Cardinals depth takes field in 34-13 preseason loss to Cowboys
With 30 players touching the ball on defence and 40 on special teams, head coach Mike LaFleur prioritised experience over results in a heavy defeat to Dallas.
The Arizona Cardinals’ 34-13 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys served primarily as a laboratory for depth, with the coaching staff distributing playing time across a wide roster. In a contest where the final score was secondary to developmental goals, 30 players participated in at least one of the 59 defensive snaps, while 40 players were involved in at least one of the 23 special-teams snaps.
Head coach Mike LaFleur indicated that the strategy was designed to expose players to the rigours of game-speed football. Defensive lineman Darius Robinson, who recorded one solo tackle across seven snaps, was a focal point of this approach. LaFleur stated that the decision to bring Robinson onto the field was driven by the need to provide him with more time in "real football" to build his experience base.
On the defensive line, Jonah Williams led the group with three tackles, two of which were solo. While Williams’ performance was noted, his roster status remains in flux, with reports suggesting he could be ticketed to the practice squad. The line saw significant rotation, with Damonic Williams playing the most snaps at 31, followed by Jonah Williams at 27 and Cam Horsley at 22.
In the linebacker corps, Owen Pappoe emerged as the team’s leading tackler with nine total tackles, including one on special teams. Pappoe’s 44 defensive snaps represented the highest participation rate among linebackers. Karson Sharar contributed three tackles and delivered a significant hit on the opening kickoff return, while Cameron Robertson added four tackles, one of which was for loss.
Eku Leota provided a notable statistical highlight, recording a sack, five tackles, and a quarterback hit. LaFleur described the performance as potentially the most productive Leota has produced across the three preseason games, though the coach noted he would review the tape to confirm the assessment. Leota played 25 defensive snaps, a significant portion of the team’s defensive workload.
The secondary saw Isaiah Oliver, a local product from Brophy Prep, draw attention for an end-zone interception. However, the play occurred late in the fourth quarter with the Cardinals trailing 27-13. Oliver subsequently allowed a 70-yard completion to the one-yard line, though he chased down the receiver to prevent a touchdown. The defensive back group rotated heavily, with Isaiah Oliver, Wydett Williams Jr., and Kalen King each playing 31 or more snaps.
