3 Satisfying Takeaways from Broncos' 44-24 Blowout Win Over Cowboys

Nix’s robust performance made him the first Broncos quarterback with 4-plus total touchdowns in consecutive games since Peyton Manning in 2013. Additionally, the 44 points that the Broncos hung on the Cowboys were the most points scored at home since the Manning era back in 2014.

Payton eventually pulled Nix for backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham late in the fourth quarter with Denver protecting a commanding 20-point lead. Finally, a complete performance from start to finish by a Broncos offense that is quickly earning high praise and respect from the rest of the league. 

Dobbins & Harvey Vindicate Payton’s RB Rebuild 

The biggest worry for Broncos Country coming into this game was avoiding the revenge game angle from Cowboys running back Javonte Williams, who found new life in Dallas.

Williams’ heroic efforts against Denver’s top-10 run defense resulted in just 41 yards, despite him scoring two touchdowns. ‘Pookie’ was the Cowboys' only offensive weapon that remained a respected threat for the duration of the game, though he could only muster a 3.2 yards-per-carry average.

Meanwhile, the Broncos' new running back duo of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey ran wild on Dallas. Payton’s redesigned running back room produced a combined 157 rushing yards and two touchdowns, as Denver earned 179 yards on the ground.

Dobbins earned his second 100-yard rushing performance of the season, finishing the game with 111 yards, averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Harvey scored three impressive touchdowns in a coming-of-age moment for the rookie second-round pick. Harvey averaged 6.6 yards per carry for 46 yards rushing and two touchdowns in addition to one reception for a five-yard score. 

We’re finally witnessing Harvey fulfill Payton’s vision as a change-of-pace playmaker who can be elite in open space and a tough runner when the chips are down. Dobbins remains the featured back who can shoulder the load and provide support as a pass blocker, along with Tyler Badie on third down. 

While nobody in Denver necessarily shed tears when Williams was allowed to find a new home in Dallas, few people expected him to be so successful out of the gates with the Cowboys. Nor did we realize the significance of upgrading the Broncos' running back room with a sixth-year veteran with an injury history, or an undersized second-rounder.

Perhaps Payton deserves credit for waving goodbye to the past and hello to the future, as the Broncos' underdog running backs continue to prove their head coach right. 

Denver's Defense Shows Grit Amid Mounting Injuries

The Broncos' defense thought they dodged the injury bullet when cornerback Patrick Surtain II returned from a lower shin injury sustained in the first quarter. But the reigning Defensive Player of the Year was eventually sidelined for the game after suffering a shoulder injury. He didn't return to the field after the half.

Surtain’s exit resulted in Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott testing cornerback Riley Moss on a continual basis with both of Dallas’ top-shelf receivers in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, who combined for 152 receiving yards. Moss, who entered the contest allowing the lowest completion percentage (39.1) of any defensive back this season, continued his reign as the most penalized defender, stacking up pass interference and holding flags.

Moss would survive the contest with four tackles and four passes defensed, although he did relinquish a deep touchdown in garbage time to Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton III and wideout Jalen Tolbert.

Vance Joseph’s secondary continued to hang in there, battling both the refs and Cowboys playmakers. Broncos rookie first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron picked off Dak Prescott, the first interception of his career and the first pick thrown by the Cowboys' quarterback in four games.

Rush linebacker Dondrea Tillman also picked Prescott off, returning it for 36 yards, and Denver's leading tackler Alex Singleton forced a fumble. Broncos safeties Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga were instrumental in limiting Dallas’ offense to 4-of-11 on third down, 2-of-4 in the red zone, and 2-of-3 in goal-to-go scenarios.

Defensive end Zach Allen was roughed up in the second half of action, though he returned to form and finished the contest with a tackle and a sack. The Broncos' pass rush was mostly held in check, although John Franklin-Myers joined Allen in the sack category. Denver finished with only two sacks, but Prescott was under consistent pressure.

The Broncos' defense had Prescott’s number from the jump, limiting him to 19-for-31 passing for 188 yards and two interceptions. Denver kept the Cowboys' offense sidelined, winning the time of possession battle by seven minutes.

Denver’s defense has been rich in talent, but what’ll truly be intriguing is whether the unit's depth can be just as formidable if veteran playmakers are forced to miss time. We'll monitor Surtain's health status this week.