3 Cowboys nightmares that were unearthed in ugly loss vs Cardinals

Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA;  Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws in the
Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws in the / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
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1. Can't stop the run

The Cowboys have come a long way against the run. We'll give them that. That can be attributed to improved personnel in the trenches, but also a commitment from Dan Quinn and the entire defense to change the narrative.

On Sunday, those struggled returned in the worst way.

In the first half alone, the Cardinals compiled 182 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11.4 yards per carry.

The Cowboys gave up 64 rushing yards against the Jets in Week 2 and 108 yards (on 3.9 yards per attempt) vs the Giants to open the season, so they allowed more rushing yards in one half vs Arizona as they did in Weeks 1 and 2 combined. The Cards finished with 222 yards on just under 7.5 yards per carry.

Were the Cowboys to quick to crown themselves? Did the Arizona coaching staff uncover a weakness in the defense reviewing film this week? Did Dallas make the fatal mistake of overlooking the home underdog?

Whatever is to blame, the Cowboys run D needs to fix up because every team left on the schedule has more talent than this Cardinals team.

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