The Dallas Cowboys got back to their roots and figured out the running game for the first time in 2026. Against Philadelphia, Dallas successfully ran the rock, establishing the run early and developing a ground-and-pound attitude all game long. In Week 8, they should abandon that identity.

The Arizona Cardinals, their opponent this week, allow in -0.139 EPA/rush, which ranks No. 8 in the NFL this year. Their pass defense, on the other hand, allows a +0.292 EPA/dropback, which ranks third worst in the NFL behind only Miami and, yes, Dallas.

The Cardinals defensive philosophy is built around loading the box and stopping the run. They operate out of base defense 50 percent of the time, which is almost unheard of in today’s NFL. They are among the worst in big plays allowed because they are committed to making things difficult up front. This is tough to run on but allows ample opportunity downfield for explosive plays.

Given Arizona’s propensity to play base defense, the Cowboys would be well-served to go heavy on 11 personnel. Spreading the Cardinals out will produce some very savory matchups which will inevitably match a Dallas receiver with a linebacker or safety. It’s a situation the Cowboys should be able to win majority of the time making it something to look for every time Arizona stays in base defense.

This also plays to the Cowboys’ favor since their tight end group has been underperforming and Luke Schoonmaker’s participation is in question. When the Cowboys do need to go big they can lean on their secret weapon in short yardage or even Hunter Luepke when they shift to 21 personnel.

What this doesn’t mean is Dallas has to abandon the run completely and go full on pass-happy.

Running opportunities should be based on box counts and success rate. When the box headcount favors a run, the Cowboys should absolutely audible to a run. When the numbers are big in the box, Dallas should go through the air instead and play to the matchup.  

The Cardinals are good at stopping the run and committed to stopping the run. For as nice as it would be for the Cowboys to impose their will and play with a run-heavy focus again this week, it would play right into the hands the Cardinals. Unless Arizona adjusts this week, pulling their coverage back to stop the big plays, the Cowboys should be a pass-first offense. But as long as the Cardinals live in base defense and sell out to stop the run, the advantage for Dallas is through the air.