GLENDALE, Ariz.– The Dallas Cowboys fell to the Arizona Cardinals, 19-16 in preseason game No. 2. It may not be a meaningful game or one that counts toward the outcome of the year, but purposeful in terms of evaluations. A report card if you will focused on player production and scheme management, as many of the squad’s established starters watch from the sideline.While NFL hopefuls vie for placement on the Cowboys’ final roster and rookies strive to leave an impression, grades result from skill displayed on the gridiron. Each year ushers in new talent as teams undergo change and the preseason, albeit a snooze fest on occasion, sets the foundation. To the contrary, Friday’s duel in the desert came down to the final seconds.
Matt Prater’s 47-yard field goal sealed the victory for the Cardinals as time expired but there were many notable observations from the meeting. In reflection, here are some of the key takeaways for the Cowboys:
Offense able to capitalize in the red zone
After nearly eight full quarters in the preseason, the drought is over. The Cowboys were able to make it into the endzone. The red zone woes have followed Dallas throughout the club’s initial exhibition games in 2021, stalling inside the 20-yard line and having to settle for field goals, a déjà vu from last season’s struggles. After three field goals, Ben DiNucci orchestrated a 14-play, 80-yard drive that gave the Cowboys a 16-13 lead. He hit receiver Brandon Smith in the end zone on a one-yard touchdown pass. DiNucci has faced relentless criticism for the “side-arm” throwing and sporadic play, but he is the first backup QB to sustain a successful drive ending in a touchdown during the preseason. Garrett Gilbert is the projected backup, but DiNucci is competing with Cooper Rush for the third spot on the depth chart. DiNucci showcased the mobility element to his game on the drive and connections to both Brenden Knox and Simi Fehoko moved the chains. Must give credit where credit is due and a welcomed sight on Friday night.
Untimely penalties and a costly turnover
The Cowboys accumulated eight penalties for 50 yards that shifted the momentum. The untimely errors impacted the outcome of the ballgame. Kelvin Joseph’s holding penalty in the first quarter on third and 16 gave the Cardinals a first down. In the second quarter, a roughing the passer penalty on Bradlee Anae turned a Cardinals’ third and six into a free first down. Most notably, a Cowboys’ penalty voided a third-down sack and helped Arizona sustain the drive and open the third quarter with a 28-yard field goal. Not a winning formula. Young players can certainly feel the added pressure to perform during the preseason and become undisciplined, jumping early or grabbing a jersey to try and solidify their play, but the results are counterproductiveand damaging.
In addition, midway through the second quarter, Arizona capitalized on Rico Dowdle’s fumble and scored a touchdown on the ensuing, four-play, 36-yard drive. Dallas gave the Cards’ favorable field position that helped extend their lead. Running back Eno Benjamin raced untouched behind the left tackle into the end zone.
Bright spots on defense
Dan Quinn’s revamped defense was led by Dorance Armstrong.He had a day on the turf in Glendale, accumulating five tackles, two sacks, and a batted down pass during the first half. The fourth-year defensive end disrupted off the edge with physicality and explosiveness. His reactionary quickness elevated the defense and with the absence of both starting ends, DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, Armstrong took advantage of opportunities. Others followed suit.
Rookie linebacker Jabril Cox led the defense in tackles with seven, and free agent acquisition Keanu Neal forced a fumbleand recovered it during the defense’s opening series. Both were active and made plays sideline-to-sideline. Players are clearly feeding off Quinn’s energy and buying into his scheme. The evidence continues to materialize.
Injuries
After escaping the Hall of Fame game with no injuries, the Cowboys dealt with several against the Cardinals. Players were dropping like flies. The team’s worst nightmare in the preseasonbecame reality. Rookie defensive tackle Neville Gallimore exited in the first quarter after suffering a left elbow hyperextension. His evaluation will continue as he undergoes an MRI when the team returns to Frisco. Tight end Sean McKeon followed and headed to the locker room in the second quarter and like Gallimore, did not return. He suffered a right ankle injury, but the severity has not been disclosed. He will have an MRI on Saturday as well.
Swing tackle Ty Nsekhe left late in the second with a knee injury and will be further examined. Rookie linebacker Anthony Hines was carted to the locker room after suffering an elbow injury early in the second half and wide receiver Malik Turner was slow to get up after sustaining a left foot injury in the third quarter.
Details will be updated as more information is released.
