where he's been so dangerous.
12:08You know, if you can't get pressure on him, which, you know, look, the Cowboys do a nice job disguising pressure.
12:13They run some games inside.
12:15Just a narrow miss there by Jadavian Clowney.
12:18But, man, Herbert gets to that edge.
12:20And he can really beat you with his arms and certainly beat you with his legs.
12:25And a career year running the ball for Herbert.
12:28Third down and seven.
12:29They are man to man out here at these three wide receivers.
12:38Herbert looks, throws, slant, caught.
12:41It is a first down and it's the third down conversion machine that is Keenan Allen.
12:48Yeah.
12:49They really don't have anybody that can match up with these receivers.
12:53And even Trayvon Diggs, who's out there on Keenan Allen.
12:57What do they say?
12:59Third down and what?
13:00It's third and Keenan.
13:01Third and Keenan.
13:02No guy has been more productive in his career on third down.
13:07For his career, he has been outstanding on third down.
13:13And that's just the numbers this year on third down.
13:1629 catches on third down.
13:1825 of them have moved the chains.
13:20And it sets up first down positions like this for the Chargers,
13:24where Hampton can run the ball.
13:26He runs it into Donovan Wilson.
13:28We're down to a minute left in this second quarter.
13:30And remember, the Chargers are slated to get the ball to start the third quarter.
13:34So they're in prime position right now, trailing by three, a chance to take the lead.
13:38I hate to say it, but, you know, two plays ago, I was almost thinking to myself,
13:41just let him score and have two minutes with three timeouts
13:45so that you can get the ball back and maybe go down and get some points of your own.
13:49Because at this point, unfortunately, the fact that Dallas has three timeouts
13:53is probably not going to be meaningful to them.
13:55Here is Hampton.
13:57This time he gets bottled up.
13:59Malik Hooker grabbed him for a loss.
14:01That's been rare for Hampton today.
14:03He was averaging almost four yards better than league average in this first half.
14:09That time a loss of three.
14:11And a timeout used with 29-6 left in the half.
14:15We're back after this from Progressive.
14:17He's just been really distant lately.
14:21Maybe he's scared of commitment or getting hurt.
14:25What do you think?
14:27Yeah.
14:28Totally.
14:29Okay, Bridgewater, you're in.
14:31Teddy Bridgewater, backup listener.
14:35If only there were backups in real life.
14:38Go.
14:39But at least there's Progressive to protect your home and auto.
14:42You think he's scared of commitment?
14:44Exactly.
14:45You're not a mechanic.
14:46It's not your job to fix them.
14:50Another long drive in this first half.
14:53This will be the 15th play of this series that's taken up half a quarter.
14:57Seven and a half off the clock.
14:59Third down and five.
15:04The line again is the eight.
15:12Diggs giving cushion on the near side to Allen.
15:14That's where Herbert was looking.
15:16Now he shovels it up ahead past the sticks to Allen,
15:19who lunges for the goal line and is down inside the one.
15:23And now the Chargers can take a timeout here with 20 seconds left.
15:28Oh, Keenan is just racking up his third down conversion percentages.
15:37And really, Justin Herbert made this happen again.
15:39He just, he does such a good job scrambling up into the meat of the pocket,
15:44but still making himself available as a passer.
15:47He got so close to the line of scrimmage,
15:49he thought he was just going to run and get it.
15:51That's right.
15:52But then he saw the trusty, reliable Keenan Allen
15:55and gave the old option pitch.
15:5861% of Keenan Allen's catches, that's over a thousand in his career,
16:03have converted to a first down.
16:05That's how consistent he's been.
16:07And then we showed you the numbers this year.
16:08He's been even better.
16:09Now with the Chargers using a timeout.
16:12I mean, they've got four cracks to the end zone if they want it right now.
16:16They're going in with an extra offensive lineman here in the former New Orleans St. Trevor Penning,
16:23who's playing his fifth game with the Chargers.
16:26You've got Matlock out there as well.
