Dallas Drudgery: Undefeated Cowboys In Battle, Trail Cardinals At Halftime
The Dallas Cowboys had mostly smooth sailing in their first two games, but hit some rough waters in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals as they trail 21-10 heading into the locker room.
Dallas has faced several challenges through 30 minutes, but the most alarming is that the run defense has struggled greatly. Arizona had 180 rushing yards on 15 first-half carries, averaging out to 12 yards per attempt. Coming into this game, the Cowboys held their opponents to 3.9 yards per attempt.
Additionally, both of the Cardinals' touchdowns have come on the ground. First running back James Conner punched it in from five yards out, then receiver Rondale Moore took a handoff 45 yards to the house later in the quarter. The Cowboys didn't allow a rushing touchdown, and only one touchdown at all, in their first two games, but their mighty defense looks a bit more mortal on Sunday.
Arizona quarterback Joshua Dobbs has completed 12 of 15 passes for 85 yards, and has done some damage on the ground with 51 yards on only two carries. Conner also has 71 yards and the aforementioned touchdown on seven carries.
On the other side, the Cowboys' offense hasn't shown much in the first 30 minutes. Dallas has just 153 total yards, over 100 less than Arizona's total.
Dak Prescott has completed 12 of 18 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, but has already taken two sacks for a total loss of 18 yards. Tony Pollard had a decent first half, though, rushing nine times for 50 yards.
As for receiving, tight end Jake Ferguson leads the way with three receptions for 32 yards. Running back Rico Dowdle also scored the Cowboys' lone touchdown, taking in a screen from 15 yards out.
At the very least, the Cowboys will get to ball to start the second half as they look to climb out of this hole.
