Cardinals Upset Cowboys on Monday Night Football

The Arizona Cardinals have pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 27-17 on Monday Night Football to end Week 9. This unexpected turn of events has significant implications for both teams, with the Cardinals ending a five-game skid and the Cowboys dropping to 3-5-1 in a weaker-than-expected NFC East.

Game Overview

Arizona established its dominance early in the game and never allowed Dallas to gain momentum, with the exception of a rare blocked punt that was recovered in the end zone for a Cowboys touchdown. Dak Prescott attempted a comeback after a shaky first half, but the Cardinals’ pass rush eased any worries given their recent collapses in fourth quarters.

Impact of the Win

The win moved Arizona to 3-5, with divisional opponents Seattle and San Francisco next in a tight NFC West battle. Meanwhile, Dallas enters its bye week looking for answers once again. The outcome of this game has significant implications for the playoff hopes of both teams.

Winners and Losers

WINNER: Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals

Backup quarterbacks have been crucial this season, and Jacoby Brissett is no exception. Despite starting in the last two losses, Brissett helped keep the games close. Against the Cowboys, he went for 261 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no picks on 21 of 31 completions, also adding a QB sneak score. Brissett’s performance may not be enough to lift Arizona into the playoffs, but it’s been good enough to stick around as a QB2 and emergency QB1 for postseason hopefuls.

LOSER: Dallas Turnovers

Turnovers can dictate games, and in this case, Dallas’s three turnovers were costly. Prescott was at fault for one interception late in the game and should have had another early, but it was a pure drop by Mack Wilson Sr. Jake Ferguson and Javonte Williams both lost fumbles, while George Pickens fumbled twice, fortunately without any significant consequences. The Cowboys haven’t been good enough from a pure football standpoint this season, with simple fundamentals proving costly.

WINNER: Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. had one of his best games in a Cardinals jersey, catching seven passes on 10 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. He looked every bit of the WR1 potential he’s often flashed, thanks in part to developing chemistry with Brissett. Harrison Jr. also left with a highlight-reel route against DaRon Bland, who had issues covering the wideout all night.

LOSER: Kyler Murray, Cardinals

Arizona’s QB1 is in a tough spot, still nursing an injury. However, it’s not a good sign that the Cardinals’ offense operates much smoother without him. Commentators have suggested that Brissett may remain QB1 even when Murray is back, which could lead to Murray becoming unhappy with the developments. If that’s the case, QB-needy teams might start looking into acquiring Murray next offseason.

WINNER: Calais Campbell, Cardinals

Prescott struggled to consistently dice up Arizona’s secondary, thanks in part to the Cardinals’ pass rush. Josh Sweat brought Prescott down twice, and the evergreen veteran Calais Campbell recorded two sacks of his own. At 39 years old, Campbell showed that age is just a number, as he continues to wreak havoc on the field.

Conclusion

The Cardinals’ upset over the Cowboys has significant implications for both teams’ playoff hopes. With the NFC West and NFC East battles heating up, every game counts. The performance of Jacoby Brissett, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Calais Campbell were key to the Cardinals’ victory, while Dallas’s turnovers and Kyler Murray’s uncertain future are concerns for their respective teams.

FAQs

• Q: What was the final score of the game?
  • A: The Arizona Cardinals won 27-17 against the Dallas Cowboys.
• Q: Who was the standout player for the Cardinals?
  • A: Jacoby Brissett, with 261 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no picks.
• Q: What is the current record of the Dallas Cowboys?
  • A: 3-5-1 in the NFC East.
• Q: What is the significance of Calais Campbell’s performance?
  • A: At 39 years old, he showed that veteran players can still make significant contributions, recording two sacks.
• Q: What are the implications for Kyler Murray?
  • A: His future as the starting QB is uncertain, with Brissett’s performance potentially keeping him on the bench even after recovery.