16:28Keep an eye out for, you know, these eligible men at the end of the line.
16:33It's going to be Herbert with the push from Matlock and he's in for the touchdown.
16:54And look at this offensive line.
16:56There is nothing that this Cowboys defensive line can do when you've got that much mass,
17:03coupled with a 6'6", 240-pound quarterback pushing the ball into the end zone.
17:07That was really a tremendous drive by the Chargers,
17:10eating up half the clock there in the second quarter,
17:13only leaving 19 seconds left to get in the touchdown.
17:17And a 16-play drive.
17:20Cameron Dicker adds the extra point.
17:22It's a four-point lead and Herbert a little blood.
17:26He'll trade the slight injury for the time.
17:30Weekend, folks.
17:31No punts or turnovers in this first half.
17:35It's the first game in the NFL this year like that in ten weeks.
17:39As you saw with the Cowboys-Eagles game,
17:41both teams have over 200 yards of offense in the first half.
17:44Trey Lance, the former Cowboy, and Justin Herbert going over the tablet.
17:48A lot of high-octane stuff in those first 30 minutes.
17:51Of course, not anything.
17:52That was just really good offensive football.
17:54It was extremely efficient for both teams.
17:57They both ran the ball effectively.
17:58The intermediate passing game was there.
18:00Cowboys have had some big splash plays in the past game,
18:03but 443 combined yards between the two teams in the half,
18:08and only three possessions each.
18:10Boy, Turpin is tired of seeing Phillips.
18:13He's been in on all four special teams tackles.
18:1615 seconds and a couple of timeouts for Dak Prescott,
18:19and he has one of the best duos on the outside.
18:23Pickens and Lamb, what a combination they have turned out to be in their first year together.
18:28And I'll be honest, I thought that the Chargers defense would say,
18:33we are absolutely not going to let these guys beat us.
18:35We're going to put a top on them.
18:36Cloud, corner, safety over the top.
18:38You know, double brackets.
18:39But they've actually allowed them to make some big plays so far in this game.
18:43Now it's going to take a shot, try to see if they can get something moving downfield.
18:48Turpin's going to go down to save some time,
18:51and Brian Schottenheimer will use one of those two remaining timeouts.
18:54Yeah, I guess when you have a guy like Brandon Aubrey who can hit it from close to 70,
19:01I think you really just need one deep in cut.
19:04Maybe you try to throw a vertical.
19:06You're getting a shell defense.
19:07So really the middle of the field is where you can throw one of these deep in cuts and get down.
19:12You got one more timeout.
19:13Maybe you attempt to scream.
19:15Nobody has made more 60-yard field goals in the history of the NFL than Brandon Aubrey.
19:22He's hit three of them already this season.
19:28His career long came against the Ravens last year.
19:33You get to like the 47-yard line in plus territory,
19:37you're in position for an Aubrey field goal potentially.
19:40Maybe even a little bit beyond that.
19:43A time running out though, and Prescott's going to get chased down and brought down by Thule Tuipilotu,
19:49who's been on fire as of late.
19:51His third sack in the last two games,
19:53and that is going to end any chance for Aubrey to get a kick at the end of this first half.
19:58Chargers gain the lead at the end of the half,
20:01and they're slated to get the ball to start the third quarter
20:03in what was a high-octane first half in Arlington.
20:07Now some smooth grooves out in Los Angeles with Kurt Menefee and the boys in the Verizon Halftime.
20:12Welcome to the Verizon Halftime.
20:21It's our game flow. It's brought to us by Progressive.
20:39And there was a lot of flow offensively for both of those teams.
20:42Adam Amin, Drew Brees, Christina Pink down on the field.
20:44That was some of the best offensive football I think you're going to see in a half in the NFL this season.
20:48That was high-level quarterback play.
20:50Six possessions, six scoring drives, and both quarterbacks, Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, lights out.
20:56Like the completions, the accuracy, some of the down-the-field throws.
