Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The decisive momentum shift arrived in the opening period when Joe Milton III connected with two different receivers for touchdowns, establishing a commanding lead that the visiting Dallas Cowboys never relinquished. Milton found Malik Davis on an eight-yard pass for the first score, followed shortly by a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo.
These plays, both converted by Brandon Aubrey, put the Cowboys ahead 14-0 and set the stage for a comprehensive performance from the backup quarterback. The Cardinals, playing at home in Glendale, managed only a single field goal in the first half, leaving them chasing a deficit they would never close.
Second-Half Adjustments and Scoring
Arizona attempted to rally in the second quarter, with Chad Ryland kicking a 38-yard field goal to cut the lead to 14-3. However, the Cowboys responded immediately with a one-yard rushing touchdown by Milton III, extending their advantage to 21-3. Ryland added a 31-yard field goal before halftime, but Aubrey answered with a 50-yard kick to end the first half with Dallas leading 24-6.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals scored their only touchdown of the game when Corey Kiner rushed for one yard, with Ryland kicking the extra point to make it 24-13. Aubrey then added a 29-yard field goal to restore the margin, leaving the fourth quarter as a formalities-only period for the host team.
