Dallas Cowboys find redemption in the desert, 28-17 over Cardinals
After suffering a devastating loss to the Denver Broncos in Week Two, the Dallas Cowboys found redemption in the desert defeating the Arizona Cardinals 28-17 Monday night.
Through the first three weeks of the 2017 NFL regular season, the Dallas Cowboys‘ journey has been one of peaks and valleys. In Week One, the Cowboys were able to defeat the only team that really defeated them the previous season, the New York Giants. That was certainly a peak.
Riding high of that initial victory, the Cowboys had a come to Jesus moment in the Mile High City in Week Two, as the Denver Broncos dominated America’s Team on both sides of the ball in an embarrassing 42-17 loss. That was a low valley.
So, going into Arizona to face the 1-1 Cardinals, no one really knew what to expect from the 1-1 Cowboys. And after a slow start, the Dallas team that went 13-3 in 2016 started to emerge.
The Cowboys offense looked sluggish to start the game, not scoring until late in the second quarter. Luckily, Dallas’ defense was able to limit the Cardinals offense to a single touchdown, making the score tied at seven going into halftime.
The second half was a different story for Dallas, as their offense was able to outscore Arizona 21-10, although both teams were tied 14 all to start the final frame.
Despite a severe lack of big plays throughout the game, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was able to have a very efficient day through the air. The reigning offensive rookie of the year completed 13 of his 18 throws for 183 yards and two passing touchdowns. Prescott also had a rushing score.
After some initial speed bumps, running back Ezekiel Elliott finished the day rushing for 80 yards and his first touchdown of the new season. Both wide receivers Dez Bryant and Brice Butler recorded catches for scores.
Defensively, the night belong to defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who recorded a whopping 3.0 sacks of Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer. Lawrence has been on a tear so far this season, recording a total of 6.5 sacks in three games. Lawrence is currently the NFL’s sack leader.
Second-year defensive tackle Maliek Collins had 2.0 sacks of his own in this contest. And veteran defender Tyrone Crawford recorded a sack as well. Linebacker Sean Lee led the team with eight solo tackles.
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The 2-1 Dallas Cowboys now head back home to face the NFC West leading 2-1 Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas this Sunday, October 1st at 12:00 p.m. CDT.