Steve Edwards’ Arizona Cardinals improved to a perfect 2-0 on the season with a tightly contested 26-23 win over the Miami Dolphins at University of Phoenix Stadium. This nail-biter marked another step forward for a team focused on continuity and momentum in the early stages of the 2016 campaign.

From the opening quarter, the Cardinals leveraged a strong special teams performance. Punter David Phillips consistently flipped field position with multiple long punts, including a notable 53-yarder in the third quarter that pinned Miami deep inside their own territory. Meanwhile, kicker Terry McFalls was a clutch contributor, converting all four field goal attempts, including a critical 25-yarder as time expired in the second quarter to give Arizona a 12-7 edge at halftime. McFalls’ perfect kicking night proved vital in a low-scoring, defensive battle.

Offensively, the Cardinals’ attack featured a balanced approach. Quarterback Frank Atkins completed 29-of-44 passes for 175 yards, though he was limited to zero passing touchdowns and took two interceptions. The running game saw Matthew Ligon shoulder the workload effectively, rushing for 80 yards and adding 39 receiving yards, giving the Cardinals a reliable ground presence. However, Arizona struggled in the red zone, unable to punch in touchdowns but still held an advantage due to their perfection in field goal situations.

Miami fought hard behind quarterback Gerardo Howard’s 272 yards and two passing touchdowns, connecting well with tight end Harold Metzler, who hauled in 101 receiving yards and scored a rushing touchdown. The Dolphins also showed versatility with Lorenzo Bourgeois, who contributed 61 rushing yards and a touchdown reception. Despite this offensive firepower, Miami’s drive was hampered by missed kicking opportunities, most notably Gary Guzman’s missed field goals, including a wide-right attempt in the third quarter that could have closed the gap further.

The Cardinals’ defense came up with two interceptions, one of which was a momentum-swinging takeaway by Philip Adams early in the third quarter. This helped keep Miami just within reach but unable to overtake the lead. Arizona also applied pressure, registering a sack and forcing critical stops in crucial moments. Although penalties were a factor for both sides, with 49 yards against the Cardinals and 31 yards against Miami, the home team managed to stay disciplined enough to hold their advantage.

In a defining late third-quarter moment, Miami scored via a 4-yard touchdown run by Lorenzo Bourgeois following a Cardinals fumble by Matthew Ligon. However, the extra point was missed, which proved critical as the game remained within reach for Arizona. The Cardinals relied on their special teams and defense to close out the contest, adding to their early season narrative of resilience and steady improvement under Coach Edwards.

This victory solidifies Arizona’s position atop the division at 2-0, critical following their opening win and now holding a division record of 1-0. With a stout defense, dependable kicking, and a methodical offense, the Cardinals continue building the foundation needed for sustained success. Fans will be encouraged that despite offensive struggles in the red zone, the team’s complementary football ensured the win and set the tone for the weeks ahead.

Steven Edwards can take satisfaction in his squad’s ability to grind out close victories, a trait often seen in playoff-bound teams. The Cardinals showcased cohesion and depth, attributes cultivated throughout the offseason and early regular season. If they continue this trend, Arizona remains a force to be reckoned with in the competitive division and league at large.