Cardinals Humble America’s Team with a Statement Win

There’s nothing more exciting than two teams that have no choice but to win. The Cardinals and the Cowboys were nowhere near the top of their division heading into this game. Both teams had a lot to prove. The Cardinals showed they were the better team, winning 27-17. The Cardinals’ offense looked more electric than it has all season, while the defense dominated the Cowboys’ offense. The only blemish came on special teams, which were absolutely atrocious. The Cardinals will need to carry this win’s momentum into the weeks ahead.​

Special Teams Literally Drop the Ball

How difficult is it to block a punt? It’s not that difficult when you’re facing the Cardinals’ punt team apparently. In one of the most disastrous plays of the season, the center of the Cardinals’ protection collapsed as they tried to punt the ball away. The Cardinals’ punter punted it straight at the Cowboys’ defender, who was running at him full speed. The ball was punted from the Cardinals 20-yard line and launched back into the endzone after the deflection. The Cowboys recovered it and scored a touchdown. This was the Cowboys’ first touchdown. Plays like that can not happen if the Cardinals want to make the playoffs.​

Jacoby Brissett Emerges Despite No Help From Offensive Line

Jacoby Brissett has resurrected an offense that has been lifeless for much of the season. He did not have much help from his offensive line, as he was sacked five times. However, he was able to prove that he is a worthy starter. Brissett threw 31 passes and completed 21 of them. He threw for 261 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He looked calm and collected in the pocket and did not force any play if it wasn’t there. Brissett brought out the best in his wide receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr. looked sharper than he has in weeks with 96 receiving yards and one touchdown. Trey McBride had 55 receiving yards and one touchdown. It will be interesting to see whether Jacoby Brissett or Kyler Murray will start once Murray is healthy again. Jacoby Brissett has played well enough to ask that question.

Cardinals Defense Steps Up

The defensive team that has the most turnovers will typically win the game. That was evident tonight. The Cardinals' defense had two fumble recoveries and one interception, which ended up sealing the game near the end. Dak Prescott was constantly under pressure. He was not the calm and collected Dak Prescott that he usually is in the pocket. The Cardinals sacked him five times. The Cardinals' defense destroyed any momentum that the Cowboys had going, by capitalizing on their opportunities. Two teams with no choice but to win makes for a competitive football game. Before this game, the Cardinals had lost five games straight. Losing was not an option, and they played like it. They proved that their season is not over. However, they must keep winning if they want to keep this a reality.