Can Brissett Lead the Cardinals to Victory Over the Cowboys?

Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett delivered a standout performance, leading the team to a 27-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, while starting quarterback Kyler Murray remains sidelined with a foot injury. Brissett's efforts included two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, marking a critical win for the Cardinals as they ended a five-game losing streak.

Last updated: 08 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jacoby Brissett's impressive performance has reignited discussions around the Arizona Cardinals' quarterback situation. With Kyler Murray still recovering from injury, Brissett has stepped up as a reliable option, showcasing his skills at a crucial time for the team. The Cardinals' victory against the Cowboys not only boosted team morale but also provided a much-needed win against a fellow struggling team.

Key takeaways

Jacoby Brissett threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another.
The Cardinals ended a five-game losing streak with this win.
Kyler Murray's return remains uncertain as he recovers from a foot injury.
Marvin Harrison set a career-high with seven receptions for 96 yards.
The Cardinals are currently at the bottom of the NFC West with a 3-5 record.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to Brissett's pivotal moment with the Cardinals involves several key events:

August 2023: Jacoby Brissett signs with the Arizona Cardinals as a backup quarterback.
September 2023: Kyler Murray suffers a foot injury, sidelining him for several games.
October 2023: Brissett starts several games in Murray's absence, facing challenges as the team struggles.
November 2023: The Cardinals secure a vital win against the Dallas Cowboys, with Brissett's standout performance.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In the latest game, Jacoby Brissett's performance has solidified his position as a competent starting quarterback while Murray is out. His ability to lead the team to victory against the Cowboys suggests he may play a crucial role in the upcoming matches, depending on Murray's recovery timeline.

What was already established

Kyler Murray is the Cardinals' starting quarterback when healthy. Coach Jonathan Gannon has reiterated that Murray will reclaim his starting role once he returns from injury, despite Brissett's recent success. This dynamic creates an ongoing tension about the quarterback position in Arizona.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Arizona Cardinals' performance impacts fans and households through the lens of entertainment, as well as the financial aspects of ticket sales and merchandise. A winning team can boost local economies and engage fans, particularly in regions with a growing interest in NFL games.

Businesses and jobs

Success on the field can lead to improved team revenues, which in turn can affect job stability within the organisation. Increased sales from merchandise and ticket sales can contribute positively to the local economy in Arizona, while also benefiting businesses that rely on game-day traffic.

Policy and regulation

As the NFL continues to expand its presence in the UK, the performance of teams like the Cardinals may influence discussions around potential expansions of international games. Success can lead to increased visibility, which is critical for the league's strategy in promoting American football abroad.

Numbers that matter

3-5: Arizona Cardinals' current win-loss record, placing them at the bottom of the NFC West.
27-17: Score of the recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, marking a significant victory for the Cardinals.
2: Touchdowns thrown by Brissett in the recent game.
32: Age of Jacoby Brissett, showcasing his experience in a critical role.
7: Career-high receptions by Marvin Harrison in the same game.

Definitions and jargon buster

NFL: National Football League, the professional American football league in the United States.
Quarterback: The player who leads the team's offensive play, typically responsible for passing the ball and making strategic decisions.
Win-loss record: A statistic representing the number of games won versus lost by a team within a season.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the Cardinals will continue to evaluate Kyler Murray's recovery and Brissett's performance. Fans can expect updates on Murray's condition as the team prepares for upcoming matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the Cardinals' performance may influence decisions regarding trades, player acquisitions, and adjustments to the roster. The team will need to strategise around the quarterback position, depending on Murray's health.

Signals to watch

Updates on Kyler Murray's injury and potential return date.
Performance statistics for Brissett in upcoming games.
Overall team morale and cohesion as the season develops.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on injury reports for updates on Kyler Murray.
Follow team news to understand changes in player dynamics.
Engage with local businesses that benefit from game-day crowds.

Don’t

Overlook the importance of team morale in influencing performance.
Assume Brissett's success will change the starting quarterback decision.
Neglect the potential economic impact of the team's performance on local businesses.

Checklist

Stay updated with injury reports for key players.
Monitor team performance trends over the next few games.
Consider attending local events or games to support the team.
Engage with NFL-related content to enhance understanding of the league.
Follow financial implications of the team's success for local businesses.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray's recovery could significantly impact the Cardinals' future performance. Additionally, Brissett's ability to maintain his current level of play is uncertain, as the NFL is known for its physical demands. The team's overall strategy will need to adapt based on player health and performance metrics.

Bottom line

The Arizona Cardinals are at a crucial juncture in their season. Jacoby Brissett's recent success provides a temporary boost, but the impending return of Kyler Murray will define the team's trajectory. Fans and analysts alike should watch closely as the situation develops, particularly given the implications for team dynamics and performance.

FAQs

What impact has Jacoby Brissett had on the Cardinals?

Jacoby Brissett has provided a reliable performance in Kyler Murray's absence, leading the team to a much-needed victory against the Cowboys.

How long is Kyler Murray expected to be out?

Kyler Murray's exact timeline for recovery is still uncertain, and updates will depend on his progress with the foot injury.

What does this mean for the Cardinals' season?

The outcome of the Cardinals' season may hinge on quarterback performance and the team's ability to adapt to injuries and challenges as they arise.