San Diego, CA (Sports Network) – Dallas’ Tony Romo and San Diego’s Philip Rivers were each picked off during their first offensive series and the Cowboys earned a sloppy 16-14 preseason win over the Chargers thanks to a late safety.
The Cowboys, who were penalized 10 times for 65 yards, broke a tie with just under four minutes left. Victor Butler stripped the ball from Chargers quarterback Jonathan Crompton. The ball rolled into the end zone, where Chargers lineman Ryan Otterson covered it for a safety.
San Diego had one last chance, but the Cowboys stuffed Marcus Mason on a run up the middle, leaving the ball at the Chargers 39. Dallas ran out the final 1:53 on the clock.
Romo completed 4-of-11 passes for 30 yards, including a nine-yard scoring connection to Miles Austin late in the second quarter. He was intercepted by Eric Weddle in the opening period.
Jon Kitna went 9-of-15 for 84 yards, including a 19-yard scoring pass to tight end Martellus Bennett in the fourth for Dallas.
Rivers ended 11-of-15 for 125 yards and scored on a one-yard run in the final minute of the first quarter. But he was intercepted by Terence Newman to thwart San Diego’s game-opening drive. Rivers led his team to the Dallas 19 before Newman stepped in and picked off Rivers at the seven. Darren Sproles fumbled the ball away at the Dallas eight in the final three minutes of the first half.
Rookie Barry Church rumbled 80 yards with the fumble recovery before being tackled by Rivers. That set up Romo’s TD toss to Austin.
Mason scored on a four-yard run in the third quarter.