21:00It was really outstanding.
21:01So I look at it now and say, hey, defenses, where do you go in this second half?
21:05Look, I think the Chargers defense really, they came into this game,
21:09and I thought they would try to take away C.D. Lamb and George Pickens.
21:12They have not. Both those guys have come up with some really big catches.
21:15So if they want to have a good second half, they've got to just find a way to take those guys away
21:21and make the Cowboys beat you with everybody else.
21:24With the Cowboys defense, I think they have not been able to control the line of scrimmage.
21:29Like, I really thought they could have at the start of this game.
21:33So they need to try to manufacture pressure in some way.
21:36You really have nothing to lose.
21:37So dial up the pressures, dial up the exotic looks, find ways to get into,
21:42find a way to get some negative plays and get the Chargers into some adverse third down situations
21:47because that's how you're going to get off the field.
21:49Lambert Smith on the return.
21:51He'll get hit shy of the 25-yard line by James Houston.
21:55So we check in with Christina Pick down on the field.
21:57Yeah, offensive showcase so far. As for the Chargers, Jim Harbaugh told me it's the execution,
22:02it's the run game, it's the protection, and simply Justin Herbert is on fire right now.
22:06He said he's doing everything right now. How do they slow down Dallas' offense?
22:09He said it starts with stopping the run. Now we need a little help on some of their playmakers in the second half.
22:14Pretty much what, Drew, you thought after we saw what happened in that first half where it was three touchdown drives
22:21to start the game for the Chargers for the first time in nearly a decade.
22:26Bruce Hampton trying to get that run game going, and he runs right into the former Chargers draft pick.
22:31That's Kenneth Murray, number 23 pick in 2020 by Los Angeles.
22:37Yeah, you know he's jacked up for this game.
22:39And really, especially with DeMarvion overshone now out of the game for the first half,
22:44I think these linebackers are going to really need to step up, as is the D-line.
22:49It'll be interesting to see how they mix and match that personnel if they go to more of their five down,
22:53or if they stick with their four down and try to bring more pressure.
23:05There it is.
23:07Herbert off the play fake, stepping up, climbing the pocket, taking a shot, Johnston!
23:13He held on!
23:15He is inbounds for the catch, down inside the 25 of Dallas!
23:21And the former TCU Hornfrog picks up 50!
23:30Another impressive throw-and-catch.
23:34Look, you have everything which you want as the Cowboys up front with this five-man rush.
23:39And we're talking to Iberfluss, he said, hey, we need to cage-rush this guy.
23:42In other words, like, keep him in the pocket.
23:44Unfortunately, you allow him that lane to step up and throw this ball.
23:47Now, I would say this, Malik Hooker, just get your head around.
23:50If you get your head around, you have a chance to go up and challenge this throw, contest this throw.
23:54Instead of Herbert picks up half the field on that toss, now has to toss it into the deck.
24:00With some pressure coming, Disley was in the area, it's second down.
24:03Yeah, a lot of times, look, when you have receivers like Quinton Johnson with that size, you know, at 6'3", 210 pounds, you feel really confident as a quarterback, throwing those balls up.
24:15In a lot of cases, people call him 50-50.
24:17Well, if your guy's better than their guy, it's not 50-50.
24:19It's more like 70-30, 80-20.
24:21Because your guy's either going to come down with it or maybe you get the pass interference.
24:24Johnston doesn't look like he's missed a beat after missing last week in Kansas City.
24:31Second down, it's Hampton.
24:36Works his way close to the 20-yard line, picking up four, so third and medium situation here for Los Angeles.
24:45At least a good part of being in the red zone for the Cowboys right now is they can't throw the ball over your head.
24:52Justin Herbert is three of four for 98 yards and two touchdowns and throwing the ball down the field.
25:00So again, this is where the Cowboys can make some hay.
25:02Look, you're going to give up some plays to this offense, but if you can just keep them out of the end zone, you're going to give yourself a chance to win this game.
