Early Dominance Sets the Tone
Joe Milton III established the pace immediately at State Farm Stadium, throwing for 179 yards and two touchdowns in his first two drives. The Cowboys struck first when Malik Davis caught an eight-yard pass for a touchdown, followed by a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo.
This burst of offensive production left the Cardinals scoreless for the entire first quarter, putting Dallas ahead 14-0 and setting the stage for a decisive victory.
Second-Half Pressure
The Cowboys continued to apply pressure in the second quarter. Although Chad Ryland kicked a 38-yard field goal for Arizona, Milton responded with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Ryland added another 31-yard field goal, but Brandon Aubrey answered with a 50-yard kick to extend the lead.
By the end of the half, Dallas had built a 24-6 cushion, showcasing their ability to sustain drives and convert opportunities into points.
Closing the Game
In the third quarter, the Cardinals scored their final points when Corey Kiner rushed in for a one-yard touchdown, making it 24-13. However, the Cowboys responded with a 29-yard field goal by Aubrey. The fourth quarter saw the defense step up, securing the win with a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Phil Mafah. This final score sealed the 34-13 result, highlighting the team's balanced offensive approach.
Statistic Highlights
Milton’s performance was pivotal, completing nine of 13 passes for 179 yards. On the ground, Jaydon Blue carried the ball 15 times for 75 yards, providing a consistent presence in the running game. Camden Brown also contributed significantly, catching two passes for 77 yards.
For the Cardinals, Gardner Minshew II completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards but threw one interception. Evan Hull led the rushing attack with 51 yards on 11 carries, while Simi Fehoko caught two passes for 42 yards. The Cowboys improved to 2-0, while the Cardinals fell to 1-2.
Sources
https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401874101
