Cardinals utilize rookie Rondale Moore’s speed on 1st scoring drive of preseason

Arizona Cardinals receivers A.J. Green and DeAndre Hopkins both did not play in the team’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

That opened the door for another wideout to be the focal point of the first-team offense, a door rookie Rondale Moore stepped right through.

The 2021 second-round pick had four touches in the first quarter, including three on Arizona’s first scoring drive of the game.

Moore picked up carries for nine and seven yards and also caught a pass from backup quarterback Colt McCoy that gained seven yards.

On all those touches, Moore showcased his impressive agility.

#AZCardinals Rondale Moore takes a pitch for 8 yards and a reception for a 1st down #CardsCamp #RedSea pic.twitter.com/cjkIOQ1BOt

— Arizona Sports Fan (@SportsAzFan) August 14, 2021

McCoy also targeted Moore earlier in the drive, a pass that fell incomplete.

After Moore’s first catch of that drive that put Arizona on Dallas’ 12-yard line, the drive stalled out and the Cardinals’ Matt Prater converted from 33 yards on a field goal to put Arizona up 3-0 late in the first quarter.

Moore through the opening 12 minutes had two catches for 14 yards and two carries that produced an additional 16 yards.

Through the first quarter, McCoy was 5-of-6 for 62 yards. That included a beautiful 34-yard toss to wideout Christian Kirk that was a good chunk of that scoring drive.

Wait until you see this replay…

What a grab by @ckirk! @AZCardinals

📺: #DALvsAZ on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/xnJMihfsxy pic.twitter.com/NLCDaPi46H

— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2021

The Cardinals beat the Cowboys 19-16. Matt Prater hit a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Related

Cardinals' Kingsbury explains change to sit Kyler Murray in preseason openerCardinals RB, ASU product Eno Benjamin scores TD in preseason win vs. DallasBy holding out Kyler Murray, Cardinals leadership fails 2021 first impressionPeople seem to be enjoying their 1st experience hearing Ron WolfleyCardinals may be beginning to shift perception around themSteve Keim denies involvement in DeAndre Hopkins’ 2022 failed drug test