Madden 23 - Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Chargers - All Time Teams

Madden 23 - Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Chargers - All Time Teams foreign [Applause] it's the NFL on EA Sports and coming up next it's a cross-conference showdown it's the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night prime time night beginning to fall over Southern California but the lights are shining bright here at the spectacular sofa stadium in Metropolitan Los Angeles tonight on this fine Thursday night we've got a good one in store between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers with Charles Davis as always I'm Brandon Gordon and charge to talk about storylines in this one I think it begins and ends with our two quarterbacks certainly two of the best in the business and nowadays I don't think you can get by for long periods of time without a Top Flight quarterback the way the game is played with all the responsibility he has and how the game flows through him if he's not on the top of his game your team's not going to benefit at all foreign [Applause] 1st quarter out there for the Cowboys as they run up to send this one away and he opts to not bring this one out the first drive will start at the 25. so here's the charger offense making their way out and a look here now with their fourth year cornerback I tell you what when he's on schedule for that week secondaries take notice because you've got to stay alert back there on every snap a truly powerful arm one is capable of challenging any level the defense on any given flag that's why so many Scouts preach arm town when preparing for the NFL draft a quarterback with arm strength to make every throw in the book he's an asset to have in any offense [Applause] now Tomlinson on First and Ten and not much to speak of call it a one-yard gain up to the 26. that felt like a trap because it looked to me like the opposing front was on that play from the get-go they had everyone crash into ball care before he even made the line and they hold him to just a yard the Run only got a yard here's second and nine Rivers and that nearly an interception here on this opening drive but he gets a reprieve it's third down even the greats in this game and he certainly qualifies as one of them they're gonna have trouble if they continue to throw into double confirmation he better be careful throwing to Too Much double coverage might have a couple of them picked off on third down Rivers gates for the ground and he takes his beyond the 35 before going out of bounds it'll go as a gain of 11 and a charger first we often hear the phrase sure-handed tight ends and he certainly fits into that category plus he's got a quarterback who knows to look his way when they need a big pickup and on this play he finds him for the first down all right [Applause] a lot of scrimmage the 37 on First and 10. [Applause] tablets it up the middle and they will Ulster a yard here no doubt about it really nice job there by the defense not allowing him to get to the perimeter but that means your defensive bench or outside linebackers the guys that you pay big money to to sack the quarterback they also have to have interest in the running game as well and they did a nice job there holding the point of attack and not giving ground on second down it's time lutsu and this winds up a gain of four to the 41. if you're a football guy that's a pretty run because everyone is in sync right there obvious the guy carrying the ball how about the people up front leverage athleticism they created some nice space for him they are in need of six yards here if they hope to move the chains Rivers the right side here and that's complete and he's going to have another first down here as the tackles made at the Cowboys 40. 19 yards that time for number 19. I think we may look at their offense they think to themselves weapons weapons everywhere and they want to move the ball around they want to spread it to different people but you absolutely know they want to get this man involved as well and that's what they just did on that play so from Cowboy territory now here's First and Ten right at the 40. they'll go up the gut with Tomlinson and little room to maneuver there he gets it down to about the 39. credit him with a one-yard gain there to make it second and nine oh there's plenty of traffic waiting for him up the middle but give him credit he tried barreling through anyway they're fortunate to get a yard out of that one here's second and nine just a yard on that last run to throw Rivers got his man complete over the middle that's Allen and they're going to work this down to about the 32-yard line and I think this is a route we'll see more of as this game goes on because with his speed they want to get him the ball in space our drag routes just like this they want him to get the ball and run after the catch good job there though holding him for a short game [Applause] they'll try and pick it up with Tomlinson yeah boy he is very close to a first down but from where they're spotting that football he's going to be a foot or so short it'll be called a gain of two and that'll leave him with some options here on Fourth and inches you know we might start getting some props here in the booth you know that one that says the D and then the fence that you put up next to it how about that they brought out the jumbo package and still couldn't move them off the line of scrimmage enough to pick up that first day impressive they were ready defensively for that jumbo set [Applause] the Chargers will bring out the field goal unit now this will be spotted at the 37 so it's a 47-yard attempt and this one looks good it is good right down the pipe and the Chargers grab themselves a 3-0 lead they were probably hoping to get him a little bit closer for a shorter field goal but he was able to get it done for deep nice little tester for him to begin things huh I think he was open for a little bit more of a chip shot instead it made him stretch it out a little bit but he's got to feel great now that he put it through the pipes the kick unit on here for the Chargers as they will send this one away and this will not be returned it'll come out to the 25. so out come to Cowboys Under head coach Mike McCarthy and trotting out there a guy who's established himself as a veteran in this league now in his fifth year at quarterback if you ask coaches at any level to design their ideal leader of a team I think they're going to check every box with this guy he's got the Poise to handle responsibility he stays calm under any kind of pressure he brings out the best of his teammates each and every week [Applause] they begin with a run by Smith and some open field here and they nearly get this all the way to Midfield Mark him down at the 49. good yardage as he rumbles for 24 out of first sometimes those lines that are drawn on a grease board or in a Playbook they come to life out on the field don't they we just saw down that outside hand off to the right that right tackle he gets excited for that call doesn't he he does because he just wants to dominate his guy and say listen I was the point of attack I took care of business that's why you're able to get downfield and add all those yards to your total yeah really nice gain there so one play and they're already just shy of Midfield here's Aikman setting to throw it now into a sea of Defenders had intercepted picked off by Casey Hayward and the Chargers are going to take possession here at Their Own 47-yard Line you've got to know as a quarterback that's going to be tucked out think this guy in the defensive backfield he's been out at 11 years now so he knows all the ins and outs of the position he's in the right spot there to come up with the interception the Chargers get set to go here for their second Drive they start near Midfield following the interception as they begin First and Ten better [Applause] they've got good starting field position as they come up here First and Ten on their side of Midfield at the 47. they'll start on the ground here on first down and he is met at the lattice scrimmage and he goes down right there no gain on the play it'll be second down the running Lanes have definitely not been there for him here in the first half and I don't think it's all been his fault his offensive line hasn't given him much space a loss results there so after the run for No Gain here's second and ten they go again to townlinson and he's got this pretty close to a first down at the Cowboys 44. that'll leave him with a third and two coming up they got eight yards there okay he didn't break that one all the way but you gotta know that he feels like he's right on the verge that's probably exactly what he's telling him in the Huddle right now so third and two this quite possibly four down territory though if they're stopped they'll look for the First with tablets it they needed two they could only get one fourth down [Applause] well they picked up a portion of it but not all that they needed now that leads to a decision on fourth and one let's see what they decide to do on as the Chargers punter now as he should be able to pin him back deep here with his first Pawn [Applause] and this is going to be ruled out I think just inside the 20 yes it will side judge calls it at the 19-yard line second Drive fourth coming here for the Dallas Cowboys they trailed three nothing after the int last time led to a field goal but now another fresh start here First and Ten they go back to the air here after the int on the last drive he finds his man now the ball comes loose and picked up by the Chargers he takes it back to the house it's a formal recovery and a charger touchdown the pass receiver turned into a runner then he turned into a thunder and it goes the other way for six I love your description although for the offense they're not too happy about it but for the defense what a big time play for them never give up on anything sometimes you create your own points let the receiver hard to fault him he's just going for extra yards that's exactly what you're supposed to do but you have to take care of the football point after here