The Arizona Cardinals turned their season around with a commanding 27-10 victory against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on “Monday Night Football.” This win brought an end to their five-game losing streak, showcasing a performance that was both impressive and critical for the team.
Despite some late-game struggles reminiscent of earlier losses this season, this victory did more than just halt their losing ways; it sparked a potential quarterback controversy. Kyler Murray, who has a lucrative contract, has been the starting quarterback, but the offense appeared more dynamic and effective with Jacoby Brissett at the helm. In just three starts, Brissett has produced the top three passing performances of the season for the Cardinals, a remarkable feat considering he has played significantly fewer games than Murray.
In this game, the Cardinals” offense surpassed 300 yards for the third consecutive week, a significant improvement compared to their performance during the first five games with Murray as the starter. The decision on who will lead the offense moving forward is becoming increasingly complex.
Key Performances and Trends
Marvin Harrison Jr. stood out with a career-best performance, recording seven receptions for 96 yards. This was his first game with eight targets in the first half, marking a notable achievement for the young receiver. Additionally, Trey McBride continued to impress, scoring his fourth touchdown in just three games with Brissett as the starting quarterback.
Brissett himself had another strong outing, throwing for an impressive number of yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His stats now stand at six touchdowns and just one interception across his three starts.
Cowboys Face Tough Road Ahead
For the Dallas Cowboys, the loss was disheartening, dropping their record to 3-5-1. This setback complicates their path to the playoffs, as they will need significant help from other teams to remain competitive in the NFC East. The defense continues to struggle, and while trades could be on the horizon to bolster the roster, the current state of the team raises concerns.
Even with the absence of Murray, who has an undefeated record at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys could not contain Brissett and the Cardinals” offense. Their inability to score touchdowns during critical moments, including two goal-to-go situations, proved costly. A potential comeback attempt was thwarted by a late fumble, leaving the team to reflect on this performance during their bye week.
As they prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17, the Cowboys must address their persistent issues, particularly in the first quarter where they have struggled significantly this season.
