The Dallas Cowboys’ defense continues to prove that they are the engine, the North Star, and the main course of this team.

Unfortunately, against the Arizona Cardinals, the first half went differently than planned.

If you had to pick one area to critique, it would be the run defense and penalties.

Arizona Quarterback Joshua Dobb had a significant gain but seeing the enforcer in the backfield (Donovan Wilson) back on the field was fantastic.

The safeties helped the defense hold Arizona to only a field goal when initially it looked like it could be more.

The matchup between new play-caller Mike McCarthy and former Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon was an exciting appetizer.

Dallas continued their balanced attack, but having three of your five offensive linemen out tends to minimize any chance of efficiency.

It was a bit confusing for fans to watch Tyron Smith on the sidelines fully dressed, but that’s another topic for another day.

Dak led the second drive to set up a field goal by Brandon Aubrey after Arizona scored.

McCarthy’s use of Hunter Luepke as a blocker and pass catcher felt Kuhn-ish to me.

On the next offensive possession, a screen pass to Rico Dowdle had Dallas overcome their red zone issues with a well-timed touchdown.

The defense is going to have to play cleaner and better to win this game.

Overcoming the absence of your offensive line and penalties is enough to create an upset situation.

From a bird’s eye view, they are playing reactive.

Arizona has speed on offense that you have to account for.

At the moment, the score remains 21-10.

Dallas can turn this around.

But will they?

Their stars (Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard) will have to start shining.

This game is far from over, but everyone should be on high alert.