Game story
In Week 1 of the 2005 NFL season on 2005-09-11, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 28–24 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +0.40 total EPA.
On the individual side, D. Bledsoe (Dallas Cowboys) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +24.93 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+43.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (1:30) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker to DAL 7 for 33 yards (42-A.Henry).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Bledsoe · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +24.93 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
- 2 K. McCardell · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +14.52 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.61 EPA/play
- 3 P. Crayton · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +11.32 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.89 EPA/play
- 4 K. Johnson · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.79 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.56 EPA/play
- 5 E. Parker · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +6.58 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.32 EPA/play
- 6 T. Glenn · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +3.58 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.19 EPA/play
- 7 J. Jones · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.85 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
- 8 J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.66 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.66 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Bledsoe — DAL · Passing
D. Bledsoe posted the highest total EPA (+24.93) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Dallas Cowboys's efficiency. Across 32 counted snaps, they averaged +0.78 EPA per play.
The signature play (+4.47 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (1:30) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker to DAL 7 for 33 yards (42-A.Henry).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
- Dallas Cowboys — P. Crayton (D. Bledsoe pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — K. Johnson (D. Bledsoe pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — K. McCardell (D. Brees pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — K. McCardell (D. Brees pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — J. Jones
- Dallas Cowboys — K. Johnson (D. Bledsoe pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — N. Kaeding
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q1 51:58) — (6:58) 21-L.Tomlinson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q1 51:53) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The second quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 20 (Q2 43:41) — (13:41) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 84-P.Crayton for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 43:34) — 2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 13 (Q2 39:53) — (9:53) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 19-K.Johnson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q2 39:46) — 2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DAL 20 (Q2 32:11) — (2:11) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q2 32:07) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DAL 17 (Q3 25:38) — (10:38) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q3 25:31) — 10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 5 (Q3 20:42) — (5:42) 21-J.Jones left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q3 20:41) — 2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DAL 15 (Q3 15:15) — (:15) 10-N.Kaeding 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres..
The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 7–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 2 (Q4 3:10) — (3:10) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 19-K.Johnson for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 2 (Q4 3:06) — 2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:30) — (1:30) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker to DAL 7 for 33 yards (42-A.Henry).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:30) — (:30) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass intended for 88-E.Parker INTERCEPTED by 26-A.Glenn at DAL 0. Touchback.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 32:11) — (2:11) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 3:10) — (3:10) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 19-K.Johnson for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 2:12) — (2:12) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell to DAL 36 for 17 yards (42-A.Henry).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 1:30) — (1:30) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker to DAL 7 for 33 yards (42-A.Henry).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 43:41) — (13:41) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 84-P.Crayton for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 57:06) — (12:06) 11-D.Bledsoe FUMBLES (Aborted) at LAC 40, RECOVERED by LAC-51-B.Leber at LAC 33. 51-B.Leber to LAC 33 for no gain (83-T.Glenn).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 32:11) — (2:11) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
D.Brees led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) · 38 dropbacks · 47.4% completion · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.40 total EPA
- D.Bledsoe (Dallas Cowboys) · 32 dropbacks · 56.2% completion · +0.78 EPA/play · +24.93 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.194 | +0.118 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.1% | 48.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.779 | +0.010 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.217 | +0.135 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.118 | -0.194 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.9% | 52.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.19 vs +0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Dallas Cowboys: 9 drives, +16.47 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 8 drives, +9.09 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- D. Bledsoe (Dallas Cowboys) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 51:58 · DAL 2 · Score 0-6
(6:58) 21-L.Tomlinson left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 51:53 · DAL 2 · Score 0-7
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 43:41 · LAC 20 · Score 6-7
(13:41) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 84-P.Crayton for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 43:34 · LAC 2 · Score 7-7
2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 39:53 · LAC 13 · Score 13-7
(9:53) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 19-K.Johnson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 39:46 · LAC 2 · Score 14-7
2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 32:11 · DAL 20 · Score 14-13
(2:11) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 32:07 · DAL 2 · Score 14-14
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 25:38 · DAL 17 · Score 14-20
(10:38) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 87-K.McCardell for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 25:31 · DAL 2 · Score 14-21
10-N.Kaeding extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 20:42 · LAC 5 · Score 20-21
(5:42) 21-J.Jones left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 20:41 · LAC 2 · Score 21-21
2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 15:15 · DAL 15 · Score 21-24
(:15) 10-N.Kaeding 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-5-M.Scifres. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 3:10 · LAC 2 · Score 27-24
(3:10) 11-D.Bledsoe pass to 19-K.Johnson for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 3:06 · LAC 2 · Score 28-24
2-J.Cortez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Condo, Holder-9-T.Romo.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Los Angeles Chargers 28-24 in Week 1, 2005 on 2005-09-11.
What was the final score of Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Dallas Cowboys 28, Los Angeles Chargers 24 (DAL 28-24 LAC) in Week 1, 2005 on 2005-09-11.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 0, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 14, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 7, Los Angeles Chargers 10; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 7, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Final: Dallas Cowboys 28, Los Angeles Chargers 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q1 51:58) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — P. Crayton (D. Bledsoe pass) (Q2 43:41) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — K. Johnson (D. Bledsoe pass) (Q2 39:53) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. McCardell (D. Brees pass) (Q2 32:11) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. McCardell (D. Brees pass) (Q3 25:38) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — J. Jones (Q3 20:42) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — K. Johnson (D. Bledsoe pass) (Q4 3:10) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — N. Kaeding (Q3 15:15, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers), 47.4% completion, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.40 total passing EPA. D. Bledsoe (Dallas Cowboys), 56.2% completion, +0.78 EPA per dropback, +24.93 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
D. Bledsoe (Dallas Cowboys) led the game in total EPA with +24.93 on passing plays. across 32 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+4.47 EPA): (1:30) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 88-E.Parker to DAL 7 for 33 yards (42-A.Henry).. The biggest win-probability swing was +43.0%.
Was Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Dallas Cowboys won 28-24 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Now 1-0 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Now 0-1 L
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