The Denver Broncos hosted the Dallas Cowboys Sunday afternoon in a much-anticipated Week 8 matchup. Things didn’t start off great, but as the game continued, the Broncos hit full steam. When the clock struck zero, they had throttled the Cowboys 44-24. Today’s big win is their fifth-straight and their sixth of the season. Here are some instant reactions and takeaways from today’s game.
After first drive turnover, the Broncos offense played lights out versus the Cowboys
The Cowboys defense entered today’s
game as one of the worst in the National Football League. Down multiple starters in their secondary, they ranked 30th against the run and 32nd against the pass. If there was ever an opportunity for a ‘get it right’ performance by the offense—today’s matchup provided that. And guess what? That’s exactly what happened.
Broncos Country collectively held their breaths as Bo Nix had an interception on the first drive of the game. After holding the Cowboys to three points thereafter, Nix and the offense were able to roar back with a score of their own. R.J. Harvey was able to take a well-blocked crack toss the distance for a 40-yard touchdown scamper on their second drive to make it 10-3.
Over the next several drives, the Broncos dialed up the heat even more on offensive with three more scores. Harvey had another touchdown run which were complimented by touchdown receptions from Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant in the second quarter helped give the Broncos a big 27-10 lead by the end of the first half. Through two quarters, the Broncos had 264 yards (169 passing, 95 rushing) with 15 first downs. They averaged an astonishing 9.1 yards per play in the first thirty minutes of play.
You can only play who is on your schedule. While Dallas certainly has a bad defense that had numerous injuries, the Broncos did exactly what they needed to do and executed at a high level. The offensive line played lights out. Their running game was awesome, they did a great job on their screen plays, and I liked Nix’s aggressiveness pushing the ball down the field in the second half. It was easily the best they looked all season.
This is the type of offensive effort everyone wanted to see after Denver erupted for 33 points in the fourth quarter in their comeback victory over the Giants last weekend. Over 400 yards of total offense and just shy of 200 yards on the ground. It’s great to see them continue where they left off. I’m really proud of what they accomplished today and hope it can carry forward as the second half of the season nears.
The 2025 Draft Class made a huge impact in today’s game
A lot of criticism and concern has come about relative to the Broncos’ 2025 NFL Draft class. Through seven games, they hadn’t put up the production many had hoped for. Though it’s always important to exercise a little bit of patients as rookies acclimate to the changes and rigors of the pros. This afternoon, the top trio of Broncos picks all made impact plays that helped get them the dub.
R.J. Harvey showcased why the team used a second-round pick on him and scored two touchdowns on the ground and added a third with a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Pat Bryant had some tremendous blocks in the run game, hauled in a nice 23-yard touchdowns. At the end of the first half, first-round pick Jahdae Barron logged his first interception of his career against Dak Prescott on an ill-advised through over the middle of the field.
These are the type of games that can make a difference for rookies. I expect all three of them to continue to be productive players. Today’s game against the Cowboys should give Harvey, Bryant, and Barron a lot more confidence as the second half of the season begins.
Troy Franklin performed admirably in a rebound performance for the Broncos
Last week against the New York Giants, second-year wide receiver Troy Franklin struggled. He only had three catches on ten targets and didn’t have any consistency with Nix. That’s why Franklin was a player I mentioned that needed to have a big game to help Denver get their sixth win of the season.
The fourth-round pick didn’t disappoint today. He had six receptions for 89 yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Broncos desperately need to find their second-best option in the receiving game. With today’s performance, it appears that Franklin certainly has the potential to be that guy.
While some fans are hoping Denver adds a receiver at the trade deadline, I’m one who doesn’t think that needs to be the case. Let the young players they’ve drafted continue to develop. All things considered, I’m confident he and Nix can continue to fire on all cylinders moving forward.
Other miscellaneous thoughts and observations:
- With his performance against the Cowboys, Nix now has over 50 touchdowns in 25 regular season games. While I’ve had my reservations about his ability as a drop back passer, there is no doubt he has been productive getting touchdowns early on in his career. He bounced back greatly after his first drive interception. Overall, he went 19-of-29 for 247 yards, 4 passing touchdowns, and 1 interception. Hats off to Nix for taking care of business today.
- I’ve been quite pleased with the development of Marvin Mims Jr. in his third season. They’ve been diversifying his route tree and responsibilities on offense, but he continues to be a great asset as a kick and punt returner. While he didn’t do much as a receiver today, he had nearly 120 yards combined on kick and punt returns and helped give the Broncos good field position all game long.
- Kudos to the defense for keeping the powerful Cowboys offense in check for most of the game. Forcing two turnovers helped pave the way for a victory. Dak Prescott had an awful game and was pulled in the fourth quarter. He finished going 19-of-31 for just 188 yards and 2 interceptions. What makes it even more impressive is they did that with Patrick Surtain II missing the entire second half due to a shoulder injury.
