Chargers 2023 schedule: Cowboys and the 5 toughest matchups for the Bolts
By Sean Basile
Before we see the big reveal of the LA Chargers' 2023 regular season schedule, I thought it'd be fun to run through what appears to be the five toughest matchups for the Bolts as we sit here in late April.
We know the matchups. We just don't know the order in which the games will come at us in 2023. Be sure to stay tuned on Bolt Beat for game-by-game outcome predictions once the schedule does officially drop.
For now, we can just look ahead at the toughest matchups in 2023 without knowing when they will be.
5 toughest matchups on the Chargers 2023 schedule:
5) Home vs. the Cowboys
This is the hotly anticipated Kellen Moore versus his old team matchup. Moore led the Cowboys to top 3 offenses in each of the past 2 seasons, including the number 1 offense in 2021. Now, he'll get to face that Dallas defense he had to go against in practice the last several years.
I view the Cowboys as having taken a step back in losing Moore, but that doesn't mean this will be an easy game for the Chargers. Let's be honest, no game will be easy for this team that loves to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and outplay themselves.
The Chargers have beaten the Cowboys in three of the last four matchups, but they're also 5-7 all-time against Dallas and a much more concerning 2-5 when hosting the 'Boys as opposed to taking the trip to Texas where they're 3-2.
Justin Herbert is also 0-1 vs. the Cowboys with one touchdown to two interceptions and a passer rating of 87.2, though that game was two years ago and Justin is levels better than he was in 2021.
I think this is going to be a sneaky game for the Bolts, especially if it's earlier in the season like Justin's first matchup with Dallas was.
The Cowboys are down their offensive coordinator and stuck with Dak Prescott who turned into a pick machine last season, but this Dallas team can still run the ball, play defense, and rush the passer most of all.
Hey, maybe the Chargers are a much better team. Maybe Kellen Moore elevates LA to unseen levels on the offensive side, so much so that the team completely runs through this Cowboys team. But my gut feeling is that if the Bolts draw these guys early on in the season, we're going to be in for a battle.