Well, that didn’t take long.
After missing the first seven games of the season, Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III didn’t waste any time (two plays to be exact) against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.
Just as the Dallas Cowboys’ high-powered offense looked like they were going to cruise to an opening-drive score, the rookie came up big against a run game that was already in midgame form.
Following runs of nine, eight and 11 yards from Javonte Williams, the running back ran into a brick wall in the form of Nolen two yards behind the line of scrimmage.
It was the kind of run stuff that helped turn the tide for the Cardinals defense, which saw a pass breakup from Garrett Williams on third down before Josh Sweat got home on fourth and goal to force a turnover on downs.
Making 'em Sweat on 4th and goal 💦
📺 ESPN | @SweatyJ_9 pic.twitter.com/MRghUgX0KJ
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 4, 2025
The Cardinals offense kept up the aggressiveness on the ensuing drive behind the arm of Jacoby Brissett.
Completing five of his first 10 throws for 51 yards, Brissett went early and often to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The wide receiver reeled in a pair of catches on four targets for 33 yards. His four opening-drive targets are a new career high for the wideout.
But much like the Cowboys’ opening drive, the Cardinals wouldn’t go the distance, instead settling for a 48-yard field goal from kicker Chad Ryland.
Better than coming away empty handed against a Cowboys team known for putting up some serious points.