The Arizona Cardinals ended their five-game losing streak with a decisive 27-10 victory against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday Night Football. This win not only halted their recent struggles but also sparked a potential quarterback controversy for the team.
Despite the presence of Kyler Murray, the Cardinals” regular starter with a lucrative contract, the offense displayed enhanced efficiency under Jacoby Brissett, who has now led the team to three of their best passing performances of the season. Notably, the Cardinals surpassed 300 offensive yards for the third consecutive game, a feat they achieved only once during Murray”s initial five games this season.
Among the standout performances, Marvin Harrison Jr. recorded a career-high seven receptions for 96 yards, showcasing his growing impact on the field. His performance included a substantial 80 yards in the first half, marking his best first-half showing since the second week of the previous season.
A key trend to monitor is the connection between Brissett and tight end Trey McBride, who has found the end zone four times in just three games under Brissett, compared to five touchdowns in 39 games with Murray at quarterback. Brissett”s productivity continued as he threw for two touchdowns without any interceptions, raising his seasonal total to six touchdowns with only one interception across his starts.
Next up for the Cardinals is a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on November 17.
On the other hand, the loss has left the Cowboys” playoff aspirations hanging by a thread. With a record of 3-5-1, the path to the postseason appears daunting, requiring additional support from other teams in the NFC East and wild-card standings.
The Cowboys struggled defensively against the Cardinals, who capitalized on their third-down opportunities, converting seven out of nine attempts in the first half alone. This performance highlights ongoing defensive issues, particularly on third downs, where the Cowboys have ranked among the league”s worst.
After a blocked punt led to a touchdown, the Cowboys had a chance to shift momentum but failed to stop a crucial drive from the Cardinals, who extended their lead to ten points before halftime. This defeat marked another tough outing for Dak Prescott, who has a poor record when trailing by ten or more points at halftime.
The Cowboys must now reflect on this performance during their bye week and prepare for their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17.
