Cowboys Preseason Week 3: Big Plays and Miscues Hinder First Half Against Chargers

Trey Lance and the Dallas Cowboys had a slow start in the first half of Saturday's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, taking a 20-10 deficit into the locker room.

Lance started hot, completing his first six passes to five different receivers. Dallas marched to the Chargers' five, but a muffed handoff stalled the drive and they settled for a field goal.

But the defense started a few paces behind its counterpart. On the Chargers' first play from scrimmage, the Cowboys struggled in contain Darius Davis zipped around the edge for a 70-yard touchdown.

The Cowboys would regroup the remainder of the quarter, conceding only 12 yards the remainder of the quarter.

However, another explosive play burned the defense to start the second quarter. Easton Stick found former Cowboy Simi Fehoko for a 78-yard touchdown, giving the Chargers a 14-3 lead.

After the extensive opening possession, the Cowboys' offense had simmered with two straight punts. On the first drive of the second quarter, Dallas kept the ball mostly on the ground to get near midfield before Lance lofted a pass intercepted by Chargers' defensive back Tony Jefferson.

Los Angeles stormed down the field, getting inside the Dallas five. But a stonewall stand by the Cowboys held the visitors to a field goal.

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A ground-focused attack put Dallas in position to score as the second quarter ticked away. Lance kept the drive going with a pair of slipper third down scrambles before Deuce Vaughn broke free on an 18-yard carry.

Lance then found Ryan Flournoy for an 11-yard touchdown, bringing the Cowboys back within a score. A quick stop by the Dallas defense positioned the starters for another drive.

However, a John Stephens fumble negated that opportunity and the Chargers would tag on another field foal to end the half.