Gardner Minshew II was the Cardinals' most efficient passer on a night Arizona could not stay out of its own way.
The Associated Press account carried by ABC News reported that Minshew completed 19 of 23 passes for 177 yards in a 34-13 preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday at State Farm Stadium. ESPN's box score matches that line — 19-of-23, 177 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, one sack, and an 80.6 passer rating.
The AP wrote that Minshew played the entire first half and the first series of the second half and is expected to be Jacoby Brissett's backup. Kedon Slovis finished 2-of-7 for 30 yards after that, per ESPN.
Most Arizona starters sat, the AP noted, including names the Cardinals' site listed among those held out: Trey McBride, Budda Baker, and other regulars. Arizona fell to 1-2 in the preseason; Dallas improved to 2-0.
The interception, the drive that scored, and the flags
Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel intercepted Minshew midway through the first quarter after wide receiver Simi Fehoko slipped on the route, the AP and the Cardinals' site both wrote. Revel returned the pick 22 yards. It was Arizona's first interception of the preseason, azcardinals.com said. Fehoko later caught a 37-yarder from Minshew, the team site highlighted.
Arizona's only touchdown came when Corey Kiner scored on a 1-yard run to open the second half, capping a 12-play, 64-yard drive on which Minshew went 4-of-5 for 39 yards, Cowboys.com reported. That cut the deficit to 24-13.
Earlier, two Cardinals touchdowns were wiped out by Rivaldo Fairweather penalties — holding and offensive pass interference — and a false start at the Dallas 1 forced another field-goal attempt, the AP wrote.
Chad Ryland made kicks of 38 and 31 yards and finished 2-for-3 on field goals while also punting after Blake Gillikin hurt his groin in warmups, according to the Cardinals' injury notes and ESPN's kicking line.
The Cardinals' site listed Minshew among the standouts: he "performed well given the circumstances," leading that touchdown drive and finishing 19-of-23 for 177 with "that one forgivable turnover."
