Marvin Harrison Jr. among Cowboys-Cardinals winners, losers

Arizona’s defense was a key factor, forcing three takeaways and allowing only one offensive touchdown.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.
Rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had a career-high seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.

The Arizona Cardinals snapped their five-game losing streak on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 9.

Behind a strong defensive performance, the Cardinals stunned the Dallas Cowboys, 27-17, at AT&T Stadium.

Arizona’s defense contained a hot Cowboys offense throughout the game. The Cardinals forced three takeaways and only allowed one touchdown in the victory. It’s the Cardinals’ fourth consecutive win over the Cowboys.

The Cardinals improved to 3-5, while Dallas fell to 3-5-1 and now looks ahead to the trade deadline.

Winners from Cowboys vs. Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. shines in first half

Harrison Jr. had a breakout game that we’ve all been waiting for.

Harrison equaled a career-high with six receptions in the first half alone. He produced 80 receiving yards and one touchdown in what was a stellar first half. His touchdown catch came on a filthy quick slant route that made Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland touch the earth.

Harrison produced a career-high seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Almost all his production came in the first half.

Jacoby Brissett makes a case to be Arizona’s starter

Brissett recorded his first win of the season as the Cardinals’ starting QB. Cardinals coach might want to seriously consider starting Brissett the rest of the way.

Brissett completed 21-of-31 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona’s offense has performed more efficiently with Brissett behind center. He’s passed for at least 260 yards in every start this season. Kyler Murray hasn’t passed for over 220 yards in five games this season.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon has a big decision to make once Murray returns from a foot injury. Brissett did have a couple of errant throws, including one intended for Marvin Harrison Jr. in the fourth quarter that would’ve allowed the Cardinals to milk the clock with a little over two minutes remaining.

Brissett’s 115.1 passer rating on Monday night was a season-high for a Cardinals starting quarterback.

Cardinals defense

Arizona’s defense held the Cowboys offense to 122 total yards and no touchdowns in the first half. The Cowboys’ only first-half touchdown came on a blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown.

The Cardinals’ defense didn’t give up an offensive touchdown until the fourth quarter.

Aside from the block punt TD, the Cardinals defense held the Cowboys to 10 total points, 333 total yards and Dallas went 0-3 on fourth downs. Arizona’s defense forced three takeaways, including a forced fumble and game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter.

Walter Nolen III

The Cardinals’ rookie defensive lineman made his NFL debut Monday night after Arizona drafted him 16th overall in the NFL draft. Arizona activated Nolen from the PUP list hours before the game.

The start of Nolen’s career was delayed due to a calf injury he suffered before training camp.

Nolen had a sack in his first NFL game. The rookie finished with four tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one pass deflection.

Calais Campbell

The oldest active defensive player in the NFL tallied two sacks and three QB hits. The 39-year-old defensive lineman still makes an impact up front.

Sam Williams

Williams blocked Pat O’Donnell’s punt with his helmet, of all things. Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland recovered the football in the end zone.

It was the Cowboys’ first block punt for a touchdown since 2021, per the ESPN broadcast.

Losers from Cowboys vs. Cardinals

Cowboys defense

Dallas ranked last in the NFC in both total defense and points allowed entering Monday night’s Week 9 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals equaled a season-high 27 points on the Cowboys’ defense. Arizona’s offense was moving the ball down the field at will through the first three quarters.

Dallas gave up 23 first downs and 340 yards. Arizona went 3-4 in the red zone.

Micah Parsons trade still haunts Cowboys, Jerry Jones

The Cowboys defense continues to be one of the worst units in the NFL without Parsons. Dallas has no impact players on defense after they traded away one of the most impactful defenders in all of football.

The ESPN cameras routinely showed Jones in his owner’s suite at AT&T Stadium while the Cowboys trailed throughout the contest.

To be determined

Cowboys trade?

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones appeared on SiriusXM Radio Monday and revealed the team already has a deal ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. Jones didn’t disclose the player’s identity but said he’ll be an instant contributor.

We’ll find out soon if Jones’ words on the radio are validated. The Cowboys need a lot of help on defense.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.