The Arizona Cardinals (2–5) head into their Monday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1) at AT&T Stadium with urgency to turn around a season that’s quickly slipping away.
Their starting quarterback, Kyler Murray, has missed the last two games due to a mid-foot sprain, but after a bye last week is reportedly expected to return in Week 9.
Here are five things to know about the Cowboys’ upcoming opponent:
Coaching inconsistency
Cowboys
Head coach Jonathan Gannon is now in his third season leading the Cardinals, but his tenure has been marked by turbulence rather than triumph.
His most controversial moment came in Week 5 against the Titans, when a sideline confrontation with running back Emari Demercado drew widespread criticism. After Demercado fumbled away a potential 72-yard touchdown, Gannon was seen yelling at the player and swiping his arm in a manner that appeared to make contact. The incident led to a $100,000 fine from the team.
Gannon’s coaching record stands at 14–27 (.341 win percentage). Before joining Arizona, he served as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping guide them a Super Bowl LVII appearance. Despite his pedigree, the Cardinals have struggled under his leadership, most notably losing three games this season after leading by a touchdown in the fourth quarter, which had never happened in NFL history.
Arizona enters Week 9 on a five-game losing streak, and Gannon’s five-year contract, signed in 2023, is beginning to look increasingly tenuous. The pressure is mounting, and the spotlight is squarely on the Cardinals’ sideline.
Waiting for Murray
Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, has yet to fully deliver on the franchise-altering expectations that came with his selection. The Bedford native has just one playoff appearance to date, a lopsided 34–11 loss to the Rams in the Wild Card round four postseasons ago.
Murray is battling a mid-foot sprain that has sidelined him for the last two games (vs. Colts and Packers). Through five starts this season, he’s posted 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions and 101 completions on 161 attempts for a 68% completion rate. Historically, Murray has performed well against Dallas, throwing for 451 yards and four touchdowns in two career games, both wins, versus the Cowboys.
If he’s unable to suit up for Week 9, the Cardinals will turn to veteran Jacoby Brissett, a well-traveled backup who’s played for the Patriots, Colts, Dolphins, Commanders and now Arizona. In two starts this season, Brissett has been solid with 599 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Whether it’s Murray or Brissett under center, the Cardinals will need sharp quarterback play to beat the Cowboys.
Offensive struggles
Arizona’s offense has sputtered throughout the season, a major reason they sit at the bottom of the NFC West. The unit has struggled to find rhythm or consistency, reflected in their league rankings:
– 21.9 points per game (19th in the NFL)
– 310.3 total yards per game (22nd)
– 199.9 passing yards per game (23rd)
– 110.4 rushing yards per game (20th)
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is in his third season with the team, having previously coached with the Browns and Vikings. He’s faced criticism from players, including Murray, who questioned Petzing’s decision to run the ball three straight times in the fourth quarter of the Titans’ loss.
“Really don’t know what to think about that,” Murray said. “That’s how to lose a game 101. That was crazy.”
Defense needs a boost
The Cardinals’ defense hasn’t fared much better. They’re allowing 335.7 yards per game (19th in NFL) and 22.0 points per game (13th). That should be a concern against a Cowboys offense averaging 384.1 yards and 30.8 points per game, both second-best in the league.
Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. leads the team with 53 tackles, while Josh Sweat has a team-high five sacks.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, hired in 2023 at age 29 to become the youngest coordinator in the NFL, was previously the Eagles’ linebackers coach. Head coach Gannon praised Rallis as “brilliant” and “high character,” saying he has full confidence in him to run the defense.
Odds and series history
The Cowboys are 2.5-point favorites at home, according to ESPN BET as of Tuesday, with an over/under set at 54.5. Cowboys lead all-time series 56–35–1 (including one postseason game). The Cardinals have won seven of the last 10 matchups. According to 10,000 simulations by Dimers’ NFL model, the Cowboys have a 60% chance of winning, with a projected score of 30–27.
Fantasy spotlight: With Trey Benson out since Week 5 due to a knee injury, Michael Carter initially took over Arizona’s RB1 duties. But it’s Bam Knight who has emerged as the lead back. In Week 7’s loss to the Packers, Knight handled 14 carries for 57 yards and caught three of four targets for 7 yards. It was his second straight game as the primary back, and he’s expected to retain that role in Week 9 against Dallas, making him an intriguing fantasy option.
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