In a much-needed turnaround, Jacoby Brissett threw for two touchdowns and added another on the ground, stepping in once more for Kyler Murray. The Arizona Cardinals halted a five-game losing streak with a 27-17 victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.
Playing his third straight game as a starter, expectations had initially suggested that Murray would return from his foot injury following the team”s bye week. However, Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals” head coach, confirmed that Murray was not quite ready to play. The victory marked just the second time in the last 18 games that Arizona triumphed when Murray either did not take at least five snaps or was sidelined entirely.
Despite the Cowboys” momentum following a blocked punt by Sam Williams that was recovered in the end zone by Marshawn Kneeland, they fell behind after conceding significant touchdown drives on either side of halftime, trailing 24-7.
Marvin Harrison had a standout performance for the Cardinals, recording a career-high seven receptions for 96 yards, including a four-yard touchdown catch that opened the scoring. Tight end Trey McBride also contributed with a 12-yard touchdown reception. Following the Cowboys” initial score, the Cardinals dominated, averaging 10.8 yards on their next 15 plays, highlighted by a 50-yard catch and run by Michael Wilson.
The Cowboys had a promising start, reaching the Arizona 7-yard line on their first possession but were unable to capitalize on a failed fourth-down conversion. Under first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas lost consecutive games for the first time this season, managing only three points on their first three drives inside the red zone, which ultimately led to a 17-point deficit entering the fourth quarter.
While Brissett had lost his first two games as a starter, he displayed solid performance once again, completing 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards without an interception. In the three games he has played without Murray, Brissett has amassed 760 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception.
The Cowboys” final hopes dwindled after a second lost fumble, when Javonte Williams had the ball stripped from him on a short reception with under five minutes remaining. Dak Prescott managed only one touchdown pass, a five-yarder to Ryan Flournoy in the fourth quarter, after failing to score the previous week. The team struggled offensively, and kicker Brandon Aubrey missed a 68-yard field goal attempt just before halftime, which would have tied the NFL record set only a day before.
Injuries played a role in the game as well, with Cardinals cornerback Max Melton sidelined due to a concussion early in the matchup, while Cowboys linebacker Jack Sanborn was placed on injured reserve prior to kickoff.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday, while the Cowboys will have a bye week before traveling to Las Vegas for another Monday night contest on November 17.
