A Decisive First Half Sets the Tone
The Dallas Cowboys established control early on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, leveraging a balanced offensive attack to secure a 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The win improves Dallas’s record to 2-0, while Arizona falls to 1-2.
The decisive factor was the performance of quarterback Joe Milton III. He orchestrated the Cowboys' opening drive with precision, connecting with Malik Davis on an eight-yard touchdown pass to give Dallas a 7-0 lead. The momentum continued as Milton found wide receiver Jonathan Mingo deep for a 53-yard score, extending the advantage to 14-0 before the first quarter concluded.
Milton’s ground game also proved effective. He capped the Cowboys' half with a one-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the score to 21-3. Brandon Aubrey added three points via a 50-yard field goal as the half ended, leaving the visitors with a commanding 24-6 lead heading into the locker room.
Cardinals Struggle to Find Rhythm
Arizona’s offense managed only two scores throughout the contest. Kicker Chad Ryland provided the first spark with a 38-yard field goal in the second quarter, making it 14-3. However, the Cardinals’ ground game struggled against Dallas's defensive front.
Evan Hull carried the ball 11 times for 51 yards, unable to break through consistently. At the receiver position, Simi Fehoko recorded two receptions for 42 yards but failed to produce a first-down conversion after his initial catch.
Quarterback Gardner Minshew II completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards but was hampered by a turnover, throwing one interception that stifled Arizona's ability to keep pace with the Cowboys' high-powered attack.
