The Arizona Cardinals snapped a five-game losing streak with a gritty 27-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, November 3, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dominant. But for a team that had looked lost since Week 2, it was enough. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, stepping in yet again for the injured Kyler Murray, threw for two touchdowns and ran for another — his third straight strong start in Murray’s absence. The win improved Arizona to 3-5, while Dallas fell to 3-5-1, sinking deeper into the NFC East cellar under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Brissett Holds the Line — Again
Here’s the thing: nobody expected Brissett to carry this team. At 35, he’s not a flashy name. He’s not the future. But right now? He’s the only one who’s keeping the offense from collapsing. Across his three starts, he’s thrown for 860 yards — not a fluke, not a statistical anomaly. He’s been steady. Efficient. And on Monday, he made critical throws when it mattered most.
Early in the second quarter, with the Cardinals trailing 7-3, Brissett hit Marquise Bell for a 12-yard gain on third-and-8, then capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Demercado. Later, he scrambled for a 7-yard touchdown on a designed run, showing the kind of poise that only experience brings. The Cowboys’ defense — once feared — looked slow, confused, and out of sync.
Dallas’ Red Zone Nightmare
Even with a blocked punt recovered for a touchdown by Marshawn Kneeland, Dallas couldn’t capitalize. Three times, they reached Arizona’s 25-yard line. Three times, they came away with zero points. Three times, they failed to convert on fourth down.
The most damning moment came at 12:11 in the fourth quarter. Down 24-17, Dallas faced fourth-and-3 at the Arizona 28. Dak Prescott threw to CeeDee Lamb — a play that should’ve been a first down. Instead, it fell incomplete. The crowd groaned. The momentum died. Arizona took over and methodically ran out the clock.
And then there was the kick. Brandon Aubrey lined up for a 68-yard field goal as time expired in the first half — a shot at tying the NFL record set the day before by Jacksonville’s Cam Little. He had the leg. He had the distance. But the ball sailed wide left. A moment that could’ve shifted the game? It just became another footnote in Dallas’ growing list of self-inflicted wounds.
Injuries and Missed Opportunities
The game was marred by injuries. Max Melton, Arizona’s starting cornerback, left in the first quarter with a concussion and didn’t return. Dallas lost Jack Sanborn to groin issues before kickoff — a blow to their linebacker corps. And while J. Thompson returned for Arizona in the fourth after an earlier exit, the team’s depth is being tested like never before.
On the other side, Justin Sweat sacked Prescott twice, including a critical one late in the fourth that forced a three-and-out. But even that wasn’t enough to spark Dallas’ offense. The Cowboys went 0 for 3 on fourth down. They averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. Prescott completed 21 of 34 passes, but only 118 yards after halftime.
What Now? The Quarterback Question Lingers
After the game, coach Jonathan Gannon was asked — twice — if Brissett had done enough to take over as the starter. His answer? "Nothing’s changed."
That’s not just a dodge. It’s a statement. Gannon believes Murray’s return is imminent — even if it’s not confirmed. But here’s the twist: Brissett has now led the Cardinals to two wins in three starts. The offense has been more balanced. The turnovers have dropped. The players believe in him. And if Murray returns and struggles? The locker room might not let him back in.
Meanwhile, Dallas’ season is unraveling. Schottenheimer, once praised for his calm demeanor, now faces growing fan unrest. The Cowboys haven’t won since October 13. Their defense, once a strength, ranks 28th in points allowed. And with a bye week behind them, the only thing left to do is wait — for injuries to heal, for confidence to return, for a spark that hasn’t come in weeks.
What’s Next?
The Cardinals head to Seattle on Sunday, November 9, to face the Seahawks — a team also fighting for playoff relevance. A win there could put them back in the NFC West conversation. For Dallas, the break comes at the perfect time. But with a Monday night game against Las Vegas on November 17 looming, they’ll need more than rest. They’ll need answers.
Historical Context: A Franchise at a Crossroads
This loss marks the first time Dallas has dropped back-to-back games under Schottenheimer. The franchise hasn’t started a season 3-5-1 since 2017 — and they haven’t missed the playoffs since 2020. The Cardinals, meanwhile, ended their longest skid since 2023, when they lost six straight. That team eventually fired its coach. This one? Still holding on.
What’s clear: Arizona’s offense is no longer just a liability. It’s a threat — even without Murray. And Dallas? They’re running out of time, options, and excuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t Kyler Murray returned yet?
Murray is still recovering from a foot injury sustained in Week 2. The Cardinals are being cautious, with no official return date. Brissett’s performance has given the team flexibility — they can afford to wait until he’s 100%, especially with a bye week coming for Dallas and a tough road schedule ahead for Arizona.
How did Brissett’s stats compare to Murray’s this season?
Murray averaged 215 passing yards and 1.8 TDs per game before his injury. Brissett, in three starts, has thrown for 860 yards (287 avg), 2 TDs, 1 INT, and added a rushing score. His completion rate is 68%, higher than Murray’s 63% this season. While Murray has more big-play potential, Brissett’s consistency has kept drives alive.
What’s the significance of Dallas going 0 for 3 on fourth down?
Dallas has now failed on 7 of their last 11 fourth-down attempts this season — the worst rate in the NFC. Coaches have been overly conservative, often opting for field goals instead of going for it. Against Arizona, they had three red zone opportunities and scored just three points. That’s not just bad luck — it’s a systemic failure in decision-making.
Could this loss cost Brian Schottenheimer his job?
Not immediately. The Cowboys have invested heavily in Schottenheimer’s system. But if they lose to Las Vegas on November 17 and fall to 3-6-1, pressure will mount. Ownership has shown patience, but a 3-8-1 finish would make 2025 their worst season since 2020 — and likely trigger front-office changes.
Is Jacoby Brissett the long-term answer at QB for Arizona?
No — but he might be the best short-term solution. Brissett isn’t a franchise quarterback. He’s a bridge. But with Murray’s injury history and the team’s lack of depth at QB, Arizona may have to reconsider their 2026 draft plans. If Brissett keeps winning, the organization might prioritize defense or offensive line over another QB next year.
Why did Arizona’s red zone efficiency improve?
Arizona converted 5 of 6 red zone trips into touchdowns — their best rate since Week 1. That’s thanks to Brissett’s patience, better blocking from the offensive line, and smarter play-calling. They avoided risky throws and used short passes and runs to methodically move the ball. Dallas, by contrast, collapsed under pressure.
