The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 NFL schedule is such that Brian Schottenheimer's squad has to emerge victorious in all of their "winnable games" to have a shot at the NFC East crown. The path to a division title or even the playoffs is filled with landmines, so the Cowboys cannot afford to misstep.
After an arduous stretch to begin the year, Dallas actually has a bit of a reprieve from the perennial powers it seems to be facing on a weekly basis this fall. They'll play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8, followed by the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans. Not easy, but easier.
To most, the Cardinals feel like the weakest opponent on the schedule after a 3-14 campaign last year and a series of major moves this offseason that haven't inspired a ton of confidence. But we spoke to Michael Haney, formerly of Raising Zona, and he revealed what Dallas fans could be in for.
Dallas Cowboys must stay vigilant against rebuilding Arizona Cardinals team
Q: Mike LaFleur is the new kid in town for the Cardinals. What is it about him that leaves Arizona fans believing he can make up ground in a brutal NFC West?
A: Previous Sean McVay disciples like Liam Coen have been successful at other stops. The Cardinals are hoping for something similar in Arizona. He’s a young coach, but he was successful when he had to call plays for the Rams in McVay’s absence.
Q: It seems like the Cardinals' QB situation is a bit complicated. Is Jacoby Brissett still the frontrunner, and could the Cowboys see Carson Beck by Week 8? How does Gardner Minshew play into the equation here?
A: I would expect Brissett to still be the starter by the time the Cardinals come to Dallas. Beck will likely get some starts at the end of the season, but I don't see Minshew being a factor unless injuries come into play.
Q: While we have you, let's talk about Jalen Thompson, whom Dallas signed to a lucrative contract this offseason. Why did Arizona let him walk, and what do you think he could bring to the Cowboys' defense?
A: Letting Thompson walk had more to do with Arizona’s belief in Dadrion Taylor-Demerson than it did with Thompson's performances. Thompson has been a solid starter for the Cardinals. He's not likely to produce many turnovers, but he gives the Cowboys a baseline they didn't have in the secondary last year.
Q: You guys had a lot of roster turnover this offseason, which is normal for a team with a new coach. And while Isaac Seumalo, Tyler Allgeier and Jeremiyah Love certainly headline the offseason additions, who is an underrated signing/draft pick/coaching or front office move that could surprise a lot of people?
A: Bringing Roy Lopez back on the interior defensive line was big. He should help improve the run defense and free up Walter Nolen to play a more diverse role.
Q: How does Jeremiyah Love look so far, and what is the prognosis for the rest of the rookie class? Anyone standing out, good or bad?
A: Love has the fanbase believing that drafting a running back at No. 3 overall is the logical move. He's been awesome. The rest of the rookie class is much more questionable. Fourth-round DT Kaleb Proctor is out for the season, and WR Reggie Virgil may not play much. Second-round guard Chase Bisontis should be a solid starter. Carson Beck is the wild card here.
Q: If the Cardinals were to upset the Cowboys this season, what would have gone right for them in the matchup? I.e., what is a strength of Arizona that matches well with Dallas?
A: Even after their additions, the Cowboys’ secondary still isn't scaring many teams. Assuming Marvin Harrison Jr. can finally live up to his potential, the Cardinals have a dangerous group of pass catchers.
Q: Does Dallas have an obvious matchup to exploit or a phase of the game that they can dominate in this contest?
A: The Cowboys could put up 200 rushing yards on the Cardinals, and I wouldn't be shocked. The interior of Arizona’s defensive line is a big concern. Former Cardinals OL coach Klayton Adams could feast on Arizona's defensive front.
The Dallas Cowboys will host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT at AT&T Stadium.
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