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The Arizona Cardinals finally snapped their five-game losing streak on Monday night with a 27–17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, but the win didn’t spark a quarterback controversy—at least not in the eyes of head coach Jonathan Gannon. Despite Jacoby Brissett’s efficient three-game stretch filling in for Kyler Murray, Gannon made it clear after the game that nothing has changed regarding the team’s quarterback hierarchy.
“Nothing’s changed on that,” Gannon said following the win at AT&T Stadium. “He just wasn’t healthy enough to go.”
Gannon Standing by His Starter
Murray has missed the past three games with a foot injury, but Gannon continues to emphasize that the former No. 1 pick will return to the starting lineup once fully healthy. When pressed on whether Brissett’s recent performances have complicated the decision, Gannon offered a brief, decisive response: “Just how I feel.”
Brissett has thrown for 860 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception over three starts while completing 68% of his passes. He topped 260 yards in each outing, including 261 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas. The Cardinals’ offense has looked revitalized under his command, averaging 25.7 points and 357 total yards per game compared to 18.8 points and 288.4 yards in Murray’s five starts.
Still, Gannon has shown no interest in entertaining speculation. For him, Murray’s job remains secure when he’s healthy enough to return.
Brissett’s Impact on the Offense
Even as the offense finds new life, Brissett has stayed humble about his contributions. “I don’t get into that stuff, man,” he said when asked about potentially keeping the starting role. “I’m just trying to go out here and win games, be a good teammate, and do the best that I can when I get my opportunity.”
His leadership and consistency have drawn praise from teammates, including rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who recorded a career-high seven catches in the win. “He does a good job of communicating his likes and dislikes and making sure we’re all in the right positions to be successful,” Harrison said.
Brissett, however, credits the unit’s collective growth more than any individual effort. “I don’t think it’s me.” He said. “The good teams in this league find ways to continue to get better, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
Murray’s Return Nearing, but Gannon Stays the Course
Murray, who went 2–3 in his five starts before the injury, has thrown for 963 yards, six passing touchdowns, and three interceptions this season, adding a rushing score on the ground. While his production trails Brissett’s recent output, Gannon isn’t ready to shift direction.
With a 3–5 record and a critical divisional matchup at Seattle next, Arizona faces an important stretch. The question of who starts at quarterback may linger outside the locker room, but Gannon’s stance remains unchanged: once Murray is cleared, the offense belongs to him.
For now, though, Brissett’s poised play has given the Cardinals something they’ve desperately needed—a reason to believe the offense is finally finding its rhythm.
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