Eric Sorenson
The Arizona Cardinals blew out to the Dallas Cowboys 27-3 deep in the heart of Texas Sunday. The Cards will finish out their exhibition schedule Thursday night hosting the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Here are five things we learned at AT&T Stadium.
1. Better Options…Although he didn’t play against Dallas, David Johnson has certainly looked the part in his limited action this pre-season. One of the biggest storylines in Arlington was the work of Johnson’s backups, rookie Chase Edmonds and second-year back T.J. Logan both had impact games for Steve Wilks. The Fordham product had a game-high 11 carries for 55 yards. Logan, who was hurt all of 2017, ripped off a 59-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
2. Visiting Peterson Island…New defensive coordinator Al Holcomb’s zone scheme may allow Pro-Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson to make more plays, much like he did against Dallas. P2 stepped in front of a Copper Rush pass in the flat and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. Moments later he forced a fumble after a big hit on running back Rod Smith. Peterson will once again be an anchor a defense littered with talent at key positions.
3. Elite Eight…Sure, Dallas didn’t play their two best offensive weapons (Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott) but Arizona’s defense was simply dominant forcing eight Cowboy turnovers and setting the tempo early in the lopsided win. The pre-season can be misleading in certain aspects but the Cardinals made a statement on Sunday Night Football. The Bird Gang now has 15 takeaways (plus-14) in three exhibition games (Los Angeles, New Orleans, Dallas).
4. Bucannon’s Back…It was great seeing linebacker Deone Bucannon on the field and making his pre-season debut. The four-year pro registered a game-high eight tackles (five solo) and had a sack, as well as a forced fumble. The former Washington State star (who has missed seven games over the last two seasons) is a key piece in the middle of Arizona’s defense.
5. Not All Good News…former Saguaro High and Arizona State star running back D.J. Foster was carted off after suffering a knee injury covering a second-quarter kickoff. Also, Arizona’s offense managed just 209 total yards (63 passing). They were also just 2-13 on third down tonight and 5-35 through three exhibition games.