coming up he's got it and now it's a 10-nothing lead here in the opening quarter the scooping score always an exciting play in football and we witnessed it there grabbing it off the ground and then rumbling it into the end zone for six so an early 10-0 lead for him now as they kick it away The Return Man down to a knee and this will come out to the 25-yard line the Dallas offense back out onto the field and job one here Charles just keep possession of the football two drives two turnovers to this point you're exactly right doctor Hippocratic Oath first Do no harm and right now they're harming themselves on offense I like that no one is mistaking me for a doctor though but thank you Dr Davis so first down carry for Smith They'll be dropped after a gain of about six across the 30 to the 31. so you're down early how do you get back in the game maybe establish the run I think they're trying to do that now I'm with you on that one and what I like about the message is that there's no Panic from the head coach he's already told his offense coordinator let's run the football let's get things settled down a little bit and find our way back into this game the handoff Dorsett up the middle not a whole lot of room to run gets it to the 35 after showcasing the great move pretty good job defensively thought he was going to get it but they knew where that marker was and they stopped him just short of it what it does is emphasize that strategic football and situational football is not just played on the offensive side is it defense understanding as you noted where the first down marker was and making sure they didn't get there Aikman on third down and this one complete to win over the metal and he will have a Cowboys first down as they're able to move the sticks with a gain of four on Third and inches gotta say it was a little surprised to see him Charles come out in the shotgun on Third and less than a yard yeah but the way the NFL is nowadays we hardly ever see anyone really run for it on short yardage so they're going to throw the football more times than not that's a nice easy Rhythm throw right there and they pick up the first down so from the 39 now they'll come up on a First and Ten play action it's Aikman he finds his man complete that's Pearson now he's going to get this all the way down inside the 35. a really good pickup of 28 yards a partner they're locked in man coverage out left and they end up running a Crossing route rounded it a little bit more than a slant he's just going to angle himself towards the right side of the field and that's very difficult for Defender to Shadow him across all that ground [Applause] so from charger territory now here's a First and Ten down at the 33. now it's Aikman and this is caught by written the tight end and he'll get this to the 22. so they began the play at the 11 and it's a gain of 11. first down you can almost hear the sir relief coming from their sideline and from their point on the field because this has been a tough start for them thus far a much needed first down there they needed something good to happen plays like that will continue to help him dig out of this hole [Applause] they go play action with Aikman he finds his man complete it's Pearson there they stop him but he does take it all the way to the two the good pick up there of 20 yards just picking up yardage and bunches here these last few plays they have moved right down the field and just like that they're gonna be set up with a first and goal first and goal and they got to be thinking a chance to get right back into this football game Smith will score touchdown Cowboys so partner was a passing game that drove them down the field but when they get close they trust that man in the backfield and he took them home and they trust their offensive line as well because so many of these units they specialize in either pass protection or run blocking this group shows his versatility and gets both done on this drive extra point attempt here still to come and they're back within a field goal it's 10-7 now so the drive winds up going 75 yards in seven plays and it's culminated by a two-yard touchdown run [Applause] [Applause] Bailey now to kick it away after the touchdown from a couple yards deep he'll bring it out of the end zone and they'll be backed up to start this drive as he's taken down right around the 15. LA readies for its next possession but Charles a very uninspired effort the last time we saw them out there was a quick three and out then they punted the football yeah and you never want to get stopped so soundly during a series but what would be even worse now is letting it happen again right here they've got to get going [Applause] first down Rivers and he's going to be brought down his own six yard line [Applause] multiple players combined for their team's first sack of the game that partner it's safe to say that the secondary really contributed to that Center dad Nicholson five defensive backs they covered everything nowhere to go with the football but my question is why didn't he throw it away [Applause] gotta imagine the pass rush will be equally intense here on second down following the sack it's second and 18. throwing Rivers a quick throw they're going to be batted away and incomplete and this job is almost over before it began thanks to a great defensive effort sacked on first down followed by an incompletion one more good rep and they get off the field [Applause] an incomplete pass on that last play and that means they'll need to come up with something here on third down [Applause] on the draw this is Tomlinson and he'll take this forward only up to about the seven just a one-yard pick up there and it'll be fourth down we often talk of situational Football let's just call it team football the defense did their job got off the field brought the punting situation so they're turning the ball back over to their offense you think those guys will get along very well right now of course they will defense up the offense that's their turn to take it downfield on as the Chargers punter now as the drive goes backwards so he's on to punt it away [Applause] so possession goes over here on the pond and the Cowboys will take over the football with a first and 10. here's the Dallas offense now heading back out onto the field the offense coming back out here plenty of energy ready to roll looking to just add to what they have been doing after scoring a touchdown Charles there last time out and that's a great feeling to have on the sideline partner knowing you just won the battle against the opposing defense and since they came off the field I'll guarantee you all they want to do is get back out there because they know they have the upper hand on that defense right now they'll start this drive out on the ground two yards on the carry there it'll be second down you've got to be impressed by that defensive front on reps like those they were not being moved off the line kept their shoulders square and gave their teammates time to fight to the ball and limit that game the last run got a couple here's second and eight middle throw and on the left sideline he caught it but out of bounds according to the headlinesman incomplete so the ball a little late getting there and it's third down caught it just couldn't get the feet down couldn't get that toe tap sequence right I was ready to call him tippy toes if that one was completed so the failure to connect on second down that leaves him staring up here at a third and eight now Aikman and he comes back with one complete and he takes this one down almost all the way to the 30. the end result 21 yards and that's well executed there on third down and I love the confidence that they had to let their tight end try and find some space in the middle of the field right in their quarterback's line of vision and QB has loved to make that easy throw and they hooked up there for a first down [Applause] from the 32 now here's First and Ten they'll try the right side here with Smith and he'll go down at the 26. following a gain of six well they're making an effort to get the ground game going tonight so far it's working like we were saying from the offensive line they seem to have the leverage going and they're controlling things and we establishing the line of scrimmage moving that defensive front backwards but also like with the runners giving us too it appears that he's been waiting all day long to get out here and take off just a couple on the pick up there and now it's third down [Applause] 10-7 our score after one right here on EA Sports [Applause] start of the second quarter and it's the Cowboys in possession as they've got it 2nd quarter with a third down coming out they'll try and pick it up by running the option to the ring and he's going to get the first down here as he's taken down at the 22. so that was all you're looking for on a play like that get the first down and keep the drive moving yeah it just looked to me like he just said to himself I've got this I'll take it I'll pick it up and we'll keep moving get a first down get a new set and let's start over [Applause] on First and Ten it's Aikman oh the ball comes out on the hit but they'll say it's incomplete well they've been back on the heels a little bit here on this drive but a chest exhale just a little bit there with incompletion on first down that'd have to Gear Up try and get two more stops and escape this drive so after the incompletion second and ten from the 22. now a toss right to Smith and he is going to lose yardage here it goes as a loss of six and a third down sometimes you just sit back and Marvel at what he can do defensively speed strength quickness he's the whole package and that package just wrapped up the runner for a loss foreign down tonight a perfect three for three as they look to keep that streak going there's his third and 16. and they're going to get him down well short of the first as he can only get this to about the 19. nine yards on the carry but it's going to lead to a fourth down what a luxury to have a guy like this who can not only spell your starter but can come in and keep drives going thank you so now on fourth down