Cowboys Force Six Turnovers in a 17-9 Victory Over Bears

IRVING, Tex. — The Dallas Cowboys’ defense forced six turnovers, including Manny Hendrix’s 34-yard interception return for a touchdown with 39 seconds to play, as the Cowboys beat the Chicago Bears, 17-9, Monday night in a National Football League exhibition game.

The Cowboys (2-1) recovered four fumbles and intercepted two passes on the 100-degree evening before 47,796 fans and a national television audience.

Linebacker Garth Jax’s recovery of Calvin Thomas’ fumble at the Dallas 5-yard line in the third quarter ended a Chicago drive.

Victor Scott then set up Luis Zendejas’ 47-yard field goal by intercepting Mike Tomczak’s pass at the Dallas 34.

Then came Hendrix’s game-clinching interception of Jim Harbaugh’s pass as the Bears (1-2) tried to rally.

Chicago led, 9-7, at halftime despite Herschel Walker’s 54-yard touchdown run for the Cowboys.

Two plays after Walker’s run gave Dallas a 7-0 lead in the second period, Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon hooked up with Thomas Sanders on an 86-yard touchdown pass. The extra point try failed after a bad snap from center.

Kevin Butler’s 29-yard field goal with 13 seconds left put the Bears ahead at halftime.

Dallas starting quarterback Steve Pelluer left with a slight concussion in the second period after hitting 2 of 9 passes for 20 yards. He was injured on a tackle by Chicago linebacker Dante Jones on the play before Walker’s touchdown run.

McMahon played only the first half and completed 12 of 21 passes for 209 yards.

Walker had 7 carries for 75 yards in only two quarters.