The Dallas Cowboys found themselves in a pivotal moment against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Facing a fourth-and-one at the Chargers’ 18-yard line in a game where they were trailing 7-0, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy made a bold call, opting to keep the offense on the field.
Quarterback Dak Prescott executed a convincing fake handoff to running back Tony Pollard, causing Chargers rookie edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu to bite on the play.
Prescott capitalized on this misstep, tucking the ball and running into the end zone untouched to tie the game.
DAK KEEPS IT ON 4TH DOWN FOR THE TD
— ESPN (@espn) October 17, 2023#DALvsLAC pic.twitter.com/pis2CoWicg
This decision was a response to the Cowboys’ earlier three-and-out on their first drive, followed by the Chargers scoring a touchdown.
Prescott initiated the Cowboys’ second possession with two completions, amassing 34 yards through the air and contributing 63 yards overall.
After a challenging performance the previous week against the San Francisco 49ers, where Prescott completed just 14 of 24 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown, and threw three interceptions, his strong start against the Chargers was a much-needed return to form.
Prescott’s ability to make crucial plays like this fourth-down conversion will be essential to silence his critics and give the Dallas Cowboys a shot at victory in their “Monday Night Football” matchup.