Quick Game Context (Which Match Are We Breaking Down?)
This Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys player-stats breakdown focuses on the most recent matchup: Arizona 27, Dallas 17 (November 3, 2025 — Week 9, at AT&T Stadium).
Why this one matters: it featured a clean, efficient Cardinals passing day, a three-turnover hole for Dallas, and multiple “momentum swing” sequences that show up clearly in the box score and team stats.
Final Score and Team Stat Snapshot
The final was Cardinals 27, Cowboys 17, with both teams running 65 plays and finishing within single digits in total yards (Arizona 340, Dallas 333).
The separator was turnovers: Arizona had 0, while Dallas had 3 (one interception plus two lost fumbles), which is exactly the kind of “hidden possession” gap that flips close yardage games into comfortable wins.
Arizona Cardinals Passing Stats: Jacoby Brissett’s Efficient Night
The headline number in the Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats is Jacoby Brissett: 21/31, 261 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT.
That combination—high completion total, no picks, and two touchdowns—kept Arizona ahead of the chains and allowed them to play from the front. Even with 5 sacks allowed (5–40), Brissett’s efficiency stayed intact, which matters because sacks often derail scoring drives.
Dallas Cowboys Passing Stats: Volume Without the Same Payoff
On the Dallas side, Dak Prescott finished 24/39 for 250 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, also taking 5 sacks (5–40).
In a vacuum, 250 yards looks fine, but the “key number” is the interception paired with Dallas’ overall turnover total. When you add the lost fumbles, Dallas essentially gave Arizona extra possessions—exactly what you can’t do against a team that’s finishing drives.
Rushing Breakdown: Balanced Production on Both Sides
Arizona’s rushing work was spread out, led by Emari Demercado: 14 carries, 79 yards (5.6 avg).
Dallas countered with Javonte Williams: 15 carries, 83 yards (5.5 avg) and help from Prescott on scrambles (4 carries, 34 yards). On paper, the Cowboys ran the ball efficiently (123 team rush yards)—but efficiency alone doesn’t beat turnovers and stalled drives.
Receiving Leaders: Marvin Harrison Jr. and CeeDee Lamb Set the Tone
For Arizona, the top skill-player line in this Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats recap belongs to Marvin Harrison Jr.: 7 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD (10 targets).
Dallas’ receiving leaders were CeeDee Lamb: 7 catches, 85 yards (12 targets) and George Pickens: 6 catches, 79 yards—a productive duo, but neither found the end zone.
Tight Ends and Chain-Movers: Trey McBride’s Red-Zone Impact
One of the most game-shaping stat lines was Trey McBride: 5 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD (9 targets).
That touchdown contribution matters because it speaks to Arizona’s ability to convert passing efficiency into points—especially when you’re trying to close out a game on the road and force the opponent to chase.
Turnovers and Ball Security: The Real Story Behind the Score
If you want the “why” behind 27–17, look at ball security. Dallas recorded two lost fumbles (team total 4 fumbles, 2 lost) and threw one interception.
Arizona protected the ball much better overall (0 turnovers as a team), and that advantage tends to show up in time-of-possession comfort and late-game play-calling.
Defensive Difference-Makers: Sacks, Stops, and Disruption
In the “pressure” column, Arizona got a statement performance from Calais Campbell with 2 sacks, while Dallas’ sack leader listed was Jadeveon Clowney with 1.
Dallas also had a monster tackling total from DaRon Bland (14 total tackles), but tackle volume can sometimes reflect being on the field longer or being forced to clean up after successful plays—especially when the opponent is staying efficient and sustaining drives.
Game-Changing Moments You Can See in the Numbers
A key “momentum clue” is 4th down performance: Dallas went 0-for-3 on 4th down, while Arizona went 0-for-1. Failed fourth downs are essentially turnovers, and they compound the actual turnover total.
Another major swing: Dallas’ scoring included a touchdown off a blocked punt recovery, meaning the offense generated less of the total scoring than the final 17 might suggest. That aligns perfectly with the broader narrative that Arizona controlled the game flow while Dallas struggled to finish drives cleanly.
Efficiency Stats That Explain the Outcome
Arizona’s offense was steadier on money downs, finishing 7/13 on third down, compared to Dallas at 5/12.
Red-zone finishing also leaned Arizona: 3/4 in the red zone vs Dallas 1/3, which is often the quiet stat that separates “yards” from “points.”
Top Performers Summary (At-a-Glance)
From the full Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats sheet, here are the biggest standouts:
- Jacoby Brissett (ARI): 21/31, 261 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI): 7 REC, 96 YDS, 1 TD
- Emari Demercado (ARI): 14 CAR, 79 YDS
- Dak Prescott (DAL): 24/39, 250 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- CeeDee Lamb (DAL): 7 REC, 85 YDS
- George Pickens (DAL): 6 REC, 79 YDS
What This Matchup Tells You Going Forward
This game is a classic example of how player stats should be read as a story, not a spreadsheet. Dallas had comparable yardage and strong rushing efficiency, but turnovers + failed fourth downs + red-zone struggles created a points gap that the yardage totals didn’t warn you about.
For Arizona, the formula was clear: efficient quarterback play, a true WR1 performance, and a defense that created disruption without giving away possessions—the kind of profile that wins road games even when the opponent has talent and volume.
