Minshew’s Fourth-Quarter Switch Drives Cardinals to Overtime Win Over Cowboys

Key points

• Gardner Minshew replaced Jacoby Brissett with 1:35 remaining in the third quarter, leading the Cardinals to four consecutive touchdown drives.
• Minshew finished with 188 passing yards and three touchdowns, including a 14-yard score to Michael Wilson with six seconds left in regulation.
• Tyler Allgeier rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including a 63-yard run, after injuries to Jeremiyah Love and Bam Knight.
• Chad Ryland missed an extra point in regulation but kicked a 42-yard field goal in overtime to seal the 33-30 win.
• The Cardinals are 5-0 at AT&T Stadium and have won nine of the last 10 games against the Cowboys.

Background

The Cardinals had been 1-4 entering this game, with head coach Mike LaFleur defending Brissett’s starting role despite a 45-21 loss to the Lions. The team also suffered a 30-16 defeat to the Broncos on October 26, where Bo Nix scored two touchdowns. This game marked a pivotal moment for the Cardinals' season, with their next game against Seattle potentially determining their playoff prospects.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports emphasized Minshew’s impact and the Cardinals’ historical dominance over Dallas, noting the team’s 5-0 record at AT&T Stadium. Arizona Sports highlighted the injury crisis, with five players leaving the game, and the potential trade implications for players like Josh Sweat and Budda Baker if the Cardinals lose their next game. The Guardian focused on the dramatic nature of the comeback, noting the Cowboys’ strong defensive performance before the final 16 minutes, and the impact of Ryland’s missed extra point.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Cardinals’ playoff hopes alive and may delay trades for key players. It also marks the end of Jacoby Brissett’s tenure as the starting quarterback, with Minshew likely to continue in that role. The Cowboys’ failure to close out the game highlights their struggles with consistency, as they have not won back-to-back games since November 2025.

What to watch

The Cardinals will face the Seattle Seahawks next week, a game that could determine their playoff prospects. The Cowboys will need to address their inconsistency and injury issues, while the Cardinals will likely continue to rely on Minshew and Allgeier to lead their offense.