Game story
In Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-09-19, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 20–17 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with +1.72 total EPA, and +7.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Williams (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.86 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+31.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Dallas Cowboys changed the game: (:04) 2-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 14 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 20 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 3 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +7.86 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 2 T. Pollard · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +6.28 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 3 T. Pollard · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.22 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 4 D. Schultz · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.02 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play
- 5 J. Palmer · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.87 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
- 6 J. Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +1.72 total EPA · 51 snaps · +0.03 EPA/play
- 7 B. Jarwin · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.61 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 8 J. Herbert · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +1.60 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Williams — LAC · Receiving
M. Williams posted the highest total EPA (+7.86) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.79 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.75 EPA) came from Dallas Cowboys: (6:09) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right intended for 88-C.Lamb INTERCEPTED by 26-A.Samuel at LAC 29. 26-A.Samuel ran ob at DAL 45 for 26 yards (4-D.Prescott).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Dallas Cowboys — T. Pollard
- Dallas Cowboys — E. Elliott
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — T. Vizcaino
- Los Angeles Chargers — T. Vizcaino
- Dallas Cowboys — G. Zuerlein
- Los Angeles Chargers — T. Vizcaino
- Dallas Cowboys — G. Zuerlein
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–3. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 4 (Q1 53:14) — (8:14) 20-T.Pollard right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 53:09) — 2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DAL 28 (Q1 48:37) — (3:37) 16-T.Vizcaino 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the LAC 5 (Q1 45:21) — (:21) 21-E.Elliott right tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the LAC 15 (Q1 45:17) — 2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 8–0. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the DAL 12 (Q2 39:55) — (9:55) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 81-M.Williams for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers registered a safety from the DAL 2 (Q2 39:49) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 30-A.Ekeler rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DAL 14 (Q3 24:27) — (9:27) 16-T.Vizcaino 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long..
The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 6–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LAC 16 (Q4 10:30) — (10:30) 2-G.Zuerlein 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the DAL 11 (Q4 3:58) — (3:58) 16-T.Vizcaino 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the LAC 38 (Q4 0:04) — (:04) 2-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:04) — (:04) 2-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 27:32) — (12:32) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right to 13-K.Allen ran ob at DAL 26 for 42 yards.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 6:17) — (6:17) 79-T.Pipkins reported in as eligible. 10-J.Herbert pass deep left to 13-K.Allen pushed ob at DAL 2 for 30 yards (7-T.Diggs).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:07) — (:07) 16-T.Vizcaino 44 yard field goal is No Good, Hit Left Upright, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long. PENALTY on LAC-79-T.Pipkins, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at DAL 34.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 5:35) — (5:35) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert sacked at DAL 25 for -18 yards (11-M.Parsons).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 51:09) — (6:09) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right intended for 88-C.Lamb INTERCEPTED by 26-A.Samuel at LAC 29. 26-A.Samuel ran ob at DAL 45 for 26 yards (4-D.Prescott).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 15:10) — (:10) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 18-D.Kazee [97-O.Odighizuwa] at DAL -2. Touchback.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 52:06) — (7:06) 10-J.Herbert pass short left intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 7-T.Diggs at DAL 20. 7-T.Diggs to DAL 20 for no gain (13-K.Allen).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 27:32) — (12:32) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass deep right to 13-K.Allen ran ob at DAL 26 for 42 yards.
Quarterback report card
J.Herbert led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) · 51 dropbacks · 60.8% completion · +7.4% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.72 total EPA
- D.Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 31 dropbacks · 74.2% completion · +13.0% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.43 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.088 | +0.023 |
| Offensive success rate | 54.7% | 44.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.014 | +0.034 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.253 | +0.004 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.023 | -0.088 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.0% | 45.3% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs +0.02), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Dallas Cowboys: 8 drives, +6.62 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 8 drives, +1.93 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.
- M. Williams (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Herbert (LAC) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- D. Prescott (DAL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 53:14 · LAC 4 · Score 6-0
(8:14) 20-T.Pollard right end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 53:09 · LAC 15 · Score 7-0
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q1 48:37 · DAL 28 · Score 7-3
(3:37) 16-T.Vizcaino 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 45:21 · LAC 5 · Score 13-3
(:21) 21-E.Elliott right tackle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 45:17 · LAC 15 · Score 14-3
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 39:55 · DAL 12 · Score 14-9
(9:55) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 81-M.Williams for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers Safety (+2) — Q2 39:49 · DAL 2 · Score 14-11
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 30-A.Ekeler rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 24:27 · DAL 14 · Score 14-14
(9:27) 16-T.Vizcaino 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 10:30 · LAC 16 · Score 17-14
(10:30) 2-G.Zuerlein 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q4 3:58 · DAL 11 · Score 17-17
(3:58) 16-T.Vizcaino 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Overton, Holder-1-T.Long. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 0:04 · LAC 38 · Score 20-17
(:04) 2-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 in Week 2, 2021 on 2021-09-19.
What was the final score of Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Dallas Cowboys 20, Los Angeles Chargers 17 (DAL 20-17 LAC) in Week 2, 2021 on 2021-09-19.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 14, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 0, Los Angeles Chargers 8; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 6, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Final: Dallas Cowboys 20, Los Angeles Chargers 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Dallas Cowboys touchdown — T. Pollard (Q1 53:14) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — E. Elliott (Q1 45:21) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — M. Williams (J. Herbert pass) (Q2 39:55) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q1 48:37, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q3 24:27, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q4 10:30, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — T. Vizcaino (Q4 3:58, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q4 0:04, 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?
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 60.8% completion, +7.4% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.72 total passing EPA. D. Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), 74.2% completion, +13.0% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.43 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers?
M. Williams (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +7.86 on receiving plays. across 10 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.75 EPA): (6:09) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right intended for 88-C.Lamb INTERCEPTED by 26-A.Samuel at LAC 29. 26-A.Samuel ran ob at DAL 45 for 26 yards (4-D.Prescott).. The biggest win-probability swing was +31.4%.
Was Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Dallas Cowboys won 20-17 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L
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