25:12Dak Prescott trying to rile up this home crowd for the Cowboys.
25:16Chargers look to convert.
25:18A third and six.
25:20There it is.
25:22Herbert trying to climb the middle of the pocket, but this time he got grabbed.
25:26There wasn't a lot of room to maneuver against big Kenny Clark.
25:30Known as the Violator in the middle of that Dallas defense.
25:34Zion Johnson to get the helmet back on.
25:36It's fourth down.
25:37Let's see here.
25:38This looks like Kenny Clark right there.
25:41Just pushed the pile.
25:43That's what he's known for.
25:44That was his role as the zero nose.
25:46You say zero nose.
25:47He's lining up over the center a lot.
25:48Snap of the ball.
25:49He's just trying to get penetration.
25:51Just put that center on skates right back into the lap of the quarterback.
25:55It'll be Cameron Dicker, born in Hong Kong, raised in Shanghai, and then moved to Austin, Texas when he was 11 years old.
26:05And he puts it through from 37 to make it a seven-point Chargers lead.
26:12The Dak Prescott.
26:13January 2nd on Fox.
26:15Today's game on Fox is sponsored by Michelob Ultra Zero.
26:18Zero alcohol, just 29 calories.
26:21Last four days at AT&T Stadium, the Texas State Football Championships.
26:25You're looking at Dallas South Oak Cliff out of 5A Division II.
26:30And McHale Trotter, who ran for three touchdowns en route to a state title.
26:34Congrats to Galena Park North, Stephenville, DeSoto, Jeaton, Gordon, Hamilton, Munster,
26:39Yoakam, Wall, Stephenville, Carthage, and Comal-Smithson Valley as well.
26:43You just listed some legendary Texas high school football programs down here.
26:48There's about 15 state champions.
26:50We talk about 6A classification all the way down to 1A Division I and II in each.
26:55There's TAPS, the private school program.
26:57Six-man football, eight-man football.
26:59They play a little bit of every kind of football down here in the state of Texas.
27:02That's right.
27:03Congratulations.
27:04A lot of NFL players from those schools.
27:06There is Turpin with a nice run.
27:08A flag is thrown on the far side of the field as he had his best return of the day.
27:13You just heard the voice of Drew Brees, Austin, Texas native, Westlake High School.
27:18A lot of NFL talent out of Westlake, I might add, as well.
27:22We won a 5A Division II state championship in 1996, right here in Texas Stadium.
27:27During the return, holding the 33 of the receiving team.
27:31Ten-yard penalty, foul to foul.
27:33First down, Dallas.
27:35Javante Williams' penalty, which will push them back.
27:38Christina Pick is down to the field.
27:39You talked with Brian Schottenheimer, KP.
27:40Well, yeah, no surprise.
27:41Brian Schottenheimer, happy with his quarterback play as well.
27:44He told me Dak Prescott is playing great.
27:46It's the weapons.
27:47And he's also playing with a ton of confidence.
27:49Now, he did lose one of those weapons in the first half.
27:51Ryan Flournoy was ruled out with a knee injury.
27:53As for his defense, he said, we got to tackle better, get off the field on third down.
27:57And bottom line is, we need a takeaway.
27:59How about that, KP Flournoy, who had the opening drive touchdown and had one taken away due to a penalty.
28:04He is dealing with a knee issue down.
28:07And nothing doing there for Javante Williams.
28:10That's big Thierre Tartt, who's been dealing with a shin issue this week.
28:14He's questionable for the game, but he's playing and making a play.
28:17Yeah, Thierre Tartt has been one of their most consistent defensive linemen.
28:22You look at him right here, just shoots the gap.
28:27Gets in front of Tyler Booker there.
28:29And that's that negative play that they needed.
28:32As they have not been able to stop the Cowboys in the pass game.
28:37Prescott, he's got his check down to Williams.
28:39In space and knocked down by Benjamin St. Juice, former Washington commander.
28:46Saw a bunch of the Cowboys the last few years.
