It wasn't the prettiest of games, but when push came to shove, the Dallas Cowboys made plays in the fourth quarter when the Los Angeles Chargers just couldn't.
Specifically, two defensive stars for the Cowboys — pass-rusher Micah Parsons and cornerback Stephon Gilmore — stepped up their efforts and won "Monday Night Football" for the Cowboys with two back-to-back stellar plays.
Up 20-17 but with the Chargers holding the ball and starting to drive, Parsons beautifully split a double-team and sacked L.A. quarterback Justin Herbert on second-and-2. It was Parsons' first sack of the night as well as Dallas' first, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Micah Parsons breaks through!
— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2023
: #DALvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
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The Chargers had no timeouts and the sack forced a third-and-10 with the clock ticking away.
Dallas once again got good pressure on Herbert, and the veteran cornerback — Gilmore — sealed the deal for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys improved their record to 4-2 with the win and play the Los Angeles Rams at home next. The Chargers fell to 2-3 and will play against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium next weekend.
Without a doubt, those two plays could end up being a turning point for both teams.
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