The Arizona Cardinals have not had a good rushing attack in 2026. However, if they are going to have a chance to beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, there is a possibility it could be a breakout game.
The Cowboys' rush defense has not been good. They have allowed over 120 rushing yards five times in seven games. They have allowed 165 or more four times. They have allowed the most rushing yards in the league. They give up 4.7 yards per carry, which ranks 27th.
The problem is the Cardinals have been bad at running the football. They are 23rd in rushing yards and, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt, are 30th.
What is worse is the Cardinals invested in the run game. They signed left guard Isaac Seumalo. They drafted guard Chase Bisontis in the second round.
They signed running back Tyler Allgeier to a two-year contract in free agency and drafted Jeremiyah Love third overall.
Seumalo has been solid. However, Bisontis is out for the season. Allgeier has averaged 2.9 yards per rush. Love has missed two games and has averaged only 3.7 yards per rush.
Love could return to the starting lineup, but the offensive line could be almost all backups. Rookie Jayden Williams is playing left tackle after Paris Johnson was lost for the season. Center Hjalte Froholdt hurt his knee this week and likely will be questionable to play. Hayden Conner, the Cardinals' No. 4 right guard, likely will start.
That isn't good news for the offense in general, most less for the run game.
How successful the Cardinals are at running the football on Sunday will be a big part of their success or lack of success in beating the Cowboys.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals' rushing attack will be key vs. Dallas Cowboys