Mike McCarthy will turn to his field goal unit it'll be from the right hash and it'll be a 36-yarder and his kick here is good and that will not us up at 10. they've put together a good little drive there but ultimately stalling out in the Red Zone yeah I know a lot of people look as a little bit of a negative they didn't get six points out of it right didn't give the touchdown but that's actually okay they got three points it will give their defense a little bit of rest let them settle down over there so all in all to me that's a good drive all level now at 10 a piece as the kicks away Fields it right around the goal line La set to take over again on offense these guys definitely hoping for a better showing than their last appearance they couldn't really even move the football much beyond the Shadows of their own goal posts Charles we'll see if they can get a better more sustained drive going here yeah and every team that we ever talked to says the exact same thing when you start a drive from that deep in your own territory the goal is a minimum of at least two first downs because even if you have to punt then you change the field position right you flip the field a little bit they didn't get that done this time they want to string together a nice drive and help themselves out [Applause] draw play Tomlinson he'll be dropped at the 25 after a gain of six they just keep trying but so far finding no room for him to run none whatsoever in fact you're on the numbers he's under three yards of carry at the moment six yards on that last play here's second and four again it's Tomlinson and he'll get to the 29-yard line brought down there four yards the pickup first down that's the way to do it hand it to someone with vision and good footwork and add a little bit of power and you find a way to pick up first downs running right this is Tomlinson up past the 30. second down coming up that's a real nice job there by the defensive front they just engaged and held their ground but how about the guy who made the play we often talk about where they take a good first step or not many times you just don't take any step just get your feet moving get your body going and then once he made the read he was able to make the play from the 31 Rivers oh he'll want that one back incomplete he doesn't drop too many in that department third down and he's certainly not a guy that drops that football very often indeed because that's a bit of a surprise I know he's in the middle of some traffic and people bodies all around him but he usually has the focus to haul that one in so the failure to connect on second down that leaves him staring up here at a third and eight now Rivers and it's going to be incomplete he was able to catch it there on the right sideline but out of bounds says the line judge and it's going to bring up fort down well they came up with points in their first two possessions but looks like they'll come up empty here on their third Drive the defense finally starting to get locked into them a little bit about to go a little bit deeper into their playbook on their next possession [Applause] he's been a busy man here in this first half as he gets it away it's a 45-yard punt just a one-yard return and that will come the offense as they take over now here come the Cowboys and after the field goal last time we'll see what they can get here at least they got points out of the last Drive Charles I never met an offensive coach that didn't want to drive to end with a kick most of them want to end with a p-a-t right in this case a field goal they'll take it way better than the alternative which is a pun yeah but you've met fan bases that wanted that they weren't happy with that field goal I haven't met a fan base yet that wants to drive down other than the extra point that's it a little Juke and he'll take it ahead to the 28-yard line 43 yards rushing for now in the ball game and there we saw one of the downsides of blitzing during a rundown because sometimes you get out of your gaps you don't fit the Run quite as well because you're headed towards the ball carrier with abandoned a good run got seven on first here's second and three Smith up the middle a pickup of about three yards as he's taken down at the 31. just not a whole lot of room to operate there on that carry no not at all they did a really nice job staying in their proper places and not allowing any lanes to open up an extra defensive back on the field for the Chargers now on third down to throw his Aikman this little short throw to Winton and he will have a Cowboys first down as that'll be a pickup of about five as they convert on Third and inches many different ways to create space but on that play he did it with that big wide body of his didn't get a whole lot of yardage on the play but it did what it was supposed to pick up a first down [Applause] ball up to the 35 now as they come up on First and Ten now Aikman looking to throw Vance caught by Brian and Downey goes at the 45 after a pickup of nine [Applause] up the middle they go with Dorset and he'll go down right around the 47 this time they'll get three as the drive continues it's a first down second and one and people want to run the football this is where every back in the league is supposed to do exactly what we just saw there pick up the first down a couple of first downs on the drive already as they'll go from the 47 now on first down staying on the ground this time it's Smith and he's going to get a cross Midfield and into charger territory five yards on the carry good pickup on first down that's a strong pickup right there on first down and as this drive goes on we're seeing an offensive line and running game imposing its will the first down run got five here's second and five looking to throw they fine still said it's complete and they'll get this down to the 42-yard line certainly done a nice job spreading the ball around on this drive this time he gets it out to his back and it's another nice play and another first down they've got the defense on their heels a little bit they're reacting instead of being aggressive and making plays they'll throw on first down with Aikman and oh he almost had his second pick of the game probably should have and he's frustrated as it falls incomplete offense is moving it a little bit back on their heels but they're in a brief Pause by forcing the incompletion that gives them a quick chance to regroup and try to mount a stand before they're backed up even further now Aikman to throw on second down and that's Off the Mark incomplete a lot of times it's that first read that you had maybe you get it in pre-snap and he locked in on his Target but he was covered quite well and that one's incomplete [Applause] the Cowboys on third down they've been near perfect four for five to this point this is third and ten again it's Aikman they'll set up the screen to Smith and he got blown up losing yardage on the play back at the 44. it'll be a loss of two on the play and that's going to make it fourth down I love the intelligence the defense just showed there read their keys saw the screen developing ran to it and smothered it what a third down stop by them well now comes the Cowboys ponner deep for the Chargers Desmond King and this will be up to the ruling of the side judge here he says it Crossed Out of Bounds at the 16-yard line the offense for Los Angeles returns to the field now if you're a fan of punting and I know that not many people are but this game kind of turning into one for you well it's okay if it's a skills contest right we're really into it then but not during the course of an actual game this has turned into a field position game though sometimes a better punter may actually determine the outcome on play action Rivers and the Cowboys pressure gets there this time for the SAG he couldn't get rid of it he takes a sack for a loss of six to bring up second down until that time Charles quarterback helpless really in the pocket in the face of a pass rush like that they were on him instantly yeah that's one return to your lineman and say out guys can't get a little healthier and politely because remember they're blocking for you the entire game but as a quarterback you've also got to have the clock running in your head when you need to get rid of the football but this time he had no chance they were on him instantly wide open receiver complete and he's able to get this one all the way past the 30. a game there of 21 yards and that's a more than acceptable read right there because it's Zone coverage so timing is everything this time you wait for his man to come open puts it right on him and they pick up a first down [Applause] scrimmage the 31 now on First and 10. to throw his ribbers swinging this ball out here to talwood city and he'll be brought down right around the 37. so the completion good for six yards and it'll be second down and just in general Charles on a play like that how tough is it for the defense to account for a running back essentially being a receiver downfield it's very difficult especially if the running back has skills like a receiver and you're aware of that before the game even begins so throughout your practice sessions you're going to want to be aware of him where is he riding up what can he do what kind of damage can he do to us downfield and who can match up with him without weakening our overall defense you're exactly right it's a tough task to match up to him and they really need to get something going didn't they didn't punt it on the last two possessions the running game starting to come to the front for the providing a nice pick up there to keep this drive going thank you [Applause] so from Cowboy territory now here's First and Ten at the 44-yard line they stay on the ground Tomlinson and after the good game last play this time they say uh-uh as he's going to be stopped behind the line of scrimmage officially it's a one-yard loss that's going to bring up second and 11. I think sometimes when you're trying to get after the quarterback maybe it's better be lucky I think they're great because I think on that one trying to get up field and rush to Bowser Instead The Tackle for the loss