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NFL · Week 3 · September 24, 2023 · 12 min read

Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals: 2023 Week 3 Recap

Cardinals defeat Cowboys 28–16 in Week 3

Michael Gallup led Fantasy Impact as Cardinals prevailed in a 16–28 Week 3 finish.

Dallas Cowboys 16 2–1
Final 16–28
Arizona Cardinals 28 1–2 Winner
Winner
Arizona Cardinals
Final score
16–28
Halftime
Dallas Cowboys 10–27 Arizona Cardinals
Top passer
Dak Prescott
FantasyHQ MVP
Michael Gallup
Game date
September 24, 2023

Top fantasy performers · Cowboys

  • Michael Gallup
    Michael Gallup 6 REC · 92 YDS +5.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Tony Pollard
    Tony Pollard 23 CAR · 122 YDS +4.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Rico Dowdle
    Rico Dowdle 3 REC · 25 YDS · 1 TD +2.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

  • Montaric Brown
    Montaric Brown 5 REC · 61 YDS · 1 TD +5.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Mi.Wilson 2 REC · 86 YDS +5.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Joshua Dobbs
    Joshua Dobbs 17/30 · 178 YDS · 1 TD +5.0 Fantasy Impact
View Cowboys vs Cardinals box score View all 2023 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Arizona Cardinals
Final score
Arizona Cardinals 28–16 Dallas Cowboys
Halftime
Dallas Cowboys 10–27 Arizona Cardinals at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Michael Gallup
Top passer
Dak Prescott
Biggest EPA play
(3:05) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle intended for 3-B.Cooks INTERCEPTED by 7-K.…
Game date
2023-09-24

Game summary

The Arizona Cardinals beat the Dallas Cowboys 28–16 on 2023-09-24. Michael Gallup posted a game-high +5.89 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 25 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Dallas Cowboys3733016
Arizona Cardinals91807028

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

DALDallas Cowboys
ARIArizona Cardinals

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 12:35FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 21
    Score
    0-3

    (12:35) 5-M.Prater 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.

  2. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q1 6:16TD
    James Conner

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 5
    Score
    0-9

    (6:16) 6-J.Conner right end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q1 1:52FG
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 31
    Score
    3-9

    (1:52) 17-B.Aubrey 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  4. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 12:38TD
    Rondale Moore

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 45
    Score
    3-15

    (12:38) (Shotgun) 4-R.Moore left tackle for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q2 5:40TD
    Rico Dowdle

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    9-15

    (5:40) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 23-R.Dowdle for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q2 5:32XP
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    10-15

    17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  7. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 1:31FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 25
    Score
    10-18

    (1:31) 5-M.Prater 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.

  8. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 1:28FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 35
    Score
    10-18

    5-M.Prater kicks 65 yards from ARI 35 to end zone, Touchback.

  9. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 0:04FG
    Matt Prater

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DAL 44
    Score
    10-21

    (:04) 5-M.Prater 62 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.

  10. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 0:00FG

    Points+3

    Yard line
    —
    Score
    10-21

    END QUARTER 2

  11. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q3 9:30FG
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 8
    Score
    13-21

    (9:30) 17-B.Aubrey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  12. DALDallas Cowboys
    Q4 9:36FG
    Brandon Aubrey

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 8
    Score
    16-21

    (9:36) 17-B.Aubrey 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.

  13. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 7:27TD
    Montaric Brown

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DAL 2
    Score
    16-27

    (7:27) (Shotgun) 9-J.Dobbs pass short right to 2-M.Brown for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-D.Lawrence].

  14. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 7:22XP
    Matt Prater

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DAL 15
    Score
    16-28

    5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Michael GallupMichael Gallup · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +5.89 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
  2. 2Montaric BrownMontaric Brown · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.52 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
  3. 3Mi. Wilson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.46 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.73 EPA/play
  4. 4Joshua DobbsJoshua Dobbs · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +4.98 total EPA · 30 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
  5. 5Tony PollardTony Pollard · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +4.79 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
  6. 6Rondale MooreRondale Moore · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +3.37 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
  7. 7James ConnerJames Conner · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +2.86 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
  8. 8Rico DowdleRico Dowdle · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +2.84 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Michael Gallup

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Michael Gallup — DAL · Receiving

Michael Gallup posted the highest total EPA (+5.89) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +0.84 EPA per play.

