The Dallas Cowboys (3-4) are preparing to face the Arizona Cardinals (2-5) in Week 8 as they look to end a four-game losing streak against their NFC opponents. Arizona has controlled the matchup in recent years, winning eight of the last nine meetings between the franchises dating back to 2008.
Differing Views on Recent Struggles
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who has lost all four of his career games against Arizona since joining the league, suggested that the Cardinals have consistently brought superior intensity to the field. Speaking to CBS Sports, Lamb noted that Arizona has repeatedly outplayed Dallas in terms of energy and preparation.
“I’ve never beaten the Cardinals since I’ve been in the league. So that’s fair to say,” Lamb said after Thursday’s practice. “I wouldn’t say [we have a] heightened focus, but it’s definitely a note to take. It’s just crazy. We’ve been very relaxed, and they’ve punched us in the mouth every single time. They’ve always had more energy.”
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer offered a different perspective on the franchise’s ongoing difficulties against Arizona, pointing directly to ball security rather than emotional preparation. Dallas holds a minus-11 turnover margin across the nine contests against the Cardinals since 2008.
“I’ll disagree with CeeDee a little bit,” Schottenheimer said on Friday. “I know why: minus-11 turnover differential in those games. Last year, we were minus-three. So the ball is what this game is going to come down to. I don’t think it has to do with energy.”
Turnover Margin and Statistical Outlook
The core issue highlighted by Schottenheimer reflects a broader trend for Dallas this season. The Cowboys are 3-0 in games where they commit zero turnovers, while all four of their losses have featured at least one giveaway. In last season’s 27-17 loss to Arizona in Week 9, Dallas committed three turnovers—an interception thrown by Dak Prescott along with lost fumbles from running back Javonte Williams and tight end Jake Ferguson—without forcing a single takeaway.
Dallas enters Sunday’s matchup as seven-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Statistically, Arizona currently ranks last in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 29.7 points per game, and last in red zone offense, converting touchdowns on only 42.9% of its drives inside the 20-yard line. By contrast, the Cowboys rank fifth in scoring offense with 27.0 points per game, supported defensively by new cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Quarterback Dak Prescott stressed that team focus remains on securing a victory rather than lingering on past results.
“We got to win,” Prescott said following practice on Thursday. “They’ve had our number these last couple of years. Credit to their defense, credit to the way that those guys come in and play and execute. It’s a new year. We just have to make sure we go out and take care of business.”