Blended right in his lap maybe just a slight detour on what's been a strong drive here second and 11. [Applause] here's Rivers he's got Allen and he's got this down a yard or two shy of the 40 before he's out of bounds so give them five yards there on the pitch and catch and now third down and six to go one thing you're hoping for when you run drag routes you're able to hit a receiver in stride and he can pick up a lot of yardage after the catch but in this situation the defense was effective able to stop him before he can get a good head of steam going he's got his man Gates and he takes us just a few yards shy of the Red Zone before going out the Chargers passing game rolling a bit here they've got another first a lot of times when you get a magical third down situation like this you have to think about your tight end and he comes through for him picking up the first down first down throw here for rivers and that's complete to Gates and they're going to be set up now with a ball at the 13-yard line [Applause] thank you from the third team now they work on First and Ten from the red zone now Rivers drops this off to Tomlinson complete and he's got this inside the 10 to the nine before he's out of bounds they'll give him four yards there and that will bring up second down all defenses worried that whenever anyone catches the ball and has a head of steam come out of the backfield it could turn into a big play with missed tackles or he runs through people but they were right there waiting and they stopped him for a minimal gain he's got his man it's caught touchdown Chargers a nine-yard touchdown Brown and the Chargers have taken the lead and he just did get those feet in there on the side of the end zone well done probably the exact size foot necessary because I think if he had another half size not getting that catch doesn't count and he and it counts for a touchdown foreign he's got it as they go up by a total of 17 to 10. so that was a pretty time consuming 10-play drive and it winds up with a touchdown for Los Angeles the kickoff team on the field now as they will send this one away no run back here down to a knee and this drive will start at the 25. there again is the running back as he trots onto the field they're behind in the first half here CD but it's not true any fault of their running back he's had a strong start to this one and you're right about that partner because watching him play you would think that his team is in the lead he has been a lot of fun in this contest now let's see if they can actually make something happen and put more points on the board behind his efforts yeah I'm curious to see Charles if they can play complimentary football and get that passing game going as well looking to pass Aikman on first down they set up the screen to Billy said and from the 25 they worked this to the 29 a gain of four nice job by the defense figuring that play out and holding it to a short game but I don't think the offense is going to be daunted they actually accomplished their goal there now they've got them aware that they can throw a screen at him maybe it'll slow the pass rush down a little bit and they can throw it downfield from the shotgun Aikman and he's got his man in stride complete and he takes this up to the 40-yard line before being corralled 11 yards and a cowboy first down a lot of tight ends just use their size in their strength try to occupy some space and kind of body people away and catch the football but not this guy he's a refined route Runner makes me wonder if he did some dance classes in his background with his footwork now the cowboy is going to burn the first to their timeouts as they'll stop it with just over a minute to go before halftime [Applause] that'll stop the clock here with just under a minute to play in half number one that certainly is going to be a play call where they were just trying to make second down second and short I think they thought the coverage was off a little bit more than it was nice job there pressing up on it and forcing the incompression Aikman gonna throw again he finds his man complete it's Pearson now another timeout called for by the offense as they get the stoppage with a little over 50 seconds to go in the first half oh God [Applause] I see an extra defensive back on the field a little surprise here on Third and one Aikman operating from the gun looking left side and he's got a man that's Pearson and he's brought to the ground with another first down at the Chargers 41-yard line they only needed one yard on third down they get 10 instead by going to the air that's a nice catch there remember he had the fumble earlier no way he was giving up the ball in that situation secured it tight to his body and picks up the first down first down here's Aikman complete Smith has it and he's going to be taken down and about to 33. just about every quarterback is trained to really look downfield first before you come back and make a nice safe throw and in this case that's exactly what he did found his running back let him create some space and it turned out to be a nice play for the offense [Applause] that's what it is so on second down the field goal unit is on here as they try to get three before half from the left hash it's an even 50 yard attempt and this one is right down the middle and that will cut this lead back down to four now it's 17-13 so they're able to end that drive with three points in this one possession ball game and ideally you walked into every drive with points most quarterbacks to tell you let's end it with a kick right a p-a-t that's number one field goal you'll take punts you really don't want to do that in this case they'll take the field goal and get prepared for the rest of the game [Applause] so six seconds All That Remains of this first half as the kick is away and not wanting to risk anything here late in the half he'll just take a knee and they'll bring the football out to the 25. all right so time perhaps for one final kneel down before they take this lead to the locker room [Applause] and with time running down they go down to a knee so we've reached halftime here in a four-point game as we send you to Orlando to check in with Jonathan Coachman at Rea Sports halftime report coach okay Brandon thanks very much back to you guys in a bit but first we welcome everyone to our EA Sports halftime report first though let's get a check on the next-gen stats from that first half for the Cowboys and despite the fact that they're down on the scoreboard they were able to have some success throwing the football in that opening half meanwhile for the Chargers we check out their numbers on the ground as they'll try to keep the momentum going into the second half okay Coach thanks as always this one still anyone's game as we welcome you back for quarter number three [Applause] [Applause] [Applause] 3rd quarter it's the Cowboys who get the football first and they Trail here as well as we resume action in the third quarter and he will not bring it out it's a Touchback out come the Cowboys now as he'll go on offense first here in this third quarter well Charles we saw pretty entertaining first half close ball game remember there toward the end of the second quarter the opposition scored to take the lead now we'll see if these guys can get a score of their own to regain that lead yeah they want to have that type of a response don't they because they want to find a way to take control of this ball game one more time gauntlet's been thrown down they want to see if they're ready to answer it play action it's Aikman oh he's got a man Wide Open complete and they'll get it all the way up about five yards shy of Midfield he was held without a catch in the first half but he's got one here and he also picks up a first down certainly no settling into the drive there they came right out on the first plan attacked the middle of the field for a big Gainer and a first down [Applause] [Applause] the big play to start him out has him at the 45 already on the give this is Doris said and he'll be brought down at the 50 after a gate of about five Brandon five yards on that run let's get back to the Hubble and make sure you're back you spend time with your offensive line and give them credit hard to move those 300 plus Pounders into line of scrimmage and they did for a significant chunk of yardage after the pickup of five here's second and five again it'll be Dorset and he's got Rome now they nearly sprung in that time as he takes this all the way down to the 37. 13 yards and a first down Cowboys that one definitely helps as they try to push the ball down the field here trailing early in the third quarter and even though they're trailing not abandoning the running game people may call it an adjustment I think it's just much more sticking to what works for you and continuing to have faith in it and the running game is starting to pay off this is [Applause] a lot of scrimmage the 37 on First and 10. fake middle throw that's going to be complete on the sideline but you know that throw left in no room to run and the good footwork nearly all for not let's just make this one simple could he be any more open than what he was on that plan they lost him going to the outside hard to believe because you go through your accounting on each and every defensive snap who's got who what defense you're in that totally have blown coverage the throw over the middle taken in and he's brought to the ground with another first down at the Chargers 21. give him 15 there and the Cowboys have a first I love the drive they're working on here because they know they can take the lead with a touchdown and so far on this drive so good they've moved the ball down the field with very little resistance defensively but they better be prepared for some adjustments to come their way now let's be smart [Applause] on First and Ten it's Aikman and this one can played to Smith and he'll be marked down right at the 20-yard line good reactions there defensively that screen was a little slow in developing and they shut that one down with little gain on second down here's Smith and he'll be close to a first down at the Chargers 14. 