The SportsLine projection model has revealed its Dallas vs. Arizona Cardinals picks for the 2025 NFL Week 9 'Monday Night Football' game
The Arizona Cardinals finally broke free from their slump, thanks to Jacoby Brissett’s steady leadership and sharp play. On Monday night, Brissett threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, guiding Arizona to a 27-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys and ending a painful five-game skid.
Brissett Steps Up Amid Murray’s Absence
The week began with hope that Kyler Murray might return from his foot injury. But as game day neared, head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Murray wasn’t quite ready. That meant Brissett, the veteran backup, would start his third consecutive game.
The 32-year-old didn’t disappoint. Completing 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards, Brissett displayed poise, precision, and confidence. He avoided interceptions and managed the offense effectively — proving once again that he’s more than just a temporary replacement.
When asked if he had done enough to replace Murray, Brissett kept it simple: “I’m just trying to win games and be a good teammate.”
Arizona Cardinals Offense Finds Its Rhythm
Arizona looked composed and purposeful on offense. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison recorded a career-high seven catches for 96 yards, including a four-yard touchdown that opened the scoring. Tight end Trey McBride added a 12-yard TD reception, helping the Cardinals build a solid lead.
After the Cowboys scored off a blocked punt recovered in the end zone, the Cardinals answered swiftly. Their next two drives produced long touchdown marches, each fueled by explosive plays — including Michael Wilson’s thrilling 50-yard catch and run just after halftime.
Those sequences turned momentum decisively in Arizona’s favor, putting them up 24-7 early in the third quarter.
Cowboys Falter Despite Strong Start
Dallas began the game aggressively, reaching Arizona’s 7-yard line on its first drive. But a failed fourth-down attempt set the tone for a frustrating night. Despite their early special teams score, the Cowboys’ offense sputtered repeatedly.
Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 250 yards and one touchdown but couldn’t sustain drives when it mattered most. Dallas went 0-for-3 on fourth-down conversions, missing crucial opportunities to stay in the game.
“We were going to be aggressive all game,” said first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. “I trust our offense. But we didn’t make the plays tonight.”
The Cowboys, now 3-5-1, have lost consecutive games for the first time under Schottenheimer.
Brissett’s Quiet Consistency
Though Arizona dropped his first two starts, Brissett’s individual play has been solid. In three games without Murray, he’s thrown for 860 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception. His composure has been a stabilizing force for a team that had struggled to finish games earlier in the season.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon, however, remains noncommittal about a quarterback controversy. When asked if Brissett had earned the starting role, Gannon replied simply, “Nothing’s changed.”
Still, his performance against Dallas — a team that Murray himself has never lost to at AT&T Stadium — gives Arizona plenty to think about moving forward.
Defensive and Special Teams Highlights
Arizona’s defense tightened when it mattered most, forcing two key fumbles and holding Dallas to just three points on three red-zone trips. The Cowboys’ final hope evaporated when Javonte Williams lost the ball on a short catch late in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey narrowly missed a 68-yard field goal attempt at halftime — a shot that would have tied the NFL record set just a day earlier by Jacksonville’s Cam Little.
Gannon Reflects on the Win
For head coach Jonathan Gannon, the victory carried personal and emotional weight. “I don’t remember the last time we won,” he admitted. “At the bye, I was sitting in the shower thinking, ‘How did I let this happen?’ Everyone in there takes that attitude.”
With the losing streak finally snapped, the Cardinals (3-5) hope this victory marks a turning point. Brissett’s performance has given them renewed confidence — and maybe, just maybe, a new spark at quarterback.
