The Arizona Cardinals got off to a fast start but could only muster one touchdown
The Arizona Cardinals dominated the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys, getting off to a quick 7-0 start. That’s about as good as it got in the first half though.
Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer got off to a 11-11 start for 130-yards including a 25-yard touchdown to receiver Jaron Brown. The running game? Yeah check back later non that.
As for the Cowboys? They did nothing in the first 15 minutes. They had a total of three yards of offense over their first two drives. Two three and outs.
They managed to get good field position right before the end of the first half after a sack of Palmer and a punt and punt return that left the Cowboys with excellent field position.
Cowboys Dak Prescott ran the ball in from the 10 to tie the game late in the half. The Cowboys rushed for 41-yards in the first half, 57-yards total.
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The Cardinals had a chance to take a 10-0 lead early on but again special teams happened. Kicker Phil Dawson missed a field goal. It was enough to shift the momentum.
The Cardinals were not able to run the ball. They had 13 carries for 20-yards. That’s not going to get things done. The Cowboys were only throwing out a three-man rush most of the time.
Starting running back Chris Johnson ran the ball nine times for just four yards. The offensive line was just atrocious. Palmer was officially sacked twice. He was sacked a third time but that was negated by a Cowboys illegal contact penalty.
They must come out with better protection from the offensive line. The defense needs to get back to what made them successful in the first quarter. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot carried the ball eight times for 31-yards.