Chargers vs. Cowboys takeaways: Tony Jefferson puts on a show

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The Chargers made big strides on offense Saturday over their previous preseason games, securing coach Jim Harbaugh his first victory with the team in a 26-19 win over the Cowboys in Dallas.

With the preseason over, the Chargers will shift their focus to their season opener against the division rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 8.

“I just wanted to see guys clear their minds, cleanse their souls,” Harbaugh said. “Playing free, playing fast, just putting their best foot forward. ... I thought it was that way on both sides of the ball. It was good football.”

Here are some key takeaways from the Chargers’ win over the Cowboys:

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Big-play offense

Chargers wide receiver Simi Fehoko works out before a game against the Packers in November.

After failing to score a touchdown in their first two preseason games, the Chargers utilized big plays against the Cowboys to finally break through.

The Chargers’ first touchdown came on a 70-yard end-around by wide receiver Derius Davis after a fake handoff.

“I just want to be a spark for this offense and get the momentum rolling,” Davis said. “Going out there first play and just do that was a great experience.”

Davis, the team’s primary returner, is trying to carve out a role in the offense. He made the Cowboys defense look lost on the scoring run, showcasing his speed.

“I didn’t think he was going to be able to make the turn, but he did,” Harbaugh said. “He did an incredible job working the sideline. Seeing his speed was great as well.”

Two possessions later, Easton Stick hit wide receiver Simi Fehoko with a perfectly thrown deep ball on a 78-yard touchdown reception.

Fehoko’s play also impressed his quarterback.

“The ability to not only catch it but also to score — it was really an incredible play by him,” Stick said. “He’s been doing that all camp.”

Fighting for a spot at the bottom of the receiver depth chart, Fehoko made a strong argument for staying on the 53-man roster. He has shined throughout the preseason, leading the team with seven receptions and 170 receiving yards.

Stick, battling Luis Perez to back up quarterback Justin Herbert, started the entire game. Stick improved on his other preseason outings, completing 12 of 29 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 17 yards.

“Reps are invaluable,” Stick said. “It’s a new experience [going against] a different style of defense than we have seen in practice over the last couple of weeks. It was a lot of fun to get a win.”

Still, there were moments of inconsistency. Stick made some errant throws and was picked off at the start of the third quarter.

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Have a game, old man Jefferson

Chargers safety Tony Jefferson celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half against the Cowboys.

Tony Jefferson, the once-retired NFL veteran turned scout, came out of retirement to battle for a safety spot on the Chargers’ roster. In a standout performance against the Cowboys, Jefferson made a compelling case to be on the roster.

Jefferson, 32, accounted for three Dallas turnovers, forcing a fumble recovered by Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste and intercepting Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance twice — with one at the goal line. Additionally, he led the team with 14 total tackles and added a sack on an outside blitz.

“Tony Jefferson had one of those great games,” Harbaugh said. “I’ve always believed this and told the guys — you can create some incredible memories in a preseason game.”

After signing with the Chargers, Jefferson said he was approaching the preseason as if he were an undrafted rookie fighting to secure a roster spot.

“Preseason games are opportunities to showcase what you have,” Jefferson said. “The starters are already dialed in and making the team. It’s my opportunity to go in and show what I have. I had some snaps, so I wanted to make the best of that.”

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Defense continues to show progress

Chargers cornerback Robert Kennedy, left, celebrates with cornerback Matt Hankins.

After several seasons of struggles, the revamped Chargers defense is aiming for significant improvement this season.

Despite missing key players such as Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr., the defense demonstrated its potential by picking off Lance five times and recovering a forced fumble. They also made several stands at the goal line, which included a game-ending interception by cornerback Robert Kennedy with no time left.

“Guys were balling,” Harbaugh said. “I thought statements were made in the safety room. It was great to see.”

The performance wasn’t without flaws. The Chargers allowed 558 total yards, with 246 coming on the ground. More concerning was the 133 yards they gave up on six of 41 Dallas rushing plays. The Chargers gave up an average of 176 rushing yards during the preseason.

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Backup linebacker battle heats up

Chargers linebacker Tre'Mon Morris-Brash returns an interception for a touchdown against the Cowboys.

Tre’Mon Morris-Brash has garnered praise from teammates and coaches for his standout performances in training camp. He capped his preseason efforts with a pick-six against the Cowboys, tipping the ball to himself and returning it 25 yards, running over Lance along the way.

“Trey Lance threw the ball, and it happened to be right in my vicinity, so I just put my hand up, caught it, and then I just had to go,” Morris-Brash said. “I’m just blessed to have that happen to me.”

Morris-Brash also recorded two tackles.

Shane Lee and Chris Collins each added five tackles, with Collins securing a sack. Rookie Junior Colson made his highly anticipated debut, contributing five tackles.

“It felt great. They got me out there and got my feet wet,” Colson said about his debut. “It was my first NFL game, and I think it went really well.”

With all four battling for backup roles on the roster, it’ll be interesting to see who makes the 53-man cut.

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Etc.

Chargers legend Dan Fouts provided an update on Herbert’s right foot injury during the game broadcast: “He told me last night that his right foot has healed completely and is no longer an issue.” ... Cameron Dicker continued to look in mid-season form, connecting on field goal attempts of 21 and 48 yards, making it a perfect preseason with six successful kicks … Rookie tackle Tyler McLellan was carted off after sustaining a leg injury.