28:48It's third down.
28:49Yeah, when you're in a game like this, honestly, both sides of the ball,
28:51as we've watched the way these offenses have been able to operate,
28:53they just haven't had a lot of negative plays.
28:55Yep.
28:56And so they've been ahead of the chains, a lot of third manageables, making big plays.
28:59So when you can get a negative play, whether it's from a pressure, a sack,
29:03just shooting a gap on a run play or a penalty of some kind, that's what's going to help you get off the field and change the momentum.
29:10Chargers have Tui Pelotu, Owe, and Mack all on the field together for this third down.
29:15Prescott finds Hunter Lipke, the fullback, and he spins his way to a first down.
29:23Mack came around the edge.
29:25Prescott climbed up and found his fullback, who's back from a concussion.
29:28Yeah, this is just a nice job by Dak.
29:30Look, it's a four-man rush.
29:32You got a lot going on in the secondary where you know you're going to have to hold the ball,
29:35but just stepping up and finding Hunter Lipke, who then, look,
29:39they're just going to have to make somebody miss or run somebody over at the sticks.
29:43And he does a nice job with that spin move of getting the first down, keeping the drive alive.
29:47The seventh different pass catcher for Dak Prescott today.
29:51A couple of fakes and a roll to the left.
29:54And Lipke again, but this time it's a drop.
29:57Cam Hart closing in, but Lipke, who's grabbed the ball 11 times for catches this year,
30:04drops that one at second down.
30:07They're going right back to him.
30:09When's the last time he got two targets in a row?
30:15It's the positive plays that you need, especially against this defense,
30:18who they just get tuned up when you get those longer yardage situations with their pass rush.
30:23They haven't had a lot of luck getting pressure on Dak thus far.
30:26But it's the way you wear them down over the course of the drive that just makes it more advantageous for yourself as an offense.
30:35That one is batted into the air and then through the hands of the Chargers.
30:39Denzel Perriman nearly had the pick after the rookie Jamari Caldwell, the third round pick out of Oregon, got a paw up there to flip that into the air.
30:50The takeaways have been coming in bunches as of late for the Chargers.
30:53This is a break for Dak Prescott.
30:54They have, and they've done it a lot of different ways.
30:56You know, again, in this zone defense, you know, all these eyes are on the quarterback.
30:59And so especially when you get a tip ball or an errant throw, that's when they've been able to really capitalize.
31:05Thirteen takeaways in the last seven games.
31:09Derwin James said we finally open the olive jar.
31:12Yeah, the first thing I notice is no edge help for these tackles, so they're going to have to hold up here.
31:16On a four-man rush, Prescott putting on the speed, but he's only going to make it to the 41 before he's brought down by Derwin James.
31:24And let's see if they bring out Brian Anger for what would be the first punt of this game on either side.
31:36These defenses went into halftime and had their come to Jesus with what their game plan is going to be.
31:43That's right.
31:47Ladd McConkie is back to return again, no Darius Davis.
31:54Anger boots it away.
31:55I got it!
31:56I got it!
31:57I got it!
31:58And McConkie's got it at the 16-yard line.
32:0043-yard punt from Anger.
32:02A little below the league average.
32:06IndyCar is coming to Arlington earlier this week.
32:08Jerry Jones, the Cowboys owner, gave our good friend Jamie Little and driver Pato Award a unique view of the new street course right through Cowboy Country.
32:17Got the Grand Prix of Arlington on March 13th through the 15th.
32:21On the box, and there is Jerry in his best-to-marry box.
32:25This team trying to avoid back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in over 20 years.
32:30They can do that with a strong finish.
32:32Of course, they're out of the playoff picture after the Eagles made it back-to-back NFC East titles.
32:37First time in an NFC East team has won back-to-back in 21 years.
32:41Meanwhile, Chargers still have a chance to win the AFC West.
32:44Depends on what happens with the Broncos.
32:46They'll face Denver with a chance to sweep in Week 18.
