COSTA MESA, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers returned home victorious after a 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team (WFT) at Fed Ex Field. Herbert now has to turn page and focus on a new opponent in the Dallas Cowboys who are coming off a tight 31-29 loss to the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Thursday night.
The Chargers are entering the game with a three game winning streak against the Cowboys. The two teams haven’t met since November 2017 at AT&T Stadium where the Chargers destroyed Dallas 28-6 behind then quarterback Philip Rivers’ incredible outing. Herbert has his work cut out for him despite the Cowboys being without four starters that include, DeMarcus Lawrence, La’el Collins, Randy Gregory and Donovan Wilson.
“They forced a lot of turnovers last week, and that’s something we have to be smart about going into this week,” Herbert said about the Cowboys defense. “We need to emphasize fundamentals and ball security. They did a good job forcing turnovers last week, and they have some athletic guys. Some of those linebackers are some of the best in the world. It’s a tough defense, but a good opportunity for us.”
With a game under his belt in his second year, Herbert is as confident yet poised as ever as the leader of this team. He was masterful in closing out the game against the WFT, and he’ll have stay on track if they want another victory against Dallas. However one defender in particular that he will be looking out for is LB Micah Parsons who can cause fits to any offense.
“He’s one of those guys that you have to block. You have to find him wherever he is on the field, and he’s been able to do plenty of good things on defense. Whether he’s lined up over tight ends or running backs, or whether he’s blitzing. He’s been all over the field making plays.”
Herbert has been able to be successful in the pocket due to a revamp offensive line that is constructed of veterans and rookies. Last Sunday the Chargers were 14-of-19 on third down conversions, and something that will have to continue on Sunday if the Bolts want to not only successfully move the chains on drives and find open receivers to score
“Having great protection is obviously one of the biggest things for us. Having a good plan, getting the ball out quickly and knowing your reads. Finding those guys open and having receivers that run great routes and get open all ties in together to get the ball out quickly.”
Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn truly has his work cut out for him knowing Herbert can beat you on the inside or outside especially when if he decides to go off script.
“When you have a player who can do that, it’s almost like defending two plays,” Quinn said. “Outside the pocket, this is a player that can really create on the move, much like Dak when he gets outside.”
Herbert threw for 337 yards for a touchdown and one interception last week against Washington, after a successful 75-yard opening drive that lead to a Austin Ekeler five yard touchdown run.
Ironically Sunday’s game is the one year anniversary of Herbert starting his first regular season game, in true form he is focused on one thing….winning the game against the Cowboys.
“I haven’t spent too much time looking back on that. I think we’re always looking forward. We have a great opportunity against the Cowboys on Sunday and we’re doing everything we can to prepare to give ourselves a shot on Sunday.”
The Chargers host the Cowboys on Sunday at 1:25 PM at SoFi Stadium.
*Los Angeles can start the season 2-0 after a Cowboys win for the first time since 2012.
