A Deficit That Never Closed
The Arizona Cardinals entered Sunday at State Farm Stadium hoping to build momentum, but a lackluster offensive showing and defensive lapses resulted in a 34-13 defeat against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. The loss drops the home team to a 1-2 record for the season, while Dallas improves to an undefeated 2-0.
From the opening whistle, the Cardinals struggled to generate any sustained rhythm. The defense was unable to contain Dallas quarterback Joe Milton III, who orchestrated a rapid first-half explosion that Arizona simply could not answer.
First-Half Surge Defines Outcome
Dallas struck first and frequently in the initial period. Milton III connected with Malik Davis on an 8-yard touchdown pass early in the game, giving the Cowboys a 7-0 lead. The scoring continued shortly after when Milton found Jonathan Mingo for a massive 53-yard touchdown reception, extending the advantage to 14-0 before Arizona could respond.
The Cardinals’ offense managed its first points in the second quarter via kicker Chad Ryland, who drilled a 38-yard field goal to make it 14-3. However, Dallas immediately reasserted control. Milton III capped his rushing performance with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by another Brandon Aubrey field goal that pushed the lead to 24-6 at halftime.
Arizona added to its deficit late in the second quarter when Ryland kicked a 31-yard field goal, making the score 21-6 before Aubrey’s own 50-yarder extended the Cowboys' dominance. The half ended with Dallas firmly in command, having outscored Arizona 24-6.
