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Cardinals Position Group Report Card Following Win over Cowboys
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- Cardinals Position Group Report Card Following Win over Cowboys
The Arizona Cardinals pulled off one of the most dramatic victories of Week 8, escaping AT&T Stadium with a 33-30 overtime win over the Dallas Cowboys. Arizona looked destined for another defeat after falling behind 17-3 and trailing by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. However, Gardner Minshew's introduction changed the game, and Tyler Allgeier's career-best performance fueled the comeback.
The Cowboys appeared to have the game under control, but their defense surrendered 23 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Arizona scored on four consecutive possessions to force overtime and eventually secured the victory with Chad Ryland's 42-yard field goal.
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The Cardinals showed resilience after struggling early. Their offense came alive when it mattered, although the defensive collapse remains a concern. Now, let's grade each position group based on its Week 8 performance.
Cardinals Offense Report Card
Quarterback: A
Jacoby Brissett struggled before being replaced, completing 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards, one interception and no touchdowns. Minshew brought a completely different energy, completing 17 of 23 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns. His 137.3 passer rating tells the story of his impact.
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Minshew's ability to attack Dallas downfield helped Arizona erase a 14-point deficit. He connected with Trey McBride and Michael Wilson for crucial touchdowns before leading the final regulation scoring drive.
Running Backs: A+
Nov 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) is interviewed after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Tyler Allgeier rushed for 147 yards on just 11 carries, averaging 13.4 yards per attempt. His 63-yard touchdown run sparked Arizona's comeback, while another explosive 52-yard run helped put Dallas under pressure. He also contributed 44 receiving yards and a touchdown. Running back Jeremiyah Love managed only 23 rushing yards on nine carries, while Zonovan Knight added eight yards. Allgeier carried the backfield, but Arizona would benefit from more consistent production from its other running backs.
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Wide Receivers: A-
Michael Wilson was Minshew's leading receiving target, finishing with eight catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. His 13-yard scoring reception with six seconds remaining forced overtime and kept Arizona's comeback alive.
Kendrick Bourne caught one pass for 29 yards before leaving with an ankle injury. Simi Fehoko and Devin Duvernay also contributed, but Wilson was clearly the standout. Arizona needs more consistent production across its receiving group rather than relying on one primary target.
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Tight End: A
Nov 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) on the field prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Trey McBride finished with seven receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown. His 14-yard scoring catch in the fourth quarter brought Arizona closer and gave the offense another important option alongside Wilson.
McBride's ability to find space and provide a dependable target is the key reason for the 'A' grade of the position. His production helped prevent Dallas from focusing entirely on Wilson. Arizona will want to maintain that connection moving forward.
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Offensive Line: B-
Arizona finished with 202 rushing yards on 27 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt. Allgeier's explosive runs were the biggest evidence of the offensive line's ability to create opportunities and open running lanes.
The Cardinals surrendered five sacks for 42 yards in total. Brissett was sacked four times, while Minshew was brought down once. The protection improved enough to support the comeback, but the early pressure and sacks remain areas to address.
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Cardinals Defense Report Card
Linebackers: B
Oct 11, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jack Gibbens (50) against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jack Gibbens led Arizona with 11 total tackles, while Mack Wilson Sr. recorded eight tackles and two tackles for loss. Their contributions helped the Cardinals disrupt Dallas' running game and create difficult situations for the Cowboys' offense.
Arizona still allowed Dallas to build a two-touchdown advantage in the fourth quarter. The linebackers need to maintain their discipline throughout the game, particularly when opponents begin attacking the middle of the field.
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Defensive Line: C+
Andrew Billings recorded a sack, while L.J. Collier also brought down Dak Prescott. Dante Stills contributed six tackles, helping Arizona generate pressure and disrupt Dallas' offensive rhythm.
Arizona's defensive front had some important moments, but it struggled to maintain pressure throughout the contest. The Cowboys were still able to score 30 points, and the defensive line must do a better job of controlling the game after establishing an early advantage.
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Edge Rushers: A-
Josh Sweat recorded a sack and a tackle for loss, giving Arizona an important presence off the edge. Zaven Collins also registered a sack, while his pressure helped the Cardinals disrupt Prescott's passing game.
The Cardinals generated pressure at crucial moments, including during overtime when Sweat brought down Prescott for a seven-yard loss. That play helped Arizona regain possession and set up the eventual winning field goal. Maintaining that level of pressure for four quarters will be the next challenge.
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Cornerbacks: C+
Nov 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) makes a tackle on Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (89) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Denzel Burke recorded four tackles and two passes defended, while Kei'Trel Clark added five tackles and a tackle for loss. Their contributions helped Arizona compete against Dallas' receiving group.
The biggest concern was allowing Dallas to remain competitive through the passing game. The Cardinals eventually surrendered a touchdown to Ryan Flournoy and another to the Cowboys' offense during the fourth quarter. Better coverage discipline and communication would have helped Arizona avoid such a dramatic finish.
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Safeties: B-
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3)Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Budda Baker was good, finishing with seven tackles and forcing a fumble. Andrew Wingard also contributed seven tackles, helping Arizona maintain its defensive presence against Dallas' offense. Despite their tackling contributions, the safeties could not prevent Prescott and the Cowboys' receivers from finding opportunities late in the game. Arizona needs better coverage coordination, particularly when protecting a lead in the closing minutes.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