57 yards on the ground for him so far not a ton of room available on that one but he made use of what space was available and game decent yardage they're trying to keep the drive going this will be play number eight it's third and two they'll try and run for it to Smith he's not going to get there that won't even be close it was blown up in the backfield that'll back him up two yards and also bring up fourth then three tight ends in that formation that's almost a universal sign that they're planning to run the football but how about the defense there they met force with force and caused a stack up behind the line of scrimmage and threw him for a loss thank you so now on fourth down Mike McCarthy will turn to his field goal Unit A 33-yarder from the left hash and this one is right through and that'll bring him back within a point so they were facing the deficit coming out of the locker room at intermission and at least they're able to get the field goal to cut into that deficit yeah now your offense feels pretty good about itself right a little bit more up to speed coming out of the break you get into your defense now and say hey we got three there we're chipping into the lead can you help us out hold them let's get the ball back for us now after the field goal Bailey will kick it away and he'll elect not to return this one so they'll bring it out to the 25 on the Touchback now we'll look at the Chargers offense they get ready for their first possession of the second half first down Rivers and he takes a shot on the release as this will be incomplete partner what we're seeing so far as the defense has certainly coordinated both levels doing their jobs in tandem the back helping the front the front help in the back the pressure got home on that last play and forced him to try and throw through contact and short of the sticks they go play action Rivers and that's incomplete well so far in this drive they've done some good work they forced incompletions on first and second down bring up third and ten that brings up the big question do they bring pressure or do they play coverage on this down so back to back in completions and that has him staring at a third and ten rivers to throw it [Applause] and he bats it away and it falls down incomplete give him credit for excellent coverage tight coverage they're doing a lot of things that we talk about in basketball they're causing disruptions in the passing game and as long as that continues it'll be tough for them to gain any momentum throwing the ball downfield on as the Chargers punter now as he's on to punt for the fourth time tonight good open field tackling there a 50-yard punt followed by just a one-yard return and it will be first to ten as they take over the offense for the Cowboys now working their way back onto the field and last time able to get three it's not what they wanted they wanted six but they got at least something they mustered something out of the drive they'll take it just I like the way you've described it not ideal but they'll take it anything to put some points on the board but this time on offense they don't want to see the field goal kicker Trot on the field they won that ball in the end zone they'll be going for six now Aikman over the middle complete it's Brian and he's going to get this one across the 30-yard line the drive starting with a first down 11 yards on that pickup that was a nicely run slant route and what the receivers trying to do is make the defender think he's going up field for a deeper route and then breaks it off usually after about three to four steps and cuts towards the middle of the field and now what he's trying to do is use his body to keep the defender away from the football and get the quarterback a really nice Target Let's Roll so they'll come up first in 10 now from the 33. out of the gun it's Aikman again to Bryant and again it's coin and they bring him to the ground just shy of Midfield give him back-to-back catches now that one for 16. and another first down you can see the time and effort and thought that they put into their passing game because it was evident right there it looks like a simple pitching catch but you and I both know that they have planned for this and worked hard to make it happen [Applause] back to back good plays have them on the move on first down on play action Aikman and this one complete to Winton over the middle and he'll go down but not before getting this inside the 30. call that a very strong gain of 24. my goodness they've come out locked in on this drive play calling execution they are fully in sync three straight passes three first downs they're moving the ball downfield almost as well this defense really struggling to find answers so from charger territory now here's a First and Ten at the 27. inside handoff Smith five yards is the tally on first down that brings up second and five oh that was the thing the beauty right there look at how quick those blockers fired off the line once the ball was that was an old ride on a mission all in sync and the defensive lucky that play only picked up five yards here's second and five now from the 22. to throw his Aikman Brian has it and he's going to be taken down right at the 10-yard line that's the third time on this drive that these two have connected with each other they've got a real Rapport going and right now it's banned off a big chunks of yardage as shown by that last play [Applause] so not quite a first and goal it's First and Ten from the 10. now Aikman looking to throw and just not enough for him to throw there down around his feet and incomplete I think he's got to be careful not to force anything into coverage right there there weren't really any throwing Lanes but the best part for him he's got second and third down to fall back on [Applause] so now second and ten after the incompletion on first down here's Aikman setting to throw it and this one taken in on the right sideline but not in the field of play they say it's incomplete the throw led him a little too far it brings up third down this drive which was going so smoothly all of a sudden it's a little bit of a roadblock here with two straight in completion yeah apparently this defense has had enough apparently they're saying no more we're taking a stand right here right now but it is third and ten they've got to get after him one more time a great play there he scored on the ground through the air and the Cowboys have taken the lead here in this third quarter well he is putting in a great all-around game Charles he already ran one in for a score and now they utilize him in the passing game and they put a lot of pressure on a defensive coordinator and defense don't they because they used to him as a runner but he turns out he's just as dangerous as some of those receivers and he showed it right there you don't pay enough attention to him defensively he makes you pay they'll try and throw for it toward the end zone but that's going to wind up incomplete tough there good pass hit the hands he just couldn't bring it in and every receiver's coach everywhere seeing that play focus focus focus watch all the way in and tuck it away now to kick it away after the touchdown [Applause] EC not to return this one so they'll bring it out to the 25 on the Touchback this offense back out and set to go for their next Drive see if they can put this Drive In The End Zone Charles because it's been a little bit of a rough go at times they've had to punt the football a ton in this ball game because of stalled out drives so are you saying that you're kind of tired of seeing the punter run out there and do his thing during this game is that what you're trying to say well I mean I'm okay with it I have a feeling that this offense they don't want to see the punter again and frankly the punter doesn't want to run out there anymore himself he would love to see his offense put together a drive and give his leg a rest into heavy traffic and it's intercepted and the Cowboys are going to take possession of the football [Applause] the timing is everything on a route like this he tried to drive that football into a tight spot and if you're a little early or a little late chances are there's going to be someone there and sure enough this one's going the other way and now this offense comes back out onto the field and they'll have good field position here following the interception and a chance to build on their lead as they start with a First and Ten they'll throw on first down with Aikman looking left side it's complete he's got it and he's brought down inside the 20 at the 18 yard line I'll tell you what a lot of those mid-range throws have been available because sometimes teams get too concerned about the default they leave too much space in front of them and these guys have been taken advantage so far together [Applause] so from inside the 20 here's first and 10 at the 18. he's going to try and do this himself and all the way all the way down in inside the five to the four sets him up nicely first and goal it was a pickup of 14. well he is certainly dangerous when he spots a lane and he keeps it himself there worked out well and how about the moving Parts on a play like this you know you have to practice it over and over because it's almost like a ballet that has to be choreographed but how about once he made the decision to go he committed to it and went let's face it most teams are going to defend the running back much more than the quarterback on that type of reply now it's Aikman and Brian has got it touchdown Cowboys four yards on the touchdown grab and the Cowboys take the force turnover on defense and converted into six points there was no going through the progressions on that touchdown pass yeah nor was it necessary his receiver won that route early presented himself no reason to wait go ahead and put it on him and score a touchdown now comes the kicking team here for the extra point and this one gives his guys a 12-point lead scoring summary three play drive and it culminates in a Dallas touchdown like that bro Bailey now to kick it away after the touchdown and he'll decide to not bring this one out as their Drive will begin at the 25. the