Michael Gallup's top snap (+2.29 EPA): (14:15) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass incomplete short right to 13-M.Gallup. PENALTY on ARI-13-K.Clark, Defensive Pass Interference, 14 yards, enforced at DAL 37 - No Play.

Biggest single play (-4.91 EPA): Dak Prescott — (3:05) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle intended for 3-B.Cooks INTERCEPTED by 7-K.White at ARI -4. Touchback.

Quarterback report card

Dak Prescott led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Dak PrescottDak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) · 50 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -3.3% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.73 total EPA
  • Joshua DobbsJoshua Dobbs (Arizona Cardinals) · 30 dropbacks · 56.7% completion · +10.5% CPOE · +0.17 EPA/play · +4.98 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDallas CowboysArizona Cardinals
Offensive EPA/play+0.051+0.215
Offensive success rate45.8%50.6%
Pass EPA/play-0.035+0.166
Rush EPA/play+0.202+0.275
Defensive EPA/play-0.215-0.051
Defensive success rate49.4%54.2%

Drive & efficiency notes

Arizona Cardinals held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.21 vs +0.05), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Dallas Cowboys: +0.05 EPA/play (66th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: +0.21 EPA/play (95th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: 9 drives, +16.52 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Dallas Cowboys: 8 drives, +4.89 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • James ConnerArizona Cardinals — James Conner (Q1 6:16)
  • Rondale MooreArizona Cardinals — Rondale Moore (Q2 12:38)
  • Rico DowdleDallas Cowboys — Rico Dowdle (Dak Prescott pass) (Q2 5:40)
  • Montaric BrownArizona Cardinals — Montaric Brown (Joshua Dobbs pass) (Q4 7:27)

Field goals

  • Matt PraterArizona Cardinals — Matt Prater (Q1 12:35)
  • Brandon AubreyDallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q1 1:52)
  • Matt PraterArizona Cardinals — Matt Prater (Q2 1:31)
  • Matt PraterArizona Cardinals — Matt Prater (Q2 1:28)
  • Matt PraterArizona Cardinals — Matt Prater (Q2 0:04)
  • Arizona Cardinals — unlisted player (Q2 0:00)
  • Brandon AubreyDallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q3 9:30)
  • Brandon AubreyDallas Cowboys — Brandon Aubrey (Q4 9:36)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 9–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the DAL 21 (Q1 12:35) — (12:35) 5-M.Prater 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DAL 5 (Q1 6:16) — (6:16) 6-J.Conner right end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the ARI 31 (Q1 1:52) — (1:52) 17-B.Aubrey 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger..

The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 18–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DAL 45 (Q2 12:38) — (12:38) (Shotgun) 4-R.Moore left tackle for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the ARI 15 (Q2 5:40) — (5:40) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 23-R.Dowdle for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q2 5:32) — 17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the DAL 25 (Q2 1:31) — (1:31) 5-M.Prater 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the ARI 35 (Q2 1:28) — 5-M.Prater kicks 65 yards from ARI 35 to end zone, Touchback.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the DAL 44 (Q2 0:04) — (:04) 5-M.Prater 62 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal (Q2 0:00) — END QUARTER 2.

The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 3–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the ARI 8 (Q3 9:30) — (9:30) 17-B.Aubrey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger..

