Brissett caught three total touchdowns Monday night in a win over the Dallas Cowboys, a victory that snapped an NFL-worst five-game losing streak in which Arizona had lost each game by one possession. It was Brissett’s third straight start for the Cards in place of Murray, who was injured in an Oct. 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
While Monday saw the Cardinals win for the first time with Brissett under center, the offensive production has seen a huge uptick with the veteran at the helm.
In three games with Brissett, the Cardinals are averaging 25.7 points, 256.3 yards and a 56.1 third down percentage.
By comparison, Murray’s five starts have seen Arizona average 18.8 points per contest, 170.2 passing yards and a 39.7 third-down percentage.
So far this season, Murray has completed 110 of 161 pass attempts (68.3) for six touchdowns, three interceptions and 962 yards with 173 rushing yards and a touchdown in five games. In five games, Brissett has thrown for 860 yards (73 of 112) with six touchdowns and one pick. He has also added a rushing score that came in Monday’s win.
What this means for the 3-5 Cardinals on Sunday is clear: Brissett will lead Arizona into a key game against the 6-2 Seahawks, who are tied for first in the NFC West and previously defeated Murray and the Cards, 23-20, in Week 4.
It remains to be seen what the future holds after Week 10 for Arizona and Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. There is a lot of talk that this could be Murray’s “soft” sideline. Perhaps the answer to what lies ahead in the desert will only be when a fully healthy Murray returns.