ARLINGTON, Texas — The Arizona Cardinals snapped a five-game losing streak Monday night, and in doing so, may have created a quarterback controversy.
Jacoby Brissett threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, guiding the Cardinals to a 27–17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in place of injured starter Kyler Murray.
It was Brissett’s third consecutive start, a stretch that began when Murray was expected to return following the team’s bye. But head coach Jonathan Gannon said the former No. 1 overall pick wasn’t quite ready to go. The result — a decisive win and a looming question: has Brissett earned more than just a temporary role?
“Nothing’s changed,” Gannon said, repeating the phrase twice when pressed on the quarterback situation.
For now, Arizona (3–5) will settle for its first win since Week 2 — and just its second victory in the past 18 games without Murray taking a snap.
Brissett Steady, Cowboys Stumble
Brissett was efficient all night, completing 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards, with no interceptions. Over his three starts, he’s now thrown for 860 yards, six touchdowns, and just one pick.
The 32-year-old veteran opened the scoring with a 4-yard strike to Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished with a career-best seven catches for 96 yards. Tight end Trey McBride added a 12-yard touchdown reception, while Brissett’s short rushing score midway through the third quarter gave Arizona control for good.
Dallas (3–5–1) briefly seized momentum in the second quarter when Sam Williams blocked a punt that Marshawn Kneeland recovered in the end zone to make it 14–7. But the Cowboys’ defense collapsed immediately afterward, surrendering long touchdown drives on consecutive possessions.
After the blocked punt, the Cardinals averaged 10.8 yards per play across their next 15 snaps, highlighted by back-to-back 16-yard completions and a 50-yard catch-and-run by Michael Wilson early in the third.
Missed Chances Cost Dallas
The Cowboys moved the ball early but couldn’t finish drives. They reached the Arizona 7-yard line on their opening possession but came away empty after Josh Sweat sacked Dak Prescott on fourth down. Sweat finished with two of Arizona’s five sacks; Calais Campbell added two more in his 250th career game.
Dallas managed just three points on three red-zone trips and went 0-for-3 on fourth down.
“We were going to be aggressive all game,” first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “I liked the calls. We just didn’t make the plays tonight.”
Prescott threw for 250 yards and a late 5-yard touchdown to Ryan Flournoy — the rookie’s first career score — but also tossed an interception on a desperate fourth-and-28 heave in the final minutes.
“We’ve got to figure out how to improve in all phases,” Prescott said. “Special teams gave us a spark with that touchdown, but that was about it.”
A final turnover sealed Dallas’ fate when Javonte Williams fumbled after a short catch with less than five minutes left.
Gannon, Cardinals Snap Skid
The victory marked Arizona’s first since Sept. 15 and Gannon’s first win since Week 2. The coach admitted the losing streak had weighed heavily over the bye week.
“I was sitting there in the shower thinking, ‘How did I let this happen?’” Gannon said. “Everybody in that locker room took ownership of it.”
Murray — undefeated in nine career appearances at AT&T Stadium, including his high school, college, and NFL days — watched from the sideline as Brissett handed him his first symbolic loss in the building.
“I don’t get into all that,” Brissett said when asked about a potential quarterback battle. “I’m just trying to win games and be a good teammate. When my opportunity comes, I’ve got to make the most of it.”
Notes
Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey missed wide left on a 68-yard field goal attempt to end the first half. The try would have tied the NFL record set one day earlier by Jacksonville’s Cam Little.
Cardinals CB Max Melton left in the first quarter with a concussion and did not return.
Cowboys LB Jack Sanborn (groin) was placed on injured reserve before the game.
Up Next:
Cardinals: Visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Cowboys: Bye week; next game Nov. 17 at Las Vegas on Monday Night Football.
