The Dallas Cowboys vs. the Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals took to the Monday Night national stage against “America’s Team”, the Dallas Cowboys, losing 28-17 at University of Phoenix Stadium. The loss dropped the Cards to 1-2 on the season as they continue to search for answers for their offense.
The Cards had opportunities to control the game but couldn’t avoid costly mistakes. Most notably, committing a penalty at the start of the second quarter that negated a touchdown and eventually led to a missed 36-yard field goal by Phil Dawson.
More of the Same
Arizona’s offensive line struggled for a third consecutive week, limiting their offense to 49 rushing and forcing Carson Palmer to get hit time and time again. The Cowboys amassed 6 sacks on the night along with 10 hits on Palmer and 9 tackles for a loss. Let’s hope we start seeing some healthy linemen return very soon.
Offense
As mentioned, the Cardinals offense will go as far as the offensive line will take them. The absence of David Johnson continues to be felt as Andre Ellington led the Red Birds with 22 yards on five carries. Carson Palmer looked much better tonight not forcing throws into coverage but he can only do so much for the air attack when he’s scrambling for his life. Palmer finished the game 29 for 48 with 325 yards passing and two touchdowns through the air. Larry Fitzgerald was the sole true highlight for the Cards offense, putting up 13 receptions for 149 yards in spectacular fashion, including the catch of the week in the NFL. Fitzgerald continues to make people think he can maintain this high level of play for several more years.
Defense
The Arizona defense did all it could to contain the talented Cowboy attack, holding them to just 7 points in the first half. The defense limited the talented Dak Prescott to just 183 yards passing and 16 on the ground but Dak did find pay dirt with two touchdown passes and another rushing. Dallas’ star running back, Ezekiel Elliot was held to just 80 yards rushing and most of those came late in the game, including his touchdown with 4:57 left in the game. Safety Tyvon Branch led all Cardinals with 12 tackles and linebacker Chandler Jones took down the Cards’ sole sack of the night. In the end, the defense found itself working with a short field all too often and needed the offense to capitalize on their opportunities.
Injuries
It appears lineman Alex Boone may have suffered an injury that will keep him out a lengthy period of time. The hits keep coming to that offensive line. Oof.
Up Next
The Cardinals return to the nest, this Sunday as they host divisional foe, the San Francisco 49ers at 1pm.
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