Cowboys give up final 20 points to see their record drop to 2-2.
It was a case of third time’s a charm for the San Diego Chargers as they hung on for a tough 30-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys in week four of the NFL season.
In their two losses so far this year against Tennessee and the Houston, the Chargers had given up leads in the fourth quarter.
But thanks to Philip Rivers and the San Diego defence, the were able to move back to .500 as the Chargers play-caller threw for 401 yards, 56 of which came via of a crucial touchdown pass to Antonio Gates.
“I feel in sync. I have a rhythm and I’m comfortable in the pocket when we get that no-huddle going,” Rivers said.
“It’s big being 2-2 instead of 1-3. I know we’ve been there before but it’s tough to dig yourself out of 1-3, especially when you’re playing with young guys and guys you didn’t expect to be in there. They can gain confidence off games like this.”
Rivers completed 35 of 42 passes, his final TD pass, to Gates, being the 200th of his career. He threw two TD passes to running back Danny Woodhead.
After having three 400-yard games in his previous nine seasons, Rivers has two in this year’s four games. After 35 interceptions the last two seasons, he’s been picked off only twice so far while throwing 11 touchdown passes.
Dallas coach Jason Garrett paid tribute to Rivers, saying when he is in that kind of frame of mind, it’s tough for any defence in the league to slow him down.
“It was really what he did throughout the ballgame,” he said.
“He did a fantastic job. He really controlled the football and controlled the game. He did an outstanding job getting them into the right play over and over again.”
The game was also significant for the Chargers as it was the first time rookie linebacker Manti Te’o had taken to the field after a foot injury in a pre-season game on August 8.
San Diego will look to stay on a roll when they play Oakland in week five while the Cowboys will be out to hit back when they collide with the red-hot Denver Broncos offence at home.
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