Arizona Cardinals drop preseason opener to Cowboys
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals got off to a quick start but the Dallas Cowboys ended up with the win in the end
Preseason results don’t matter when all is said and done. For the Arizona Cardinals though a loss is still a loss and will have things to work on after their 20-18 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Canton Ohio on Thursday night.
The Cardinals got off to a quick 15-0 lead after two very impressive offensive drives by quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert was on point for most of the first half he played in this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
Gabbert went 11-14 for 185-yards. He did not throw a touchdown but he did not throw any interceptions either. He scored on a one-yard touchdown run however.
Gabbert’s arm looked very good. The problem with him in the past has been consistency. Will he be able to keep that up the rest of the preseason to possibly supplant Drew Stanton as Carson Palmer’s backup.
Also looking good for the Cardinals was running back T.J. Logan. He had two kickoff returns for 71-yards. That will be his job to lose it appears.
On the defensive side of things, the Cardinals looked a little suspect. Sure, they were playing backups but some guys clearly need more improvement.
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One of those guys is cornerback Brandon Williams. Cowboys quarterback Kellen Moore made him look silly most of the first half but he was able to make a nice play and intercept him in the end zone just before halftime.
On the surface it would appear the kicking game also needs some help but in reality it will be fine. Kicker Phil Dawson did not play. The kicking duties were left up to punters Richie Leone and Matt Wile. The two of them went 1-3 in field goal attempts.
So now the Cardinals will travel back to Arizona to continue with training camp. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald however will remain behind to watch Kurt Warner’s induction into the Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Next up for the Cardinals will be the Oakland Raiders next Saturday night August 12th at University of Phoenix Stadium. Game time is 7:00 p.m. Their next open practice to the public will be this upcoming Tuesday August 8th at 2:00 p.m.