charger offense making their way back out there and we'll see if they can bounce back from that last Drive in particular if they can bounce back at the quarterback position Charles after throwing their first interception of the ball game yeah some guys you know they're going to want to try and get a big play right away and take control back others to go I love to hit a couple shorter passes to get a little momentum back that way but for the defense that goal's not changing a bit they want another pick you're exactly right about that in fact you've got to watch them a little bit because in coverage they may cut down their gaps a little bit maybe their splits a little bit in order to try and get to the ball even faster they'll be dropped after a gain of about six across the 30 to the 31. nice Rhythm field there on first down he located his tight end made it nice easy pitching catch hoping he can break a tackle or two wasn't able to do that there but still good yardage they'll come up now second and four from the 31. [Applause] to throw his Rivers and on the left sideline he caught it but out of bounds according to the headlines but incomplete so the ball a little late getting there and it's third down I don't know about you but I wanted to reach out to the booth and snatch that pass myself that thing thrown in Forever up there I think that threw up the timing of the receiver that's why he couldn't get his feet down even though he caught the ball you know Charles I would have liked to have seen that yeah me too for you I wanted to see you reach out and catch up yeah you've heard about my hands huh and he is going to have the Chargers first down as they're able to get the third down conversion and Brandon from our time in college football where receivers weren't running the traditional NFL route tree one thing they did learn find open areas find soft spots and set up and catch the ball I think we just saw that there we saw that indeed picking up the first [Applause] so from the 39 now they'll come up on a First and Ten now Rivers and it's incomplete boy he doesn't drop many like that one second down it looked like they had something there but I think that he was thinking about running with the football before he actually hauled it in and that led to a big drought well thanks for joining us here on a Thursday night in the NFL third quarter second and ten coming up Rivers again and he will go down a cowboy sack they overloaded that time of the safety Blitz and he winds up being dropped for a loss of seven the number one mission of any offensive line you got to protect that quarterback keep him safe back there this time the rush got to him in a hurry yeah that's one return here live and say uh guys okay get a little healthier and you have to ask politely because remember they're blocking for you the entire game but as a quarterback you've also got to have the clock running in your head when you need to get rid of the football but this time he had no chance they were on him instantly now they go screen it's complete and they take him down losing yardage back at the 27. so they'll wind up losing five yards on the play and that's going to bring up the fourth down it looks like the defense they were ready for that one really left him almost no room to work after catching the ball he could throw every move in the book Adam they were there and they tackle him for a loss and he deserves a bronze leg as he gets this one away that'll be a 43-yard punt just a single yard on the return and they will take over First and Ten and now Dallas gets set to take the field the offense running out and they are charged up ready to go after reaching the End Zone on their last drive and normally I'd warn against getting complacent just because they scored the last time out but I don't think there's any worries with this group right now this is a hungry group and they want to keep building off of their last drive now they just want the officials to hurry up and place the ball so he can snap it and get back to work looking to pass Aikman on first down he sets the fire D and that is incomplete took a shot there on first down but he couldn't reel it in he balled down that right sideline and he made sure that he put it where either his guy was going to catch it or no one was third quarter now from Sofi Stadium here's a second and ten uh give to Smith out of the gun and down right around the 32-yard line four yards on the pickup Brandon All Things Considered they have to feel pretty good about getting that type of a gain considering the blitz that they just had against them [Applause] an extra cornerback now in the game for the Chargers here on third they'll look to throw here and this is caught by Winton to tight end and he will have a Cowboys first down as they're able to get the third down conversion and now we get into the psychology of the whole thing because a lot of teams with a two score lead in the third quarter they almost become defensive with their offense just playing not to lose I think with this team you got to figure this point this is a great spot for them to go into Attack Mode really try and put the hammer down and finish this one off now Aikman on first down they dump it off complete to Dorset and he's able to get this one out closer to Midfield across the 45. just three yards on the catch there he couldn't get away and that'll make it second down and we see another pitching catch there to the running back this position just continues to evolve they've become just as critical to the passing attack as a lot of receivers tight ends because their ability to make people Miss in the open field can really generate big plays for an offense on second down here's Aikman he finds his man complete that's Pearson and he's brought to the ground with another first down at the Chargers 41-yard line it's a gain of 12 and the Cowboys pick up the first and with that last play he's now up over that 300 yard Mark and in today's NFL it almost feels routine and I hate that when you talk about a 300 yard passing game to me 300 yards still signifies excellence and he's achieved that in this performance one quarter remains here in this Thursday night matchup this is the National Football League Audi a sports back now it's Sofi stadium in Inglewood it's the Cowboys with a football they'll 4th quarter be looking to tack onto their lead as we get set four to Fourth now it's Smith running right this will be stopped about two yards shy of the marker eight-yard gain second and two now I think we can get used to seeing more of that in this fourth quarter especially if they're having success on the ground like they did there yeah I think back when we met with the head coach in the preseason and all he talked about was building a bully and I think it was this situation he was envisioning trying to ice a game plenty of time left but being able to give the ball to his big Runner and pound away and try and finish off again if nothing else they've already taken a couple minutes off the clock here already as they come up second down here's a pass swung out left to his running back so back to back plays each get nothing and now that sets up third and two that's a defense or more bounce when you're in zone coverage because you're able to keep your eyes on the quarterback and see the play develop in front of you they're able to keep the Quick Pass in front of them and stop it right the line of scrimmage the offense on third down tonight they've been really good converting seven of their ten tries this time they face a third and two goes right back to Smith again and he will have a Cowboys first down and he's going to have it by plenty able to get eight yards there on Third and two now that's a big pickup right there and so often we focus on how the quarterbacks faking on play action how about everyone being in on the deal and picking it up second third levels you could see them trying to recover they bid worked out offensively [Applause] first down here's Aikman to the sideline and wow what a catch there doesn't get a lot but he was able to get the feed down complete the result only four yards there on the play and it's second down he's been a busy man here in this one and they're showing off some nice footwork to stay in bounds and with those types of catches and the volume that we've seen in this game wouldn't you keep him busy as well I would of course you gotta keep throwing it to him he keeps making plays throwing again on second down but this time it's incomplete I see the surprise in your face there partner that is a rare incompletion from him he's been on point this entire game he has percentage completion Wise Way up not that time so they need six yards here on third down they're two for two on third down try so far on this drive looking to throw again here Aikman he's wrapped up taken down back in the 25. and that'll break up fourth down on the big sack with a loss of five well how about that a dime set on defense six defensive backs none of them Blitz they're just back there in coverage defensive lineman gets the sack that's where the o-line they go to the sideline they keep their helmets on so the cameras can't find them right yeah the cameras can't find them but I know one thing the old line coach will so now on fourth down Mike McCarthy will turn to his field goal unit right hash mark of 42-yard attempt and his kick is indeed good and that will extend their lead even further so an important one there is they widen their lead in this fourth quarter all right partner help me out with the math here make sure I am on point because the way I see it the other guys still need two touchdowns but in addition a two-point conversion so this is all about them playing perfect football from here on out now after the field goal Bailey will kick it away and here comes a return for just beyond the goal line and not a good return here at all as they'll be forced to start at the 12-yard line and now out on the field Here Comes Los Angeles over on the sideline hoping to hit that reset button between possessions last time out they had to punt it away this time hoping to finish this thing off in the end zone