Prater’s 47-yard FG lifts Cardinals over Cowboys 19-16
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DAVID BRANDT
AP Sports Writer
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Rookie Zaven Collins looked comfortable as Arizona’s middle linebacker, Matt Prater booted game-tying and game-winning field goals, and the Cardinals rallied for a 19-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game on Friday night.
Collins — who was the No. 16 overall pick in April’s draft — pulled down Tony Pollard for a 2-yard loss on the game’s opening drive to spark an encouraging night from Arizona’s defense. The linebacker is expected to pair with second-year line- backer Isaiah Simmons to anchor the middle of the defense this season.
“For the plays that we got, I thought we executed pret- ty efficiently as a defense,” Collins said.
Prater made a 47-yard field goal as time expired to win the game. That followed a 48-yarder that he made with 1:51 remaining in the fourth to tie it at 16-all. The two-time Pro Bowler has been in the league 15 years and spent the last seven with the Detroit Lions before signing with the Cardinals during the offsea- son.
“He’s been doing that for years in big, big games,” Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “We’re all thrilled with him. He takes his craft very seriously.”
Ben DiNucci threw a 1- yard touchdown pass to Brandon Smith midway through the fourth quarter to give the Cowboys a 16-13 lead. DiNucci played in three games for the Cowboys last season, start- ing one.
“We have a lot to clean up,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “A lot of our young guys played a ton of football, so it will be great video to evaluate.”
It was the first preseason game for the Cardinals and second for the Cowboys, who lost to the Steelers 16- 3 in the Hall of Fame game last week.
Most of the stars from both teams — including Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Cowboys quar- terback Dak Prescott — didn’t play on Friday. Prescott has been bothered by a right shoulder sprain that’s limited his time on the field in camp.
Eno Benjamin ran for a 6- yard touchdown to give the Cardinals a 10-3 late in the second quarter. Quarterback Chris Streveler ran for 23 yards on the previous play, slicing through the middle of the Cowboys’ defense to set up Benjamin’s scoring run.
Benjamin was a seventh- round pick in 2020 out of Arizona State and vying for a roster spot.
Dallas kicker Hunter Niswander made three field goals from 38, 36 and 36 yards.
Cardinals backup quar- terback Colt McCoy started the game and completed 6 of 7 passes for 69 yards.
Cowboys rookie line- backer Micah Parsons made four tackles. He was the No. 12 overall pick.
INJURY REPORT Cowboys starting defensive tackle Neville Gallimore left the game in the first quarter with a left arm injury. … Tight end Sean McKeon had a right ankle injury in the second quarter. … Left tackle Ty Nsekhe had a knee injury just before halftime. …Linebacker Anthony Hines had an elbow injury in the third quarter. … Receiver Malik Turner had a foot injury in the third quarter.
McCarthy was worried Gallimore’s injury might be serious.
“I would put it in the cat- egory of significant, but until we get he scans and a full diagnosis I don’t have a timeline,” McCarthy said.
Cardinals running back Jonathan Ward had an ankle injury in the third quarter. … Safety Chris Banjo had a hamstring injury in the second half.
SEE YOU IN 2022
The Cardinals will travel to face to Cowboys on Jan. 2 in Week 17 of the regular season.
UP NEXT
The Cowboys host the Texans in a preseason game on Aug. 21.
The Cardinals host the Chiefs in a preseason game on Aug. 20.
