Denver Broncos (6-2) – Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1): 44-24
In this enticing display between the best attack in the league and the (probable) best defense, it was ultimately the Denver attack, and its rookie RJ Harvey, who crushed the match. While the Cowboys quickly opened the score, Denver regained the advantage straight away thanks to its rookie running back. They were then able to play their game and were ultimately never really worried by a disappointing Dallas team.
RJ Harvey reveals himself, Bo Nix and the defense provide
A week after a twisty match against the New York Giants, Denver was keen to quickly get back into this match. A desire supported from the toss corner, while Sean Payton chose to receive the ball to put his attack directly into the mix. A daring tactic ultimately far from paying off, since Bo Nix (19/29, 247 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception) was not on the same wavelength as Pat Bryant and sent the ball directly into the hands of Trikweze Bridges on the first drive.
A false start which will ultimately be the only misstep for the Broncos. After a good defensive phase allowing them to concede only 3 points, rookie RJ Harvey (7 races, 46 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 reception, 5 yards, 1 touchdown) launched the machine and scored his first touchdown on the ground in the NFL, on a 40-yard run. The offensive festival begins and Denver unfolds. 5 minutes later, it's Troy Franklin (6 receptions, 89 yards, 2 touchdowns) who receives a pass from Bo Nix in the middle, then RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant (2 receptions, 40 yards, 1 touchdown) who add to the score before halftime (27-10).
Returning from the locker room, if a second touchdown from Javonte Williams (13 races, 41 yards, 2 touchdowns) gives hope to the Cowboys, the Broncos quickly kill the suspense. Relying on his men in form, Bo Nix once again found Troy Franklin in the in-goal before offering a hat-trick to rookie RJ Havey, on a 5-yard pass. Jalen Tolbert's late touchdown doesn't change anything, Denver wins by a wide margin and is ideally positioned in the race for the playoffs in the AFC. It will nevertheless be necessary to monitor the situation of Pat Surtain II, who was released during the match with a shoulder injury. An absence that could weigh heavily if it were to continue…
Dak Prescott suffocates against Denver defense
On an MVP pace since the start of the season, Dak Prescott has been through hell in Denver. Yet accompanied by his entire committee of receivers, the quarterback was imprecise (19/31), struggled to move the chains (188 yards, 0 touchdown) and even made more costly errors (2 interceptions). If George Pickens (7 receptions, 78 yards) and CeeDee Lamb (7 receptions, 74 yards) assisted him well, Prescott did not manage to find Jake Ferguson once during the meeting. A first this season for one of the most prolific tight ends in the league. The veteran was finally replaced at the end of the match by Joe Milton III (3/4, 58 yards, 1 touchdown) who threw the only touchdown of the evening for the Cowboys, on a nice bomb towards Jalen Tolbert (2 receptions, 47 yards, 1 touchdown).
Defensively, Dallas once again showed a pitiful level of play. It's simple, every time the Denver offense had the ball, it seemed in position to score a touchdown. This is evidenced by their statistics, with averages of 7.1 yards per carry and 8.5 yards per pass! Denver also only punted twice in the entire game, while 7 of their drives ended in points (6 touchdowns, 1 field goal). If Dallas wants to aim higher, Dallas would do well to take inspiration from its evening opponent.
