3 keys to victory for Dallas Cowboys in pivotal Week 9 matchup vs. Cardinals

The Dallas Cowboys will be under the lights when they meet the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9 on Monday Night Football.

It's a primetime matchup with a lot at stake for both teams. A Cowboys loss could mean the season is over before the bye week.

MORE: Jerry Jones crafts incredible word salad about adding LB at NFL trade deadline

So, how can the Cowboys secure a much-needed victory in Week 9? Here are three keys to victory for the Cowboys.

Find Pressure

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws the ball over Tennessee Titans linebacker Jihad Ward. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has missed the last two games; however, the former number one overall pick practiced with the team on Tuesday.

In five games, Murray has tossed six touchdowns and three interceptions. The Cowboys haven't been close to the best at pressuring the quarterback this season, but it will be key in getting a victory on Monday night.

2. Key On Josh Sweat

Arizona Cardinals linebackers Josh Sweat and Baron Browning close in for the sack on Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Josh Sweat is a name that Cowboys fans know all too well. The former Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher is leading the Cardinals in sacks this season with five.

Last week, the Cowboys were up against one of the best pass rushes in the league against the Denver Broncos, and allowed two sacks. Keeping focus on Sweat this week will be vital to getting the offense back on track.

3. Get Pass Game Started Early

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Ceedee Lamb. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Everyone knows the greatest strength of this Cowboys team is the pass game. Dak Prescott has been playing at an elite level, and it would make sense to get him started early.

The Cardinals' pass rush outside of Sweat has been nonexistent. Getting Prescott going with some quick throws could help him gain confidence faster in a game the Cowboys really need to win.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys clear air on Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby trade rumors

Turnovers were an issue last week. However, Prescott should have the time to find his elite targets on Monday night. It shouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for this offense to have a monster Monday night.

Detail view of the helmet worn by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Cowboys-Cardinals Week 9 opening betting odds, Dallas favored despite Denver debacle

3 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys' deflating Week 8 loss vs. Broncos

2 winners & 4 losers from Cowboys’ disastrous loss to Broncos in Week 8

Abysmal stat explains why Cowboys were bullied in Week 8 vs Broncos

Updated 2026 NFL draft order following Dallas Cowboys' Week 8 embarrassment

Jake Ferguson's fiancée Haley Cavinder rocks Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uni for Halloween