The Dallas Cowboys appeared headed for a second consecutive victory Monday night, but the Arizona Cardinals staged a remarkable comeback to claim a 33-30 overtime win, leaving Dallas with another disappointing result after surrendering a substantial lead.
Arizona overcame a 17-3 deficit behind backup quarterback Gardner Minshew and a career performance from running back Tyler Allgeier. Chad Ryland supplied the winning field goal in overtime after missing an extra point that could have ended the game in regulation.
Dallas began with an encouraging defensive performance.
Linebacker Shemar James intercepted Jacoby Brissett and returned the football 32 yards to the Arizona 5-yard line, setting up the Cowboys' first touchdown.
Running back Javonte Williams lost a fumble near the goal line, but Dallas recovered the loose ball in the end zone for the score.
Quarterback Dak Prescott later directed another productive possession, connecting with CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Goodson before finding Ryan Flournoy for a spectacular one-handed touchdown reception.
Dallas' defense contributed with consistent pressure on Brissett, including sacks by Quinnen Williams and other members of the defensive front.
DeMarvion Overshown also forced a fumble that the Cowboys recovered, providing another important defensive takeaway.
However, Dallas struggled to turn several promising possessions into touchdowns.
A 59-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to George Pickens was erased by a holding penalty, and the Cowboys eventually settled for a field goal after an extended drive.
Arizona's offense changed dramatically when Minshew replaced Brissett.
The veteran quarterback immediately benefited from Allgeier's explosive running ability. Allgeier broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown, giving the Cardinals renewed hope.
Prescott responded by finding Pickens for a substantial gain before scrambling into the end zone for a touchdown of his own.
But Arizona continued its comeback.
Allgeier produced another long run, this time covering approximately 50 yards, before scoring again on a reception from Minshew.
The Cowboys maintained their advantage with additional field goals from Brandon Aubrey, but Arizona repeatedly answered.
Minshew connected with tight end Trey McBride for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, keeping the Cardinals within striking distance.
Dallas recovered the ensuing onside kick and added another Aubrey field goal, taking a six-point lead with just over a minute remaining.
What followed was the game's most dramatic sequence.
Minshew moved Arizona quickly downfield, finding Allgeier and Michael Wilson for important gains.
With only seconds remaining, Minshew connected with Wilson in the end zone for a touchdown, tying the game at 30.
Ryland then missed the extra point that would have given Arizona the victory, sending the contest into overtime.
Both defenses initially responded with stops.
Quinnen Williams helped disrupt Arizona's opening overtime possession, while the Cardinals' Josh Sweat recorded a sack that forced Dallas to punt.
Arizona finally assembled the decisive drive.
Wilson contributed a 19-yard gain on a designed running play, and Allgeier added another substantial run to move the Cardinals into field-goal range.
Ryland returned to the field and converted the winning kick, completing one of the season's more dramatic comebacks.
For Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer, the defeat raised familiar concerns about offensive consistency and the inability to protect a lead.
The Cowboys produced several outstanding individual plays, including Flournoy's touchdown catch and Prescott's rushing score. Their defense also generated turnovers and pressure.
But Arizona's second-half adjustments, Minshew's passing and Allgeier's rushing ultimately proved decisive.
The Cardinals left Dallas with a 33-30 victory, while the Cowboys were left to examine how a seemingly comfortable advantage slipped away.
