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Cardinals Pull Off Massive Upset, Shock Cowboys

The Arizona Cardinals shocked the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.

Donnie Druin

In this story:

GLENDALE -- The Arizona Cardinals were the second biggest underdogs heading into their Week 3 battle against the Dallas Cowboys, who were favored by 12.5 points.

As we found out - football isn't played on paper.

The Cardinals notched their first win of the season in a 28-16 clash over a Super Bowl favorite: Here's how the action panned out:

First Quarter

The Cowboys won the toss and deferred, allowing Cardinals QB Josh Dobbs and the Arizona offense out on the field first. 

On the second play from scrimmage, Dobbs ripped off a 44-yard rush on a QB read-option to put Arizona in scoring position. The Cardinals would strike first blood with a 39-yard Matt Prater field goal. 

AZ 3, DAL 0

Dak Prescott and co. were unable to get anything going after a false start and delay of game set Dallas back to a 3rd-and-16 before they punted. 

A pass interference call on DaRon Bland placed the Cardinals in enemy territory before a James Conner carry pieced together back-to-back 20+ yard plays for Arizona. 

Driving into the red zone, Conner capped the drive off with a five-yard rush to push Arizona's lead to nine. The Cardinals initially converted the extra point but decided to accept an offsides call and attempt a two-point conversion with the ball closer to the end zone, which failed as Dallas clogged the middle and stopped Conner short. 

AZ 9, DAL 0

Dallas finally found their rhythm on the ensuing drive and pieced together multiple first downs on a 10-play, 44-yard drive that ultimately ended in a Brandon Aubrey field goal to dig into the deficit. 

AZ 9, DAL 3

The first quarter concluded with a 12-yard pass to Marquise Brown for a first down. 

Second Quarter

Rondale Moore put the jets on and found the end zone on a 45-yard rush off the left tackle to extend their lead. Arizona again failed on a two-point conversion. 

It capped a seven play, 75-yard drive. 

AZ 15, DAL 3

Dallas went on a 13-play, 75-yard drive to answer with a screen pass to Rico Dowdle to find their first touchdown of the day.

AZ 15, DAL 10

With 5:32 left in the first half, the Cardinals took over and again found another explosive play after a 27-yard Conner rush. 

At the two minute warning, Prater knocked home a 50-yard field goal... but another Dallas offsides penalty gave the Cardinals a fresh set of chains. 

The Cowboys would tighten up defensively and force another field goal, which was again knocked home by Prater from 43 yards out.

AZ 18, DAL 10

With 1:28 left, the Cowboys stalled on offense and punted the ball back to Arizona, who put the ball in position for Prater to try a 62-yard attempt at the buzzer which somehow went in. 

AZ 21, DAL 10

Dallas will receive to begin the second half. 

Third Quarter

Dallas was able to drive on the first possession of the second half and dig into the lead with a 27-yard field goal. 

AZ 21, DAL 13

After forcing a three-and-out, the Cowboys sprung a huge punt return that was negated by a holding penalty. Regardless, Dallas gained possession with the ability to tie the game. 

A 22-yard rush by Tony Pollard sprung the Cowboys into field goal range. Facing a fourth-and-four with Dallas' offense on the field, the Cardinals' defense stepped up and delivered a stop to regain possession. 

The final play of the third quarter was a Micah Parsons sack to force a Cardinals punt.

Fourth Quarter

The Cowboys made good on their new opportunity, methodically marching down the field on a 12-play, 56-yard drive that ended in a 26-yard field goal to bring the lead to five.

AZ 21, DAL 16

On the first play of the possession, Dobbs found Michael Wilson on a 69-yard reception to enter inside the DAL 9. 

Just a few plays later, the Cardinals extended their lead on a Marquise Brown TD reception.

AZ 28, DAL 16

Upping the tempo on offense, Dallas again found themselves in enemy territory and needing a touchdown to keep themselves in the game. 

For the first time all season, Prescott turned the ball over:

Arizona would pick up multiple first downs, run the clock out in victory formation and see themselves out as winners for the first time all season.

Published
Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!

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