Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys: Game preview, TV/Radio
By Scott Allen
The NFL preseason kicks off with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys
What: Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys
When: Thursday August 3rd, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, OH
TV: NBC – Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Michelle Tafoya (sidelines)
Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 – Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Ron Wolfley (analyst), Paul Calvisi (sidelines); Spanish Radio – Gabriel Trujillo (play-by-play), Rolando Cantu (analyst); National broadcast – XM 88
So it begins. The first preseason game of the 2017 NFL season. Both the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys have been here to the Hall of Fame Game before.
The Cardinals were last in Canton in 2012 when they lost to the New Orleans Saints 17-10. The Cowboys last played the game in 2013 when they defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-20.
Both teams will be represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Former Cardinals and St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner will be inducted on Saturday night. Current Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also will be inducted.
The game comes with a lot of stars that will be standing on the sidelines. This game will be all about younger guys trying to find themselves a spot on the regular season roster come September.
The Cardinals have been in camp for a week and a half already as have the Cowboys. Both teams last played each other in the 2015 season in Dallas when the Cardinals won 28-20. The last preseason meeting was in 2013, with the Cardinals winning 12-7.
Game plan:
The starting quarterback will be Blaine Gabbert. On Tuesday the Cardinals announced that Gabbert gets the starting duties. Rookie free agent Trevor Knight will play the second half.
It was announced last week that starting quarterback Carson Palmer would sit this one out. Also sitting out will be receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
You won’t see many starters in the game according to the Cardinals. One exception to that will be cornerback Haason Reddick, the Cardinals first-round pick out of Temple.
Don’t look for anything special on Thursday night as far as play calling. This is all about getting players trying to win a job game reps.
Gabbert is in competition with backup quarterback Drew Stanton for the number two spot. Gabbert started training camp out strong, however he did not play particularly well in the team’s Red-White scrimmage last Saturday.
As for the Cowboys, look for quarterback Kellen Moore to get the start. So, yes, that means no Dak Prescott either.
Don’t worry if you are feeling disappointed with who you will and will not see on Thursday night. These two teams will meet each other again early in the regular season at the end of September.
The Cowboys will travel to Glendale to face the Cardinals in their home opener on Monday Night Football on September 25th. For now, just enjoy the fact football is back.