Michael Irvin analyzed the Dallas Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals with pointed criticism of their offensive breakdown. The Cowboys entered the game as heavy favorites but stumbled early, failing to find rhythm on offense. Their opening drives ended without points, and a crucial fumble halted the team’s only real momentum in the first half.

“I came down here to close this out. I thought for a moment the Cowboys had something going, and you’re picking up a run. Everybody’s getting excited, and then we fumbled. So that turned real fast,” Irvin said on X.

For the third time, the Cowboys were held scoreless in the first quarter, tying the Saints for the most in the NFL.  On Monday, Dallas’ first drive sputtered, after a negative run, a dropped pass, and a goal-to-go sack of Dak Prescott on fourth down. The first four downs in the first six plays got them to Arizona’s 7-yard line.

Committing three turnovers and turning the ball over on downs twice. Dallas finished with 333 total yards but struggled to convert drives into touchdowns. Dak Prescott completed 24 of 39 passes for 250 yards with one interception and was sacked 5 times. While the running game produced just 123 yards, third-down efficiency remained a major issue, with the offense converting only 33% of its red-zone opportunities.  

Dallas’ offense only hit the end zone once and failed to score a touchdown on two goal-to-go possessions. With 4:34 remaining, Javonte Williams’ fumble ended an unlikely comeback. Michael Irvin’s frustration reflected the team’s inability to adjust after early miscues. The Cowboys’ receivers failed to create separation, and the offensive line allowed consistent pressure. Despite Arizona’s defense ranking near the bottom in yardage allowed this season, Dallas failed to capitalize.

“I guess now that that is over, we’re back to the drawing board. The disappointment here again. The loss is one thing. The way we lost is a whole other story because we were hoping on offense to get going, and that never got going. It’s going to be a tough week after a loss like this,” Michael Irvin added.

The loss not only exposed offensive stagnation but also raised questions about consistency and play-calling. Irvin’s reaction underscored that Dallas lacks the offensive balance and urgency required to close out games, and that’s not all they have to fix on an immediate basis.

Cowboys’ defense struggles, hinting trade before the deadline

Jerry Jones acknowledged the Cowboys’ defensive collapse as Dallas’ secondary allowed multiple explosive plays, and the front seven managed only one sack with two quarterback hits. 

“There’s one trade I can do, and I am leaning toward doing it,” Jones said post-game.

The defense, once among the league’s most reliable, faltered again after trading Micah Parsons, giving up 340 total yards and failing to generate consistent pressure. Arizona’s offense capitalized, converting key third downs and dominating time of possession for 33:20 to 26:40. The Cardinals converted 75% of their trips into the red zone and 54% of their third-down attempts.

The Cardinals, led by Jacoby Brissett’s efficient passing, exposed the Cowboys’ lack of pass-rush depth. Brissett posted 261 passing yards and two touchdowns for a 115.1 passer rating. Marvin Harrison had a career-high seven catches for 96 yards, including a 4-yarder for the game’s first touchdown. 

Missed tackles and blown coverages turned routine plays into scoring drives, underlining how far the unit has slipped since Parsons’ departure.

“A lot of action is going on right now in terms of trading. We certainly have made a trade, and we may make a couple more trades before that deadline. We’ve made one. We possibly could make two more, and I’m going to wait and let you read about that when we send the papers in tomorrow,” Jones added.

With the trade deadline closing, Jones and the Cowboys’ front office are actively pursuing reinforcements. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dallas has shown interest in pass rushers to stabilize its defense. Jones indicated the team will finalize signings before the deadline expires.

The Cowboys hope new additions can restore defensive intensity and balance to a roster that has struggled to sustain momentum.