Chargers corral Cowboys with impressive win, improve to 11-4

The Los Angeles Chargers delivered an impressive 34-17 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington

Final Score

Chargers 34 — Cowboys 17
Los Angeles moves to 11-4 on the season, while Dallas falls to 6-8-1.

Game Flow & Key Moments

1st Half — Back-and-Forth Start

• The Cowboys jumped out first when Dak Prescott hit George Pickens for a long touchdown early in the game.
• The Chargers responded sharply: Justin Herbert found Quentin Johnston for a 23-yard touchdown to tie it at 7-7.
• Ladd McConkey added a 25-yard Herbert touchdown pass to give LA the lead before Dallas answered again.
• Just before halftime, Herbert rushed in a 1-yard score to put the Chargers up 21-17 at the break after efficiently moving the offense.

Second Half – Chargers Take Control

• In the second half, the Bolts shut out Dallas, holding the Cowboys scoreless while pulling away.
• The Bolts’ defense tightened up, and Cameron Dicker added two field goals in the second half to extend the lead.
• Rookie RB Omarion Hampton capped the scoring with a late 5-yard touchdown run with under five minutes to play.

Standout Performances

Justin Herbert

• 300 passing yards
• 2 passing touchdowns
• 1 rushing touchdown
• Efficient: completed 23 of 29 passes in the win.

Quentin Johnston

• 4 catches, 104 yards
• 1 receiving touchdown
  A big day for LA’s top playmaker.

Omarion Hampton

• 85 rushing yards
• 1 touchdown on the ground
  Helped balance the Chargers’ offensive attack.

This TD gives Quentin Johnston a team-high eight touchdowns.

He’s the first Charger to have at least 8 TDs in back-to-back seasons since Antonio Gates pic.twitter.com/3yntt9QeO9

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 21, 2025

Cowboys’ “Highlights”

• Dak Prescott threw 2 touchdown passes but didn’t have any answers in the second half.
• George Pickens topped over 100 receiving yards again with 130 yards and a score.
• CeeDee Lamb reached a milestone with his fifth straight 1,000-yard receiving season.

Turning Point

The game was competitive through halftime, but the Chargers dominated the final two quarters, outscoring Dallas while holding them scoreless from the third quarter on. Efficient rushing (about 152 total yards) and time of possession helped tilt the game in LA’s favor.

What It Means

For the Chargers

Seventh win in eight games
Closer to clinching a playoff spot — LA can clinch with help (Raiders or Colts losing) later this weekend.
Strong momentum heading into Week 17.

For the Cowboys

Eliminated from playoff contention before the game
Third straight loss, finishing another tough season.

"I love going to work with them, I can't wait to get to the next game playing with these boys." @Chargers S @DerwinJames joined @Kristina_Pink after a convincing win over the Cowboys today! pic.twitter.com/x86QwbSBVg

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 21, 2025

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Los Angeles Chargers 34 — Dallas Cowboys 17

1st Quarter – Fast Start, Early Punches

Score: Tied 7–7

Cowboys strike first

• Dallas opened aggressively, spreading the field.
• Dak Prescott hit George Pickens on a deep strike that set up an early touchdown.
• Cowboys lead 7–0, energizing the home crowd.

Chargers respond immediately

• Justin Herbert stayed calm, dissecting Dallas’ zone coverage.
• Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston for a 23-yard touchdown.
• Game tied 7–7, signaling this wouldn’t be a slow Chargers start.

2nd Quarter – Chargers Take Control Before Half

Score at Halftime: Chargers 21–17

Chargers grab the lead

• Herbert found Ladd McConkey for a 25-yard touchdown on a perfectly placed throw.
• Chargers up 14–7.

Cowboys counter

• Prescott answered with another scoring drive, keeping Dallas within striking distance.
• Cowboys retake momentum briefly, pulling within 14–10, then later 17–14.

Critical moment before halftime

• With under two minutes left, Herbert engineered a clock-controlling drive.
• Facing goal-to-go, Herbert kept it himself on a 1-yard QB sneak. (pushed in)
• Chargers head to the locker room up 21–17.

3rd Quarter – Defensive Domination Begins

Score After 3rd: Chargers 24–17

Chargers defense flips the game

• LA made key halftime adjustments:
  • More pressure with front four
  • Tighter coverage on the outside
• Cowboys went three-and-out twice to open the half.

Points on the board

• Cameron Dicker drilled a field goal to extend the lead to 24–17.

Momentum swing

• From this point forward, Dallas never crossed midfield with rhythm.
• Chargers controlled time of possession and field position.

4th Quarter – Chargers Close the Door

Final Score: Chargers 34–17

Field position + discipline

• Another long Chargers drive ended in a second Dicker field goal, pushing the lead to 27–17.
• Cowboys pressed, leading to sacks and stalled drives.

Game-sealing touchdown

• Late in the quarter, rookie RB Omarion Hampton finished off a physical drive with a 5-yard touchdown run.
• Score jumps to 34–17, effectively ending the contest.

Final defensive stand

• Chargers forced one last empty Cowboys possession.
• Clock management was flawless from there.

Key Turning Points

1. Herbert’s TD before halftime – flipped momentum permanently.
2. Second-half shutout – Chargers defense allowed 0 points after halftime.
3. Time of possession edge – ball control wore down Dallas defense.

Big Picture

• Chargers outscored Dallas 13–0 in the second half
• Herbert combined efficiency with leadership
• Defense tightened coverage and won up front
• Chargers looked playoff-ready, disciplined, and balanced
• Bolt Up!

This is the first time this season Justin Herbert has had multiple 20+ yard TD passes in a game. He had only 4 combined coming into today.pic.twitter.com/HX8119N2eR

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 21, 2025