DeeJay Dallas’ late kick return TD not enough in Cardinals’ loss to Bills

Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas showed why the team brought him in this offseason, going the distance with a fourth-quarter kick return touchdown in Sunday’s 34-28 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

It marked the first return in the NFL’s new kickoff format.

With Arizona’s defense struggling to keep quarterback Josh Allen at bay and the Cardinals’ offensive inconsistencies in the second half, Dallas provided a much-needed spark late.

This is what the powers-that-be envisioned with the new KO rules. And why the #AZCardinals wanted DeeJay Dallas. pic.twitter.com/ymjbnV7R1q

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) September 8, 2024

Down 31-20 after Allen’s second rushing score of the afternoon, Tyler Bass kicked off and Dallas did the rest.

Catching the ball at the five-yard line, Dallas looked like he was shot out of a cannon as he made multiple defenders miss with rookie Max Melton and Emari Demercado serving as lead blockers.

“(Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Jeff Rodgers) called a great return,” Dallas told Cardinals sideline reporter Paul Calvisi postgame. “The guys blocked it up and we read the ball off the wind. I caught it, made a couple moves and housed it.”

A successful two-point conversion further cut into Buffalo’s lead, making it just a three-point difference.

Known more for his special teams capabilities, Dallas was among Arizona’s few free-agent additions this offseason that received a three-year deal.

The score would be for naught, though, with the Bills scoring a field goal on the ensuing drive before stopping Murray and the offense.

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