The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the ARI 8 (Q4 9:36) — (9:36) 17-B.Aubrey 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q4 7:27) — (7:27) (Shotgun) 9-J.Dobbs pass short right to 2-M.Brown for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-D.Lawrence].; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q4 7:22) — 5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Arizona Cardinals (Q1 14:36) — (14:36) (Shotgun) 9-J.Dobbs left end to DAL 29 for 44 yards (26-D.Bland). [WPA +11.9% · EPA +3.33]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q2 5:40) — (5:40) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 23-R.Dowdle for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.2% · EPA +2.98]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 9:28) — (9:28) (Shotgun) 9-J.Dobbs pass deep right to 14-Mi.Wilson pushed ob at DAL 7 for 69 yards (28-M.Hooker, 33-D.Clark). [WPA +9.3% · EPA +4.37]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q2 4:49) — (4:49) (Shotgun) 6-J.Conner left tackle pushed ob at DAL 49 for 26 yards (1-J.Kearse). [WPA +7.8% · EPA +2.26]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q2 12:38) — (12:38) (Shotgun) 4-R.Moore left tackle for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.6% · EPA +3.81]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Dallas Cowboys (Q4 3:05) — (3:05) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short middle intended for 3-B.Cooks INTERCEPTED by 7-K.White at ARI -4. Touchback. [WPA -4.1% · EPA -4.91]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 9:28) — (9:28) (Shotgun) 9-J.Dobbs pass deep right to 14-Mi.Wilson pushed ob at DAL 7 for 69 yards (28-M.Hooker, 33-D.Clark). [WPA +9.3% · EPA +4.37]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q2 12:38) — (12:38) (Shotgun) 4-R.Moore left tackle for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +7.6% · EPA +3.81]
  • Dallas Cowboys (Q3 12:12) — (12:12) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass deep right to 88-C.Lamb pushed ob at ARI 22 for 32 yards (13-K.Clark). [WPA +5.5% · EPA +3.69]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 12:35 · DAL 21 · Score 0-3
    (12:35) 5-M.Prater 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.
  2. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 6:16 · DAL 5 · Score 0-9
    (6:16) 6-J.Conner right end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 1:52 · ARI 31 · Score 3-9
    (1:52) 17-B.Aubrey 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  4. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 12:38 · DAL 45 · Score 3-15
    (12:38) (Shotgun) 4-R.Moore left tackle for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 5:40 · ARI 15 · Score 9-15
    (5:40) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass short right to 23-R.Dowdle for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 5:32 · ARI 15 · Score 10-15
    17-B.Aubrey extra point is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  7. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 1:31 · DAL 25 · Score 10-18
    (1:31) 5-M.Prater 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.
  8. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 1:28 · ARI 35 · Score 10-18
    5-M.Prater kicks 65 yards from ARI 35 to end zone, Touchback.
  9. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 0:04 · DAL 44 · Score 10-21
    (:04) 5-M.Prater 62 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.
  10. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 0:00 · Score 10-21
    END QUARTER 2
  11. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 9:30 · ARI 8 · Score 13-21
    (9:30) 17-B.Aubrey 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  12. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q4 9:36 · ARI 8 · Score 16-21
    (9:36) 17-B.Aubrey 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-T.Sieg, Holder-5-B.Anger.
  13. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 7:27 · DAL 2 · Score 16-27
    (7:27) (Shotgun) 9-J.Dobbs pass short right to 2-M.Brown for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN [90-D.Lawrence].
  14. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 7:22 · DAL 15 · Score 16-28
    5-M.Prater extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-16-N.Cooney.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Arizona Cardinals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Michael Gallup (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Dak Prescott (DAL) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
  • Joshua Dobbs (ARI) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals on 2023-09-24?

The Arizona Cardinals beat the Dallas Cowboys 28-16 in Week 3, 2023.

What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals?

Q1: Dallas Cowboys 3, Arizona Cardinals 9; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 7, Arizona Cardinals 18; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 3, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 3, Arizona Cardinals 7; Final: Dallas Cowboys 16, Arizona Cardinals 28.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals?

Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. Conner (Q1 6:16) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — R. Moore (Q2 12:38) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — R. Dowdle (D. Prescott pass) (Q2 5:40) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Brown (J. Dobbs pass) (Q4 7:27) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q1 12:35, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q1 1:52, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q2 1:31, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q2 1:28, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — M. Prater (Q2 0:04, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — unlisted player (Q2 0:00, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q3 9:30, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — B. Aubrey (Q4 9:36, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals?

Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), 50.0% completion, -3.3% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.73 total passing EPA. Joshua Dobbs (Arizona Cardinals), 56.7% completion, +10.5% CPOE, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +4.98 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Dallas Cowboys vs Arizona Cardinals?

Michael Gallup (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +5.89 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 7 snaps. Their top snap (+2.29 EPA): (14:15) (Shotgun) 4-D.Prescott pass incomplete short right to 13-M.Gallup. PENALTY on ARI-13-K.Clark, Defensive Pass Interference, 14 yards, enforced at DAL 37 - No Play..

Season records after this game

Dallas Cowboys

Entered 2-0 Now 2-1 L

Arizona Cardinals

Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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