Minshew Spark Leads Cardinals Over Cowboys in Overtime Comeback

Minshew sparks a second half comeback

The Arizona Cardinals earned a 33-30 overtime win against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Coach Mike LaFleur decided to make a change at quarterback with 95 seconds left in the third quarter. Starter Jacoby Brissett came out of the game, and Gardner Minshew took over with Arizona trailing 17-3.

Before the change, Arizona was struggling near the goal line. The Cardinals failed to score a touchdown on their first two red zone trips on Sunday, extending a slump where they had scored just once on 12 red zone trips. Minshew changed the flow of the game quickly. Arizona scored three touchdowns inside the 20 yard line after he entered.

Minshew tied the game at 30 with six seconds left in regulation on a 13 yard touchdown pass. Kicker Chad Ryland missed the extra point, which sent the matchup into overtime. Ryland made up for the miss by kicking a 42 yard field goal in overtime to seal Arizona's third win of the season.

LaFleur did not name a starter for next week's game at Seattle, stating he was just excited about the victory. He noted the quarterback switch was a collective decision and that the entire offense still has things to fix.

Big performances amid a wave of injuries

Minshew led the comeback despite a massive number of injuries to Arizona's skill players. Running back Jeremiyah Love left in the first half with his third ankle injury of the season. Receiver Kendrick Bourne also suffered an ankle injury and was later seen on crutches. Running back Bam Knight left with a concussion, leaving Tyler Allgeier as the only active running back.

Allgeier stepped up in a major way. He rushed for 147 yards on 11 carries, including a 63 yard touchdown run and another 52 yard run. Allgeier also caught five passes for 44 yards, including a five yard touchdown reception. LaFleur praised Allgeier after the game, saying he put his cape on and became Superman for the team.

In addition, rookie left tackle Jayden Williams left with a knee injury, and rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil hurt his lower back. Meanwhile, receiver Michael Wilson played through two broken ribs. Wilson caught eight passes for 111 yards and the late touchdown, including catches of 21 and 27 yards on the final drive of regulation.

What it means for the next game

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): Seattle Seahawks win 82%, Arizona Cardinals win 18%; projected score Seattle Seahawks 28, Arizona Cardinals 18. Our safest pick: Over 37.5 points.