32:49Here's Herbert.
32:50He'll slide down past the 20-yard line.
32:53Chargers still have so much to play for.
32:55A chance to get back to the playoffs.
32:57They could clinch a spot as early as tonight.
32:59If they get a win today, and either the Texans in the afternoon or the Colts tomorrow on Monday Night Football lose,
33:07it's a lock for a playoff spot.
33:09And the Chargers, if they go 3-0, which would include a win against Denver,
33:13and Denver loses either today or next week,
33:16suddenly the Chargers could be the AFC West champion, maybe the number one seed.
33:22They obviously have a lot to play for, but I think what I'm seeing here,
33:27just in watching their team play, is just how complete they are.
33:31Underneath throw to Harris. Knocked down third and shortcoming.
33:35Offensively, especially with getting Quinton Johnston back,
33:40their core wide receivers, the way they've been able to run the ball with so much creativity,
33:44Greg Roman, the architect of this run defense, the level that Justin Herbert is playing at,
33:50and then obviously he's only going to get more healthy with that left hand.
33:53Doesn't seem like it's having an impact at all today.
33:57And then just the way their defense is played,
33:59obviously their defense is going up against a really good offense today,
34:02but I think their team is built to win in the playoffs,
34:07because they can run the ball effectively, and they play really sound, solid defense.
34:11Third down and one, Herbert through the air, Johnston again, back shoulder throw,
34:16and this time it's knocked away by the former Chargers draft pick Triquez Bridges.
34:21Picked in the seventh round, released in the free season, and signed with Dallas.
34:25And this is one where you hold your breath a little bit, because Quinton Johnston,
34:28obviously they're down the field threat, he's got to step on him.
34:31And you're going up against one of the backup corners in Triquez Bridges,
34:35but he does a nice job. You'd love for him to get his head around there,
34:38but at least he doesn't play into the receiver as that ball gets there.
34:42So this is a huge stop. Again, this second half has been such a difference
34:47compared to what we saw in the first half with these offenses just driving up and down the field.
34:51Both defenses able to come up with two big stops.
34:55Now J.K. Scott will boot it away.
34:58High punt, forcing a fair catch signal from Turpin at the 18-yard line.
35:03Nice punt by Scott.
35:06He fangs up on Fox is sponsored by Capital One.
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35:12And by Taco Bell.
35:17This holiday season, Fox Sports and Purple Heart Homes are teaming up to provide housing solutions
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35:36Happy holidays to you and yours.
35:39Cowboys will play on Christmas.
35:42Degrees will be part of the doubleheader coming up on Thursday as well.
35:45Looking forward to seeing our buddy do that.
35:47Chargers play on Saturday in a key game against the Houston, Texas.
35:52Of course, the six teams that are playing on Christmas have the candy cane patches on their jerseys
35:59to indicate that they'll be playing on the holiday.
36:02Nice touch.
36:04So this Cowboys offense, you know, get back to what was your strategy coming into this game.
36:09And that is be ready to be patient.
36:11Because I think the Chargers defense, especially coming out at halftime,
36:15they know number one rule of defense, do not let their best players beat you.
36:19And certainly the best players on the field are CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
36:24Over wide.
36:25Prescott pumps right.
36:26Throws left.
36:27And it's caught for a first down by Jake Ferguson.
36:31Fresh center downs at the 31 for Dallas.
36:33Carissa Thompson's got a fresh game break for us.
36:35Sure do, Adam.
36:36Here you go.
36:37Bucs down three on first and goal.
36:38Sean Tucker bounces outside.
36:40Goes in untouched for the score.
36:42Bucs back in front.
36:4317-13 over the Panthers for first place in the NFC South, Adam.
36:48It's been fun to watch Carolina and Tampa battle these last couple of years with a lot at stake.
36:55Prescott.
36:56Rifles won.
36:57He's got George Pickens for a big gain.
36:59And in the Chargers territory.
37:01In the grab in front of Cam Hart.
