Birdseed: Kicking, offensive line hurt Cardinals in loss to Cowboys

The Cardinals got off to excellent start but in a 28-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday couldn’t sustain drives after the first quarter, once again struggling protecting the quarterback to the tune of allowing six sacks, 11 QB hits and 10 tackles for loss.

Arizona dominated Dallas in yardage, 145 to 57 yards, and time of possession, 20:19 to 9:41 minutes, going into halftime. But it didn’t show it on the scoreboard, as the game was tied, 7-7.

The lack of running game stood out as well. Arizona finished with 21 carries for 49 yards, a 2.3 yards-per-carry average led by Andre Ellington’s five rushes for 22 yards. Starter Chris Johnson didn’t have the burst tonight, taking 12 rushes for only 17 yards, at 1.4 yards per carry.

Meanwhile, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was very efficient, finishing 13-of-18 for 183 yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing one touchdown. He also did a nice job avoiding Cardinals defenders when he was scrambling.

Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (15 targets) pulled in 13 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown and made some unbelievable catches.

Kicking

Phil Dawson missed a field goal for the third consecutive game, missed six total field goals in 2015 and 2016.

Punting

Andy Lee didn’t have the hang time the Cardinals needed to allow the coverage units to get down the field. Lee net average was 38.0 yards.

Offensive plays

Cardinals: 75

Cowboys: 45

Field position

Beginning field position for the Cowboys on three touchdowns: AZ 33, AZ 46, 50

The Cardinals started at their own 10, 7 and 4 yard lines.

Turnovers

The Cardinals after three games have only two turnovers forced by Justin Bethel and Tyrann Mathieu.

Defense

The Cowboys were held to just 57 yards in the first half and 216 yards in the second half, leading to 21 points in the final two quarters.

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