Every week, we'll grade the Cowboys on the three phases of the weekend's game.
Offense: F
What can be said other than "That was awful." Wow. Brandon Weeden had a nice consensus vote of confidence heading into his expected start on Sunday as the "most prepared backup quarterback" in the NFL because of his weekly No. 1 reps on Wednesdays. He looked like he'd never played in Dallas' offense and couldn't get the ball to the outside receivers. He threw two interceptions as well. DeMarco Murray was held to 79 yards rushing, snapping his 8-game streak of 100-yard rushing days, against the league's top rush defense. But this loss isn't on him.
Images from the Sideline: Cowboys Vs. Cardinals
Defense: C
The Cowboys' defense had its bright spots, including Tyler Patmon's interception return for a TD that gave the Cowboys a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. They also got to Carson Palmer fairly consistently. However, ultimately, they gave up 339 total yards, 22 first downs, and 95 rushing yards to Andre Ellington. For the second straight week, the Cowboys were out-TOPed, and once again, it exposed them on defense.
Special teams: C
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Coverage was good throughout the day, but the Cowboys could've pulled within one point at halftime on a chip-shot field goal for Dan Bailey. Instead, the kick was blocked and nearly run back for a touchdown by Patrick Peterson if not for the hustle of Jason Witten, who tackled Peterson as time expired.
