Arizona Cardinals force 8 turnovers in preseason win over Cowboys

The Arizona Cardinals defense was hungry for the pigskin on Sunday night. The team forced eight turnovers in a 27-3 preseason win against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cardinals had three takeaways in an 11-play span. Special teams recovered a Cowboys muffed punt for a touchdown in the first quarter to give Arizona a 7-0 lead.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson highlighted the turnover frenzy with a 30-yard pick-six in the first quarter. In the next defensive possession, he forced a fumble that linebacker Josh Bynes recovered.

In Peterson’s new role with playing more zone defense under new defensive coordinator Al Holcomb, Peterson appears to be more than ready for the adjustment. He was one of eight players with a takeaway on Sunday.

The Cardinals finished with five fumble recoveries and three interceptions in total for the night.

A few such defensive players are fighting for a spot on the team — Dennis Gardeck, who had a fumble recovery, and Trent Sherfield, fourth-string wide receiver who recovered Dallas’ first quarter muffed punt for a score.

Defensive end Cap Capi is having another phenomenal preseason and is putting together a strong case to make the team, finishing with a sack fumble and recovery. Last year, according to Pro Football Focus, Capi had 18 quarterback pressures, more than any defensive player in a single preseason since 2013 when the site began collecting preseason data.

One of the team’s interceptions came from Travell Dixon, who is currently listed as the fourth-string free safety.

Through three preseason games, the Cardinals have 16 takeaways.

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