Milton's early surge caps Cowboys' 34-13 victory over Cardinals

Early Dominance Sets the Tone

The decisive factor in Sunday’s matchup was the explosive start by the visiting Dallas Cowboys, who built a commanding lead before the Arizona Cardinals could mount a sustained response. Joe Milton III displayed sharp decision-making and accuracy, connecting with two receivers for touchdowns in the first half that established the game’s momentum.

The Cowboys struck first with an eight-yard pass to Malik Davis, followed shortly by a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo. Both plays were converted by Brandon Aubrey, giving Dallas a 14-0 advantage by the end of the opening quarter. This early burst of points forced the home team to chase the game for the remainder of the contest.

Cardinals Attempt a Comeback

The Arizona Cardinals, playing at home in front of a crowd of 62,674, struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm against the Dallas defense. Their first points came in the second quarter when Chad Ryland kicked a 38-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 14-3. However, the Cowboys immediately reasserted their control.

Joe Milton III added a one-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 21-3. Although Ryland responded with a 31-yard field goal, Aubrey capped the half with a 50-yard field goal. The Cowboys entered the break leading 24-6, having outscored the Cardinals 24-6 in the first two quarters combined.

Late-Game Points Seal the Result

The third quarter saw the Cardinals secure their only touchdown of the game. Corey Kiner rushed one yard for the score, with Ryland’s kick bringing the deficit down to seven points. Dallas answered quickly with a 29-yard field goal by Aubrey, restoring a double-digit lead.

The final quarter was defined by defensive stability and a decisive run. Phil Mafah rushed for 15 yards to score the game’s final touchdown, making the margin 34-13. The Cardinals were unable to score in the fourth quarter, allowing Dallas to control the clock and manage the game comfortably.

Statistical Overview

Joe Milton III was the standout performer for Dallas, completing nine of 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Jaydon Blue provided a strong ground game with 75 yards on 15 carries, while Camden Brown led all receivers with 77 yards on two catches. For Arizona, Gardner Minshew II completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards but threw one interception.

Evan Hull led the rushing attack with 51 yards on 11 carries, and Simi Fehoko recorded 42 receiving yards on two catches. The victory improves the Cowboys’ record to 2-0, while the Cardinals fall to 1-2.

Sources

ESPN