The Dallas Cowboys host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8, a matchup that feels like it should be a win for Brian Schottenheimer’s troops. However, as everyone knows, the Cowboys have way too much trouble beating their former NFC East rival.
It what has become one of the stranger trends, the Cowboys have lost eight of their last 10 matchups with the Cardinals. No matter the records, coaches, players, or venue, Arizona’s had the Cowboys’ number over the last 20 seasons. If Dallas wants to go on a run and build some momentum towards becoming a playoff team, they need to finally beat the Cardinals. Here are three reasons to love the Cowboys in Week 8.
Jacoby Brissett
The veteran signal caller has struggled for most of the season and has thrown for 10 scores against
six interceptions through seven games. Brissett’s completion percentage is 16th in the league, while his QBR is 22nd, and rarely does he throw the ball down the field.
With the Cardinals’ lack of weapons at receiver, Brissett tends to lock in onto his two main targets, which makes him easier to defend when he drops back to pass. That’s good news for a defense that doesn’t have enough playmakers.
Brissett is a decent journeyman QB, but he doesn’t have the arm, weapons or accuracy to consistently make plays in the passing game.
Bad offensive line
The offensive line for the Cardinals is a weak spot; the unit struggles to open holes in the running game and Brissett’s lack of mobility doesn’t help when he’s pressured. The Cardinals’ OL has given up 15 sacks, tied for eighth worst in the league, 10 of which have come in the last four games.
Arizona’s running game ranks 23rd in the NFL, rushing for just 96 yards per game. None of their running backs have gone over 100 yards rushing yet this season, despite having top 5 pick in the 2026 draft, Jeremiyah Love, play in the team’s first five games. The Cardinals have just three rushing scores on the year, tied for next to last in the league.
The Cowboys have issues stopping the run, but they might have a chance at turning things around against a suspect OL and a QB who doesn’t move well.
Defensive issues, especially pass defense
The Cardinals don’t have a good defense, struggling in most areas. They allow the most points in the league at close to 30 points given up per game, while ranking 23rd in the league against the run and 20th against the pass. Their pass defense has given up 17 scores through the air, which is last in the NFL.
It could also get worse with five key defenders questionable to play. Defensive tackle Walter Nolen, as well as linebackers Zaven Collins, Josh Sweat, Mack Wilson and safety Bubba Baker are all questionable against the Cowboys. Baker is among the best defensive players in the league, a chesspiece for their defense, if he misses the game it's a big boost for Dallas' offense.
Dak Prescott and the offense is coming in hot; the veteran QB had three passing scores and the rushing attack accounted for over 200 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles, so the Cardinals could have a long day at the office. The Cowboys should have a significant advantage against a bad and banged-up defense in Week 8.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Weak OL among 3 Cardinals things Cowboys should love about Week 8
