The Dallas Cowboys faced yet another disappointing performance from their defense, suffering a 27-17 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night at AT&T Stadium. Despite some adjustments, the team”s defensive efforts were lackluster, leaving fans frustrated as they expressed their displeasure through loud boos.
Before the game, team owner Jerry Jones announced that the Cowboys had made a trade for a defensive player, pending paperwork submission to the league. However, following the loss, he tempered expectations regarding further acquisitions, raising concerns about the current roster”s ability to improve.
The Cardinals, led by backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, managed to score on five of their first six possessions, showcasing a troubling trend for the Cowboys” defense. Coach Brian Schottenheimer noted the five sacks recorded by the defense, but the overall effectiveness was undermined by the Cardinals converting seven of thirteen third downs.
“It”s the flow of the game,” Schottenheimer explained. “Our job on defense is to stop them and to keep them from scoring. Our job on offense is to score.”
Among the changes implemented was the insertion of rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku and veteran Jadeveon Clowney on the defensive edges, both contributing with a sack each. Despite some positive changes, defensive tackle Kenny Clark expressed disappointment, stating, “That first half was just tough. I feel like we played really good defense and just didn”t get them off the field on third down.”
The struggles were evident as the Cowboys” secondary had difficulty containing the Cardinals” receivers. Notably, Marvin Harrison Jr. had a standout performance, recording seven receptions for a career-high 96 yards. His ability to exploit the coverage, particularly against cornerback DaRon Bland, raised questions about scheme effectiveness versus individual performance.
“It”s a little different,” Bland commented on the coverage adjustments. “I”m doing it as much as I do now. It”s just little differences you have to work on.”
Despite some defensive stops in the fourth quarter that gave the offense a chance, the overall performance remained disappointing. The Cardinals, who entered the game averaging 4.9 yards per play, posted an average of 5.2 yards, diminishing any hope that the Cowboys could turn the tide.
“The NFL is a tough league,” Clowney remarked. “It”s not easy; you got to be prepared to play and show up. That”s the game.”
