The Arizona Cardinals snapped their five-game losing streak with a 10-point victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, the Arizona Cardinals didn’t blink. The Cardinals played fast, physical, and found a way to win. “Good Win. Good week of practice. Energy was there, focus was there, and it was good to see us close out a game.” Head Coach Jonathan Gannon said postgame. “There were a lot of guys who stepped up and made a lot of plays. That’s what it takes.”
Rookie Class Shines
Walter Nolen III made his highly anticipated NFL debut against the Dallas Cowboys. The rookie defensive tackle had been sidelined with a calf injury since the start of training camp. In his first NFL game, the 16th overall draft pick flashed his potential. Walter Nolen recorded one sack, two tackles for loss, and one batted pass.
Two plays after Walter Nolen’s first career sack, a pair of rookies made a game-changing play. On third-and-12, Dak Prescott threw a pass to running back Javonte Williams in the flat. Second-round pick Will Johnson met Javonte Williams at the line of scrimmage and grabbed hold of his left leg. However, Williams continued to fight for extra yards. Linebacker Cody Simon flew to the scene and went right after the ball. The rookie linebacker was able to strip the football away from the Cowboys’ running back in textbook fashion.
Cornerback Denzel Burke sealed the win with an interception late in the fourth quarter. The fifth-round pick out of Ohio State had a productive night. Burke finished with six total tackles and two pass defensed.
The rookies played a significant role in tonight’s victory. General Manager Monti Ossenfort has to be pleased with their performance.
Offense Continues to Roll With Brissett
In his third start this season, Jacoby Brissett completed 21-of-31 passes for 262 yards. Brissett threw two touchdown passes and scored one rushing touchdown.
Brissett fed wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. early and often. In the first half, Marvin recorded six receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown. He finished Week 9 with a career-high seven receptions.
After three weeks, Jacoby Brissett continues to show command of the offense. The Arizona Cardinals have averaged 25.6 points per game and 356.6 yards per game with Brissett at the helm.
Defense Dominates Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys have averaged 41.3 points per game at home this season. However, the Arizona Cardinals’ defense stood tall in Week 9, holding the Cowboys to 17 points. According to Next Gen Stats, the Arizona Cardinals generated 15 pressures and a season-high five sacks. Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat both had two sacks apiece. In addition, the Cardinals’ defense recorded three takeaways (two fumbles, one interception). Overall, the Arizona Cardinals had one of their best games following the bye week.
What’s Next
The Arizona Cardinals will clash with the 6-2 Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 10.
–Follow Dan Loya on X @DLoya_NFL
