Cardinals vs. Cowboys: Dallas Seeks to End Arizona Streak
By Brian Hradsky
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 — 1 p.m. EST — FOX
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys return home Sunday with a chance to reach .500 and end a frustrating recent pattern against Arizona. Dallas enters at 3-4 after beating Philadelphia 38-21 on Monday, while the Cardinals arrive at 2-5. The Week 8 game begins at 1 p.m. EST at AT&T Stadium on FOX. 14
Arizona has won four consecutive meetings and all four of its previous visits to AT&T Stadium. Those results give the matchup an unusual history, but Dallas still must address the football in front of it rather than treat a streak as an explanation. The Cowboys' immediate task is carrying their recent offensive balance into another complete performance. 1
Dallas needs its run game to travel across weeks
The Cowboys' official coverage credited their rushing attack, led by Javonte Williams, with helping unlock the victory over Philadelphia. Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, and Dallas scored the game's final 18 points. Repeating that balance would make it harder for Arizona to devote its coverage entirely to the Cowboys' receivers. 2
Dallas can use successful early runs to influence Arizona's second-level defenders. When linebackers must respect a rushing threat, intermediate passing lanes can become easier to attack. That advantage disappears if the Cowboys turn productive rushing opportunities into obvious passing downs through penalties or poor execution.
The Cardinals should focus on tackling and leverage rather than trying to win every snap with a dramatic backfield play. A modest gain is preferable to a missed tackle that lets Dallas dictate personnel and tempo. Arizona also needs its defensive line to occupy blockers consistently enough for the linebackers to arrive without navigating immediate traffic.
Brissett remains the quarterback
Arizona coach Mike LaFleur reiterated during the week that Jacoby Brissett remained the starting quarterback. The Cardinals' own report also highlighted their recent finishing problem: Arizona converted just one of its past 10 red-zone possessions into a touchdown. That makes scoring-area execution a more useful storyline than speculation about a quarterback change that had not been announced. 3
Inside the 20-yard line, Arizona should seek plays that provide Brissett a clear first answer and a viable outlet. The shorter field gives the defense less territory to protect, making route spacing and timing particularly important. Avoiding a negative first-down play would also preserve the possibility of using the run throughout the possession.
Dallas should recognize that allowing the Cardinals to move the ball does not have to mean allowing touchdowns. Strong red-zone communication can force Arizona to execute several precise plays rather than cash in through a coverage mistake. The Cowboys still need to prevent long gains, because no defense should rely on repeatedly escaping near its goal line.
Matchup details to monitor
Arizona's early-week report included offensive linemen Elijah Wilkinson and Jon Gaines II as nonparticipants with knee and ankle injuries. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love returned to limited work after his ankle issue, and receiver Michael Wilson practiced on a limited basis with a ribs injury. Those Wednesday details identify positions to monitor, but do not establish Sunday's final availability. 5
The Cardinals' protection plan will matter if Dallas takes an early lead and forces a more pass-heavy approach. Brissett needs enough time for routes to develop, but he also needs to recognize when a short completion is the best available outcome. Dallas can strengthen its chances by turning pressure into hurried decisions without losing containment or allowing easy escape routes.
Brian's Take
Dallas has an opportunity to build on a meaningful division win, but the Cowboys cannot assume Arizona's record makes this a routine afternoon. The Cardinals have moved the ball without finishing consistently, leaving a path to a closer game if their red-zone execution improves. I favor the approach Dallas used Monday: establish the ground game, protect Prescott and make the opponent defend several options. The streak ends only if the Cowboys produce the disciplined four-quarter performance their recent history against Arizona has lacked.
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