The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos, 44-24. Against a formidable opponent, this game exposed serious holes in their one-on-one defense. This loss marked the highest points allowed in a game since the Cowboys suffered a 47-9 defeat to the Detroit Lions last season. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones had shown his skepticism that the team had built a defense. Indeed, he thinks they aren’t even close to being “one player away” from being competitive.
The Cowboys’ defense has struggled significantly this season, ranking 32nd in yards allowed per game and 30th in points allowed per game. In the latest game, they surrendered more than 400 total yards for the fourth time this year. The Broncos took advantage of this hole, gaining 179 yards rushing (6.4 ypc). This continued trend from the season was compounded by out of character performances. It would mark the fifth time the Cowboys have allowed more than 144 rushing yards this season.
It got a lot worse without having their top three safeties. Veteran Malik Hooker, swingman Donovan Wilson and rookie Juanyeh Thomas were out this game with injuries. In the second half when cornerback Alijah Clark went down with a rib injury, he was forced to exit the game. Reddy Steward quickly moved up to fill his shoes. Despite these setbacks, Jones emphasized that he would evaluate potential trades in the coming weeks, indicating a willingness to explore options for improvement.
“If I saw a proposition for us to help this team, no matter what this score was today, then I would look at it on the merits of helping the team,” – Jerry Jones.
The Cowboys’ defense was under siege for the rest of the game, surrendering four touchdown tosses. It is the second time this season that Sevenoaks have conceded that many in a single game. After the game, Jones felt the onus should be on players executing better on the field.
“I see guys that could be surer, more firm in their execution,” – Jerry Jones.
Even Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was asked about making a trade to spark the season. He stood up for his teammates, showing unwavering faith in their skills, but holding them accountable and calling out what needed to be better.
“I trust and I like the guys that we have,” – Dak Prescott.
Even as he acknowledged the shortcomings across the roster, Prescott chose to focus on the hear undeniable promise that potential good.
“Honestly I do. And that’s not just a political answer. You see some of these games we’ve won … our roster is OK. Can it be better? That’s for you guys to write about and to judge,” – Dak Prescott.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said he agreed with Prescott. He emphasized that it is not a lack of talent from the players, but instead a lack of execution on their part during the game.
“At the end of the day, I think we have good enough players. I think we did not play well tonight,” – Brian Schottenheimer.
The Cowboys return from Here Be Dragons territory with plenty of hard challenges staring at them as they seek to rebound from this loss. The team has a rueful history of bouncing back from brutal losses, just as their 3-4 start in 2018 immediately after a jarring close loss to Washington. Now, they need to continue to build on that resilience to right the ship on a very difficult season.
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