Early Deficit Defines Game
The Arizona Cardinals entered Sunday’s contest at State Farm Stadium looking to build on their home-field advantage, but they found themselves in an immediate hole against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. The visitors struck first in the opening period, capitalizing on defensive lapses to seize control of the tempo.
Joe Milton III orchestrated the early offense with precision, connecting with Malik Davis on an 8-yard touchdown pass to put Dallas up 7-0. The scoring drive continued later in the quarter when Milton found Jonathan Mingo for a decisive 53-yard strike, extending the lead to 14-0 before Arizona could respond.
Second Half Struggles Continue
Arizona’s offense managed its first points late in the second quarter when Chad Ryland drilled a 38-yard field goal, making the score 14-3. However, the Cowboys’ defense tightened significantly after that. Joe Milton III added to Dallas’s lead on the ground with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the margin to 21-3.
The Cardinals would chip away at the deficit before halftime with another Ryland field goal from 31 yards out, but Brandon Aubrey sealed the first half for Dallas with a 50-yard boot, ending the period at 24-6.
The third quarter saw Arizona finally break through offensively. Corey Kiner powered in from 1 yard out to make it 24-13, giving the home crowd a brief moment of hope. Yet, the Cowboys’ kicking game remained reliable as Aubrey added a 29-yard field goal to keep the pressure on.
The Cardinals could not generate any further momentum, and Dallas closed the door in the fourth quarter. Phil Mafah punched it in from 15 yards out, securing the 34-13 final margin.
