Denver’s Rookies Shine, Defense Dominates, Broncos Beat Down the Dallas Cowboys
For the first time this season, the Denver Broncos played a complete game. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys in dominating fashion, 44-24. All three phases came to play. Bo Nix and the offense balled out; the defense shut down Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ other offensive weapons. Marvin Mims even had a huge kickoff return. It was nice to sit back and watch the Broncos deliver a decisive win against an admirable opponent.
Bo Nix Rebounds Quickly after First Drive Interception
In an effort to start fast, Sean Payton chose to receive after winning the game's opening coin toss. That type of decision is one you make to showcase the confidence you have in your offense. While the Broncos had two nice gains to open the drive, a seven-yard run by Dobbins and an eleven-yard reception from Engram, Bo Nix failed to set his feet and threw an interception on his second pass of the game. Once he got that out of his system, Nix caught fire and proceeded to torch the Cowboys’ defense. He led seven scoring drives, throwing four touchdown passes, including two to his former Oregon teammate, Troy Franklin. Nix is finally finding his stride and becoming the passer this team needs him to be to pursue a championship.
Denver’s Defense is For Real
The Broncos had not faced an offense of the Cowboys’ caliber up until now. Dallas QB Dak Prescott has been in the conversation for league MVP. CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson headline one of the league's most dangerous receiving corps. And to top it off, former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams is having a career season with the Cowboys. Yet, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph schemed up a plan to mitigate Dallas’ high-powered passing attack. Joseph assigned Patrick Surtain to shadow the larger and more physical Pickens, while doubling Lamb and mixing it up on Ferguson. This strategy, along with Denver’s relentless pass rush, left Prescott in disarray. Denver’s defense was able to intercept two of his passes, and it prevented Lamb and Pickens from reaching the end zone. Ferguson did not even record a single reception. This type of performance against the NFC’s top-scoring offense (per Team Rankings) can be what propels a team to the Super Bowl.
What a day for the Denver Broncos’ 2025 rookie class!
RJ Harvey scored three touchdowns on just eight touches (per ESPN); Pat Bryant scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Bo Nix; and Jahdae Barron picked off Dak Prescott for his first career interception! While some doubted the Broncos' top-three picks’ ability to make an impact early in the season, this week proved that they are legitimate contributors. If Harvey and Bryant can continue to grow and develop larger roles, Bo Nix and this offense should be able to find stability and more sustained success. If Pat Surtain can’t return from injury next week against Houston, Barron will have a chance to prove further why he was a first-round pick. Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton deserve some credit for selecting Barron, Harvey, and Bryant and putting them in positions to succeed. But ultimately, the players have to make the plays, and on Sunday, the Broncos’ rookies did just that. Here’s a Mile High Salute to them!
Super Bowl or Bust?
We are finally seeing Sean Payton’s vision come to life. A team capable of winning a championship is on the horizon. Bo Nix is top-5 in passing touchdowns, and the Broncos have a top-5 rushing offense. Denver’s defense leads the league in sacks and just embarrassed one of the league's top offensive units. The improvement from the first week of the season to now is truly impressive. Payton’s team has the unity and grit it takes to overcome the steepest of odds. He has created a battle-tested squad prepared to face any obstacle. If Denver can stay on their current trajectory, the number one seed in the AFC may be in its future.