position trying to get back into the game teams are looking for a smirk from their special teams a long field to cover they want to try and put points on the board now Tomlinson on First and Tim he'll take this one only after about his 13-yard line just a yard on the first down carry so it's second and nine well sometimes you just have to give credit to the defense great job there at the point of attack holding up they won their battles at the line of scrimmage left him no space to try and run a really nice job swarming to the ball carrier on play action Rivers he finds his Target Allen and way up past with 35 before he's taken down well first down there on a pickup of 25. you cannot write these guys off just yet not with a quarterback like that under Center you mean it actually crossed your mind with him running the team that you could actually maybe write this game off not yet not a chance not with him we've seen it too many times [Applause] so signs of life and what's been a dormant offense in this second half here's First and Ten to throw Rivers got a man and he hits him in stride they'll go for a gain of seven and it'll be second down fourth quarter every drive so critical and you figure they only get one more shot after this so a touchdown's imperative on this drive it is but you also have to think to yourself in play calling don't hold anything back don't save it for the second touchdown you've got the first one for the second one to even matter [Applause] on second down it's Tom lutsu on a determined run there as he's going to take this all the way down near the 40. 64 yards rushing for him now as he's carried it 16 times now yes a two possession game but a good chunk of time on the clock so they have the ability still there to run it on second short but maybe they need to pick it up a bit you're right they did pick up the first down there but as you mentioned they have to pick up the pace now because it's a two possession game they've got to get there twice to make sure they have a chance to win so from Cowboy territory now here's First and Ten at the 41. throwing Rivers and that's complete to Gates and it'll be taken down here just shy of the 30. good yardage on the completion there and when they look at the scoreboard they do understand a field goal is not going to do him any good my guess they're going to press the ball downfield as far as possible try and throw it into the end zone and get a score because they know they've got to get that done and get the ball back as quickly as possible [Applause] line of scrimmage the 31 now on First and 10. [Applause] Eckler now between the tackles and he's able to work his way down inside the Red Zone to the 19-yard line back-to-back nice plays 12 yards that time and a first down it's a big plays in a passing game on this drive and here's one out of the running game so the passing game loosening things up now there's room to roam [Applause] so here's a First and Ten now down inside the 20. [Applause] to the ground this time with Tomlinson and they'll work this down to the 15 for a pickup of four not too many offenses want to turn down long drives but when you're down what they are they've got to pay it off with some points [Applause] the Run got four now they deal with the second and six [Applause] they'll try and run the option left side he will push his way down to about the 14. only a yard there on the keeper and that's going to leave him with a third down but that call makes sense because they've been throwing it well on this drive and once again they show passing formation showing the shotgun then they ran out of it that's a nice play by them defensively though to hold it to a short game they'll break the Huddle and come up on the ninth play of this drive needing five yards on third down from the gun they give to Tomlinson and he's got the first down as he gets it to the A it'll be a gain of six that time as it moves the chance to you you expect to pass play had a little courage there to call the run and boy they were successful [Applause] first and goal and they got to be thinking a chance to get right back into this football game here's the backup now the former Badger Melvin Gordon and from the nine they get this to the five-yard line that's good power football first and goal a lot of teams will throw from there but that's a nice job to chew up a few more yards and get yourself closer to the goal line two of their three Red Zone trips so far they've come up empty on they'll look to reverse that trend on second and goal [Applause] a give up the middle to Tomlinson and the hole closes quickly here he can fight only to about the four call it a gate of a yard as they get a little bit closer here it's third and goal sometimes I get caught in hyperbole but I think they desperately need to punch this one in they're running out of time yeah two score games second half you're down here this is the time to put it in the end zone and not gonna get much better than this for an opportunity third and goal for Rivers and this is come he's got a touchdown from four yards out and the Chargers are able to cut into that deficit so it is now a nine point difference you figure the book here says kick the extra point make it a one score game now you and I have seen coaches get overly aggressive in this spot but I agree with you and kick it here and get back within a score and now in a nine-point game they'll still just need to go for one here as this gets them back within a touchdown a two-point conversion that one in the box has a 12-play drive and it ends with the Chargers getting into the end zone so the lead trim down to eight as here comes the kickoff and it's away taking it about the one and he'll get it up across the 20 to the 21-yard line possession of the football going back to the Cowboys for their lead back down to one score after the touchdown a moment ago first downs a must on this drive as they start out here First and Ten [Applause] now Aikman trying to lay one up deep and it's knocked away and incomplete after what they face during this game where they've given up a ton of yards downfield it has to be a measure Revenge right there for the secondary they've been shredded throughout the game and finally forced an incompletion so after the incompletion on first now second and ten they'll try the right side here with Smith oh that's just not fair and now room to run and he takes us beyond the 35 before going out of bounds 88 yards on the ground for him now as he has gotten better really as the night's going on well that's a carry they have to be satisfied with and throughout this game they've been satisfied with what he's given them whenever they've needed a big run a first down he's the guy they've turned to and it doesn't matter what the defense thinks they feel like they've got the confidence to keep handing it to him and keep picking up good yardage [Applause] a lot of scrimmage the 37 on First and 10. they'll run it again with Smith unable to get this one across the 45 before he's brought down 11 more yards that go around a first down as well no doubt those are the types the carries they're looking for here Charles the lead in the fourth quarter this is when coaches that have a reliable running game they breathe a little easier on the sideline yeah they love the idea that they can take the air out of the football at this point of the game that means they're really counting on that offensive line counting on the runners taking care of the football because you're going to tell your quarterback hey no time to be a hero we're not going to throw it here just eat up that clock and if you have the ball they can't score and that is caught on the right sideline but out of bounds says the line judge the throw took him a little too far it's second down this could be the start of a nice stand from this defense now after getting walked backwards on this drive come through with another one here and you have them staring at a third and long and that puts the defense into position to dictate to the offense fake middle throw Dorsett making the catch and he'll be brought down on the other side of Midfield at the 43. he's having a nice game through the air his decision making has been really good solid there again just seeing nothing downfield goes underneath nice game how about the patience because when you're having a big game through the air you're looking for those Trump plays those big ones downfield instead as you noted takes the check down dumps it off gains good yardage anyway really well executed and that one going nowhere from the start because he's met in the backfield and goes backwards that winds up being a four-yard loss and leads to fourth down boy here someplace you can just sort of tell they're not going to work from the start and that was one of them right there yeah I mean he had every option taken away and so all that was left for him to do was to try and keep it himself but even he knew that he had nowhere to go bound now comes the Cowboys Potter as he'll put it away for the second time [Applause] on a dime he did WOW Out of Bounds at the one-yard line the field position game often so overlooked but this offense is going to be backed up deep what an ideal Punt and now this stage of the game when they need the drive to try and put themselves in a position to win it you talk about going the long field the very long field this could be a 99-yard drive if they're able to accomplish it out of his Enzo Rivers and it's a short one here complete to his tight end and it'll be second down first play of the drive in their Hip Pocket of course the focus here has to be the touchdown of the two-point conversion field goals are going to help you yeah but how about that first play of the drive just to get them started nice gain guessing positive momentum going they're on their way and they don't have to rush fourth quarter down to the final two minutes and we've got a one score game so it's Charger football as we welcome you back from the two-minute warning they come up on a second down now in a game that looks like it's going to go down the wire now a throw here hold in and they'll get him down up past