Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Leighton Vander Esch TD leads to unexpected two-point conversion

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/1/23

Since red-zone troubles continue to perturb the Cowboys, Dallas is finding other ways to score.

With 11:09 in the second quarter, Dallas linebacker Leighton Vander Esch recovered a fumble, rumbling in for an 11-yard TD. Afterward, the Cowboys faked the extra-point attempt when punter Bryan Anger tossed a short pass to defensive end Chauncey Golston for a two-point conversion, helping them race to a 28-3 first-half lead over the Patriots.

Leighton Vander Esch picks up the loose ball and scores!

: #NEvsDAL on FOX⁰: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/tak5vVAE8f
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023

Fake extra-point, DL Chauncey Golston TD catch from punter Bryan Anger

Cowboys 18, Patriots 3 pic.twitter.com/n3IBQt75Df
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 1, 2023

Per ESPN's Todd Archer, it was the first successful fake for a two-point conversion since extra-point attempts were moved to the 15-yard line in 2015.

Although the Cowboys are 2-1, their lousy red zone offense is a concern. Through four games, they've converted 6-of-16 attempts (37.5%).

Since Dallas has yet to solve the issue, it must make more big plays. Nevertheless, the Cowboys can rely on their defense and special teams. The team led the NFL in takeaways in 2021 and 2022. This season, Dallas has forced nine turnovers.

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