The Arizona Cardinals snapped their five-game losing streak with a dominant 27-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett excelled in his third start, accounting for three touchdowns and igniting a debate over the team’s starting role once Kyler Murray is healthy.
On a cool November evening in Arlington, Texas, the Arizona Cardinals delivered a statement performance that could reshape their season. Facing a Dallas Cowboys team desperate to stay in playoff contention, the Cardinals controlled the game from start to finish, ending a frustrating skid that had seen them lose five consecutive games by narrow margins. The victory not only provided a morale boost but also highlighted the effectiveness of Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, raising immediate questions about the team’s direction moving forward.
Jacoby Brissett, the 32-year-old veteran filling in for the injured Kyler Murray, turned in another impressive outing, completing 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He added a one-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime, capping an 11-play, 74-yard drive that extended Arizona’s lead to 17-7. Brissett now has 860 passing yards, six touchdowns, and only one pick in his three starts this season, outperforming Murray’s production in several key metrics. His poise in the pocket and ability to distribute the ball efficiently were evident, as he connected with multiple receivers and kept the Cowboys’ defense off balance throughout the night.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was a primary beneficiary of Brissett’s precision, setting career highs with seven receptions and 96 yards, including a four-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. Tight end Trey McBride continued his strong connection with Brissett, hauling in a 12-yard scoring pass and now having four touchdown receptions in the three games Brissett has started. The Cardinals’ offense surpassed 300 total yards for the third straight game, a feat achieved only once in Murray’s five starts this year. This offensive resurgence was complemented by a solid ground game and timely plays, such as Michael Wilson’s 50-yard reception that set up a score after halftime.
The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, endured a night of frustration, failing to build on the momentum of a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Marshawn Kneeland in the second quarter. That special teams score cut Arizona’s lead to 10-7, but the Cowboys’ defense immediately yielded two long touchdown drives, and the offense sputtered in critical moments. Dallas reached the red zone on their opening possession but came away empty after Dak Prescott was sacked on fourth down, one of five sacks he suffered on the night. The Cowboys were 0-for-3 on fourth-down attempts and struggled on third downs, allowing the Cardinals to convert 7 of 9 opportunities in the first half alone.
Arizona’s defense played a pivotal role, with Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell each recording two sacks and applying consistent pressure on Prescott. The unit forced two fumbles, including one by Javonte Williams late in the game that sealed the victory. For the Cowboys, the loss drops them to 3-5-1 and increases the urgency for potential trades before the deadline, as their playoff hopes dim in a competitive NFC landscape. First-year coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the need for aggression but lamented the execution failures that plagued his team.
The win lifts Arizona to 3-5 and injects hope into a season that had been trending downward. Coach Jonathan Gannon deflected questions about a quarterback controversy, stating that Brissett remains the backup for now, but the performance undoubtedly complicates the decision once Murray is cleared to play. The Cardinals next travel to face the Seattle Seahawks, while the Cowboys enter their bye week before a Monday night game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17. This victory could serve as a turning point for Arizona, emphasizing the depth and resilience of the roster amid adversity.