What Are the Keys to Victory for the Cowboys Against the Cardinals?
The Dallas Cowboys are set to try to bounce back as they face off against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. This is a major must-win game for the Cowboys to keep their season afloat after another embarrassing loss to the Broncos in Denver last week. The Cowboys have struggled against the Cardinals in recent memory, losing their last three matchups, with their last win coming in 2017. Arizona got some fortunate news, as Kyler Murray, who has never lost at AT&T Stadium throughout his career, from high school to the pros, will not be starting this game. This injury paves the way for veteran Jacoby Brissett to take the starting role. Even though the Cowboys are up against a backup quarterback, they still need to focus on several key areas to secure a victory.
On offense, Dallas’ strategy is clear: they need to maintain the elite level of play they have shown at home. Averaging over 40 points a game at home, the Cowboys must put points on the board every drive, which is what they have come to accept at this point in the season. The play of Dak Prescott will be huge as always; the matchup between him and Budda Baker will be an important one, too, as Baker is one of the better safeties in the sport today. Prescott looks to bounce back from a disappointing game versus the Broncos, and playing at home is the perfect opportunity.
As for the defense, they have to contain the Cardinals' star players. With the absence of Murray, Brissett will be throwing the ball all around the field, and containing Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. will not be easy. McBride's ability to play in the slot is a huge benefit for this Cardinals offense, so look for a possible DaRon Bland matchup as a vital one to help determine this game. Lastly, getting pressure on Brissett is the most important part for this Dallas defense. This season, the Cowboys have struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, this week presents an ideal opportunity for them to do so against a backup and an offensive line that has areas to expose. The Cowboys aim to secure a win before their bye week, allowing them to regroup for their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in two weeks, which will take place once again on Monday Night Football.