the 15-yard line it's a gain of 11 and a first down La all right let's just put it on the table real quick here this is two minute drill you got to know they're looking for their number one receiver yeah you think they'd be ready for that that time they weren't first down now but that clock rolling now Rivers and he'll just get rid of it that's certainly not the worst thing it stops the clock and lets your offense catch its breath and let's also tail a little bit now I expect them a call a couple plays in the Halls so they're ready if a tackle happens in bounds an incomplete pass on first down that leads to a second and ten here's Rivers it's a short one here complete to the tight end the Chargers going to signal for the first to their timeouts as they'll talk it over here before what will be an important third down baby [Applause] coming up here looking for three yards to pick up the first rivers to throw and he is going to have the Chargers first down and he was able to get it by plenty a gain of eight on Third and three Brandon's okay what they're doing right now still able to work the middle of the field but you know sooner or later they're gonna have to stop the clock first down now but the clock continues to move Rivers and that throw behind his man he missed him incomplete limited time left on the clock after that incompletion so I think both sides are going to save her every second to prepare before the next snap because once the ball's in motion it may be a Non-Stop push to finish this drive off everyone better be on the same page right now because I think they're going to try and get several plays off in quick succession if they can a second down pass play there but it's incomplete back in completions but we know this is definitely pour down territory time not on their side I don't think they want to try and get the first down in two installments I think they got to go and get it right here right now here comes the eighth play of the drive and they need a full 10 yards on third down on the draw this is Todd Lindsay oh good move and he will be very close to a first down but I see the closed Fist of the referee and that means fourth down now the Chargers will use the second of their timeouts as they'll stop it with just over 40 seconds to go in the game foreign [Applause] they're running Tomlinson and he's taken down at the 43 but not before picking up the first they only needed a few inches and they didn't get much more than that but by about the width of a shoelace they convert on Fort down one crisis averted but they still need to move hastily and now before this first down play we're going to get a timeout here as the clock will stop with an even 20 seconds left to go [Applause] back to throw he's going to let it fly complete took a shot couldn't connect these are the spots this stage of the game where it pays to have speed on the perimeter doesn't it it certainly does and in the second quarter he may very well run by him but in this situation I know as a Defender I'm loosening up a couple of extra steps that allowed him to run with him strive for stride he's back to throw this could possibly Force OT [Applause] that would be complete nearly an interception of the end zone probably should have been third down coming up they took their shot for the End Zone almost cost him and he made the right play there knocking it away but boy it looked like he had a chance to come down with the football if he does that this thing is over instead he leaves him out there with another chance now a desperation throw deep down field and a penalty flag comes in as that one winds up incomplete but the contact is gonna move the ball well downfield so the defense helping him out a little bit here late in the fourth and you're exactly right and when you're the one doing the chasing he'll take a Little Help from the other guys won't you one last shot now for rivers and this is going to be caught on the final play a touchdown how about that and a two-point conversion now will send us to overtime one final shot they'll look to throw it's complete and he is in the play works and we are headed to overtime I think we just witnessed the ultimate head-scratching moment all they needed was some extra point to win the game and they don't get the two points right why did they go for the two-point conversion it is a head scratcher but I go back to when we sat down with them in our in our meeting and they just kept coming back to special teams it's just been not very good in practice this week I wonder if that ghost loomed over them and decided not to kick it there and go for two but still I think your odds are a whole lot better just snapping and putting it down and kicking yeah I'm not buying it you got to kick the extra point the Cowboys going to get the first chance here to search for a winner as we're back underway to start this overtime and no return here to begin the overtime session that'll be a Touchback Dallas offense set for this next Drive and everyone knows the OT rules Charles but pretty simple formula they go down and get a field goal we continue play but if they can find the End Zone on this possession ball game over and as meticulously as all teams plan for a game I don't doubt for a second on that offense coordinator's Play She he's got some overtime plays that he wants to run I know it sounds crazy but they plan for everything First and Ten all the way throughout the game second and seven whatever right now he's looking at that place he's saying if we get to overtime what can we break out that they haven't seen here's a good way to kick off a drive complete over the middle and they worked this well up field across the 45. oh well executed 22-yard game so they come out throwing in the extra session and get a nice hook up right away tells you a lot about what a coach feels about his team doesn't it that technical play in overtime so many people in this situation play not to lose instead of playing to win that throw there tells you exactly what they're trying to get done [Applause] a big hitter to start the drive has him up near Midfield here for First and Ten now Flags fly in and one of the Cowboys looked like he got going a little early the offense knew it they were already starting to walk back as that one is accepted a full start backs them up five first and 15. here's the option stopped immediately there no gain there as he kept it himself at second down well for there being an option play there really weren't too many options available for him were there another warranted at least he was able to get back to the line of scrimmage so they didn't lose anything but you're exactly right nowhere to go on second down Aikman Brian with a catch right side and they'll get this down to around the 47-yard line man passing yardage-wise now up over 350 in this game pretty nice performance definitely that which usually means you're putting a lot of pressure on guys trying to cover if you're a defensive back and they put over 250 yards on you you've had a long day the key to everything if you're doing it without throwing interceptions or turning the ball over for a right side here complete and he will have a Cowboys first down by about a yard it's a gain of five on third and four Charles you get into these overtime situations that's not a bad guy to dial into well when you have to have plays especially in a spot as you just described we're an OT you've got to go to the guys you can trust and you know are going to make the plays what do they say it's not the x's and the O's it's the jimmies and the Joe's they'll throw on first down with Aikman and this one complete to Winton over the middle he'll be stopped at the 35 but not before he picks up seven yards was given up but that's why you play zone defense that you can have people around the ball when it's caught and you don't give up much run after the catch second down and three Smith up the middle and maybe a little over Pursuit there as he's able to take this down to the 25-yard line give him 10 there good enough for a cowboy first down and I know you with every carry especially in overtime you're just saying if you're that ball carrier hold on to the football hold on to it protect it but not necessarily settling because you're trying to get to the end zone you're trying to end the game right here I know the defensive guy poking clawing raking trying to knock the ball free and protect their end zone yeah like you alluded to especially this part of the field [Applause] on First and Ten it's Aikman this one could play to Smith and they're going to be set up now with the ball at the 13-yard line shaping up to be a very efficient opening drive here in overtime and can you feel the tension building because I'm feeling it all right I've got the sweaty Palms here with each play because of the enormity of what's going on each play means so much in overtime and they're handling it well as this drive continues [Applause] from the third team now they work on First and Ten Zone here they'll look to throw and he's got his man in stride complete a gain of eight there on the eighth play of the drive that's always a good place to throw it just because he's one of the biggest targets not only on his team but in the National Football League and you and I both know the quarterbacks love these large body tight ends and why not nowadays they're really wide receivers who are just taller and have a little bit more weight these guys catch the football make big plays downfield in the old days who wanted them to block now coaches wanting to catch the football first two yards on the carry there and it's going to lead him to third down [Applause] so they just need one yard here to pick up the first down on Third and one it's Aikman he's got it and he is in for the score and it is absolute stunned silence here as they win it on the overtime so the game-winning touchdown came through the air in overtime four quarters wasn't enough we were treated to a really good one Berkeley Parker that we were and I just love being able to be witness to a game like this all the way through who's going to win it oh Player stats what we're getting overtime