Cardinals' offense bleak in 34-14 loss to Cowboys

The Arizona Cardinals endured a difficult night at State Farm Stadium on Saturday, falling 34–13 to the Dallas Cowboys in their final preseason game.

Arizona struggled almost immediately. Quarterback Gardner Minshew threw an interception on the Cardinals’ opening possession, giving Dallas the ball deep in Arizona territory. Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton quickly converted the mistake into a touchdown before adding a 53-yard scoring pass on Dallas’ next possession.

Penalties made the Cardinals’ problems worse. Three potential Arizona touchdowns were erased by flags during the first half, forcing the offense to settle for two field goals. Meanwhile, Dallas continued producing explosive plays and carried a commanding 24–6 advantage into halftime.

Arizona showed some improvement after the break. Minshew helped direct a methodical 12-play, 64-yard drive, and running back Corey Kiner finished it with a one-yard touchdown run. That score reduced the deficit to 24–13 and briefly offered the Cardinals a path back into the game.

The comeback never developed. Dallas answered with a field goal, then added a fourth-quarter touchdown after stopping Arizona on fourth down. The Cardinals’ offense was unable to score again.

Because the contest was an exhibition, the result matters less than the performances evaluated by Arizona’s coaching staff. Even so, the recurring penalties, defensive breakdowns and early turnover were troubling. The Cardinals now have to decide which mistakes were merely symptoms of preseason experimentation, and which could follow them into the regular season.

Arizona leaves the preseason with plenty to review—and little time remaining to correct it.