Milton drives Cowboys past Cardinals 34-13 in Glendale

Decisive First-Half Surge

The Dallas Cowboys established an early lead that proved insurmountable at State Farm Stadium, securing a 34-13 victory over the host Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The decisive momentum was generated in the first half, where quarterback Joe Milton III demonstrated his effectiveness with two touchdown passes, including a 53-yard strike to Jonathan Mingo. These plays, combined with a rushing touchdown by Milton, helped Dallas build a comfortable cushion that the Cardinals could not overcome. The Cowboys’ offensive rhythm early set the tone for the remainder of the contest at the Glendale venue.

Scoring Sequence and Key Contributions

Dallas opened the scoring with an 8-yard pass from Milton to Malik Davis, quickly extending the lead to 14-0. In the second quarter, the Cowboys added to their advantage with a 1-yard rush by Milton and a 50-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey. Arizona responded with two field goals by Chad Ryland, but the damage was already done. In the third quarter, the Cardinals narrowed the gap slightly with a 1-yard rush by Corey Kiner, yet Dallas reasserted control with a 29-yard field goal by Aubrey. The game concluded with a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Phil Mafah, sealing the final margin.

Top Performers and Statistics

Milton finished with 179 passing yards on 9 of 13 attempts, accounting for two touchdowns without an interception. On the ground, Jaydon Blue carried the ball 15 times for 75 yards, providing a steady offensive presence. Camden Brown led the receiving corps with 77 yards on two catches. For Arizona, Gardner Minshew II completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards but threw one interception. Evan Hull rushed for 51 yards on 11 carries, while Simi Fehoko caught two passes for 42 yards.

Final Records and Context

The result improves the Cowboys’ record to 2-0 on the season. The Cardinals drop to 1-2. The game drew an attendance of 62,674 fans. With the final whistle blowing, the standings reflect the Cowboys’ strong start to the preseason schedule, while the Cardinals continue their adjustment period. The performance highlights the depth of the Dallas roster as they navigate their early matchups.

Sources

ESPN