37:03That's who Dak Prescott has been attacking today on the perimeter.
37:07And Pickens picks up 23.
37:09Yeah, watch how Dak is able to step up into this.
37:13You know, they get two tight ends on the edges to make sure those are shored up.
37:17Watch this.
37:18Ha!
37:19He's able to get the full force into that throw.
37:22They mixed up the coverage a little bit.
37:23Played more quarters.
37:24So you had a soft corner.
37:25You're able to complete balls in front every time.
37:28How about Pickens who was averaging about 50 yards a game the last three.
37:32He's over 100 yards today.
37:34Draw play, Williams.
37:36Push the ball!
37:38You can hear the linemen screaming,
37:40Push the pile!
37:42And honestly, that's where they've been at their best.
37:44When they were running between the tackles,
37:46they've got some big, powerful guys that can really push the pile.
37:51Which is exactly what you saw there.
37:53So, you know, they like to mix that, mix the gap schemes where they get outside.
37:57They mix in some of the zone schemes as well.
37:59But where they are best is just pounding the ball right between the tackles.
38:03Yeah!
38:05Here we go!
38:07Light six!
38:09Pick to Williams.
38:11Prescott loads up.
38:12Throws down the middle.
38:13C.D. Lamb in traffic.
38:14Holds on.
38:15Tumbles down to the 25.
38:1718 more yards through the air.
38:21These for C.D. Lamb.
38:22Here, watch the center here.
38:25Cooper Beebe.
38:27As he pulls around to pick up Tooley.
38:30Really nice play-action look.
38:33Which buys Dax time.
38:35And gives C.D. Lamb the opportunity to get down the field.
38:38As Pickens was clearing out on one side.
38:40Here comes that deep over-out that they've been so good at this year.
38:43Yeah!
38:45Here we go!
38:47150-plus between Lamb and Pickens.
38:50Now a little jet sweep from Trembante Turpin.
38:52And I think Tony Jefferson stuck his hand out while Turpin was coming around the edge.
38:58And that may have just been enough to trip him up.
39:01It looked like Brevin spanned forward here.
39:04The tight end.
39:07Trying to lock up Tony Jefferson.
39:10Yeah, it just looked like he tripped right there.
39:12Sometimes you just get moving so fast.
39:16The mind's going faster than the legs are.
39:18Oh, Turpin's legs move very, very fast.
39:20One of the fastest guys in the NFL.
39:22By some metrics, he is the fastest guy in the league.
39:25Second at six.
39:27Back to the ground game.
39:30And some tight maneuvering for Williams.
39:33Only a yard on the play back.
39:36You're pardoned.
39:37That was Malik Davis.
39:3843, not 33.
39:40And O.A. on the stop.
39:44Cowboys have been really good.
39:46These third and medium situations.
39:49They typically got a lot of zone coverage.
39:51And they've just had to find those soft spots in the defense.
39:54This requires you as a quarterback to be really patient.
39:56Work your way through the progressions at times.
39:59All right.
40:00I'm feeling brackets just in the way that the nickel is traveling.
40:05Flag thrown here before the snap.
40:09False start.
40:13False start.
40:14Radiated offense.
40:15Five-yard penalty.
40:16No doubt.
40:17Well, that's so costly.
40:18Because in most cases, especially with a high-power offense like this,
40:21you get to third and five, you're probably 60% of that.
40:25You go to third and ten, that number drops dramatically.
40:28It's usually 20 to 30%.
40:31League average on third down, and that's all downs and distances,
40:34is just shy of 40.
40:37And you see how those extra three to five yards just tip the scales
40:41so dramatically on these key third downs.
40:49The 43-yard field goal from here.
40:51Prescott.
40:52Goes towards the sticks.
40:54Pickens bobbles.
40:55Controls.
40:56Gets shoved out of bounds.
40:57It is a catch.
40:58Benjamin Si-
41:05.
41:08.
41:09.
41:19.
41:20.
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