'Complementary' Win For Dallas Cowboys Comes at Ideal Time Entering Bye Week

The Dallas Cowboys claimed a 20-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, and the timing couldn't have been better as they enter a bye week.

It wasn't a pristine performance, but one could argue that the Dallas Cowboys needed a win like the one they gained on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Up to that point, all three of Dallas' wins had come in dominating fashion. Its defense had stifled three opponents, making it almost unnecessary for the offense to make plays to win a game. On Monday, the defense once again shined, but it didn't force any points off of turnovers, leaving the ball in the court of quarterback Dak Prescott and company to do enough to win a football game on the road.

The offense answered the bell, and even though it wasn't perfect, head coach Mike McCarthy recognized as much following the game.

"I think it's part of the definition of a complementary football team," McCarthy said. "The offense picks up for the defense, the defense picks up for the offense. There are plays that need to be made, especially down the stretch. It was a bumpy game out there. Just keep fighting, and I thought our men did a really good job out there."

Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / © Kirby Lee, USA TODAY

What made the game "bumpy" for Dallas wasn't turnovers, but it boiled down to penalties--11 of them for 85 yards on the night. Both teams combined for 20 penalties in the game, and even in a win, that leaves somewhat of a sour taste in the Cowboys' mouth entering a bye week.

"Continuity and consistency are at the forefront of everything we've been focused on," McCarthy said. "Pre-snap penalties are a reoccurring issue on the road. All four road games, they've been a problem. We have to resolve that."

After a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers the week prior, the Cowboys did, however, manage to get off the mat and pull out a difficult road win. For now, that's enough, but McCarthy is right: there is much work to be done for the 'Boys in Arlington.