Chargers Hoping To Play Four Full Quarters Against Cowboys
By Dave Thomas
Is this the weekend that the San Diego Chargers put together a full four quarters of play against the Dallas Cowboys?
After dropping a 20-17 heartbreaker in Nashville this past weekend, the Chargers hope to play a full 60 minutes when they host the NFC East leading Cowboys. Dallas comes into the contest having rolled to an easy 31-7 victory at home last Sunday against St. Louis. Prior to that, the Cowboys dropped a 17-16 decision in Kansas City, this after topping the rival New York Giants in the season opener.
One of the biggest challenges for the Bolts these last few seasons has been being able to finish games.
In their three games to date this season, the Bolts have won one game by a field goal, while losing a pair of contests by three points each. Last Sunday's loss to Tennessee was especially disappointing, this given that the Titans scored on a Jake Locker to Justin Hunter 34-yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds remaining.
Dallas Offers San Diego Tough Test
Sunday's game with Dallas gives the Chargers a chance to beat a potential playoff team, as Dallas leads the NFC East by a game over Philadelphia (1-2), and two games over both Washington and the New York Giants (0-3).
If the Chargers are to top the Cowboys, they will have to deal with a number of offensive weapons, among which include quarterback Tony Romo, running back DeMarco Murray, and wide receivers/tight end Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.
For San Diego, the Bolts enter Sunday's tilt with the Cowboys facing a few question marks when it comes to injuries.
Heading into Friday's practice session, the Chargers were dealing with a number of players who were unable to practice this week to date. They include guard/tackle Jeromey Clary, tackle King Dunlap, starting wide receiver Malcom Floyd, guard Chad Rinehart and corner back Shareece Wright.
Getting Floyd back (suffered neck injury in the win over Philadelphia) would give starting QB Philip Rivers another weapon to throw to, something especially important given the fact that San Diego's running game has been less than stellar after three games. Not having Clary and Dunlap available would put more pressure on San Diego's offensive attack, something that could spell trouble for the Chargers, who enter as a two-point underdog for Sunday's game.
After hosting Dallas, the Chargers meet up with rival Oakland on Sunday, Oct. 6, then return home for their second and final Monday night game of the season, an Oct. 14 date with the Indianapolis Colts.
Chargers injury Report
Did not participate in practice
- Jeromey Clary (clavicle)
- King Dunlap (concussion)
- Malcom Floyd (neck)
- Chad Rinehart (toe)
- Shareece Wright (hamstring)
Full participation
- Donald Butler (groin)
- DJ Fluker (concussion)
- Dwight Freeney (not injury related)
- Nick Hardwick (shin)
- Mantio Te'o (foot)
For more Chargers news and updates, visit Chargers Central.
Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
