Jacoby Brissett snaps Cardinals losing streak with 3-TD night vs. Cowboys; Kyler Murray still starter upon return

Jacoby Brissett reminded the NFL world on Sunday night why he’s one of the league’s most reliable backups, delivering a composed, efficient, and commanding performance to help the Arizona Cardinals snap their losing streak against the Dallas Cowboys. His three-touchdown night wasn’t flashy — it was clinical, controlled, and full of the veteran savvy that has defined his career. For one night, the Cardinals’ offense finally found rhythm, balance, and belief — and Brissett was the steady hand guiding it all.

From the opening drive, Brissett looked poised. The Cardinals leaned on short, timed throws to neutralize Dallas’ aggressive pass rush, and it worked to perfection. His ability to stay calm in the pocket, go through progressions, and deliver accurate throws kept the Cowboys’ defense guessing. By halftime, he had already thrown two touchdowns — one to tight end Trey McBride on a perfectly timed seam route, and another to rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who continues to show flashes of superstardom.

This wasn’t a game where Brissett relied on luck or broken plays. It was a masterclass in efficiency. He completed 76% of his passes, avoided turnovers, and commanded the offense like a seasoned conductor. The Cardinals’ play-calling under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing also deserves credit — a balanced mix of quick passes, play action, and designed rollouts that played to Brissett’s strengths. For a team that had been stuck in neutral for weeks, the result was both refreshing and necessary.

Defensively, Arizona fed off that stability. With the offense sustaining drives and keeping Dallas’ potent attack on the sidelines, the Cardinals’ defense looked fresher and sharper than it has in weeks. Micah Parsons still found ways to cause havoc, but Brissett’s quick decision-making limited his impact. By the fourth quarter, the game’s tone had shifted entirely — the Cardinals weren’t hanging on; they were dictating terms.

Brissett’s third touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter — a beautifully thrown back-shoulder pass to Michael Wilson that sealed the game and sent State Farm Stadium into celebration mode. It wasn’t just a score; it was a statement that Arizona’s offense could still function — and thrive — even without its star quarterback, Kyler Murray.

After the final whistle, Brissett remained his usual humble self. “My job is to keep the team moving forward,” he said in the postgame interview. “Kyler’s our guy — I’m just making sure we’re ready when he gets back.” That sentiment perfectly captures why Brissett continues to earn respect wherever he plays. He’s not trying to steal the spotlight — he’s ensuring the team stays afloat.

Kyler Murray, still recovering from a minor hamstring issue, watched from the sideline, visibly engaged and supportive. Head coach Jonathan Gannon reaffirmed after the game that Murray remains the team’s starting quarterback once healthy. “Kyler’s our franchise player,” Gannon said. “But Jacoby did exactly what we brought him here to do — lead, compete, and win.” It’s a dynamic that reflects stability in a league often driven by quarterback controversy.

For Arizona, the win was about more than breaking a losing streak — it was about reclaiming belief. The locker room energy postgame was electric, with players praising Brissett’s composure and leadership. Veterans like James Conner and Budda Baker emphasized how his calm presence translated across both sides of the ball.