A Decisive First Half
The Dallas Cowboys established an commanding lead early in their 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Joe Milton III was the focal point of the offensive attack, completing nine of 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
His performance was critical in building a 14-0 cushion in the first quarter, a deficit the home team never fully recovered from. The Cowboys' defense limited the Cardinals to just 13 total points across the entire contest, securing their second win of the season.
Scoring Breakdown
The game unfolded with the visitors dominating the first two periods. In the opening frame, Milton found Malik Davis for an 8-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo, both converted by Brandon Aubrey. The Cardinals managed only a 38-yard field goal by Chad Ryland in the second quarter.
Milton then added a one-yard rushing touchdown, and Ryland responded with a 31-yard field goal. Aubrey capped the half with a 50-yard field goal, giving Dallas a 24-6 lead. In the third quarter, Corey Kiner scored a one-yard rushing touchdown for Arizona, but Aubrey answered with a 29-yard field goal.
The final score was set in the fourth when Phil Mafah rushed for a 15-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 34-13.
