Former Browns QB, Coach Get First Win in the Desert
The Arizona Cardinals, projected to be one of the worst teams in the league in 2023, got their first victory of the season, defeating the Dallas Cowboys. Former Cleveland Browns quarterbacks coach Drew Petzing and quarterback Joshua Dobbs were key components in the 28-16 victory, the first victory for Dobbs as a starter in his NFL career.
Petzing accepted the offensive coordinator when Jonathan Gannon took the head coaching job with the Cardinals. The Cardinals have been able to put up points in the first half only to falter in the second half. Like the first two games, the Cardinals got out to a quick 9-0 start, but they were able to protect the lead in the second half.
The Cardinals opted to swap draft picks with the Browns to get Joshua Dobbs, a quarterback that was familiar with what Petzing wanted to do on offense. The Browns received a fifth-round pick in exchange for Dobbs and their seventh-round pick in 2024 They even cut veteran quarterback Colt McCoy to clear the way for Dobbs to be the interim starter as the team continues to wait for Kyler Murray to recover from an ACL injury.
The Cowboys came into Arizona with the best defense in the league. Dobbs was able to find receivers and make plays down the field, completing 17 of his 21 passes for a modest 189 yards and a touchdown. He utilized his legs to run for 54 yards, including a 44-yard scamper on the opening drive of the game that ended with a field goal.
Dobbs played this game much like he did much of the preseason when he was with the Browns. Made smart plays and mixed in some excitement with his legs. This time, he did it against a stacked defense and one of the early favorites to win the Super Bowl, handing them their first loss of the season.
Petzing's playcalling set up some splash plays such as a Rondale Moore handoff that went for 45 yards and a touchdown.
It's a big win for Gannon, Petzing and Dobbs. Not only did the Cardinals get the win, but they may have handed the title of best defense in the NFL to the Browns, if only temporarily.
