Denver Broncos Week 8 Recap — Broncos Display Offensive Dominance in 44-point Performance

Coming into Denver, Dak Prescott looked like an MVP favorite, and the Cowboys offense an unstoppable unit. In the end, Prescott had his worst game of the season with 188 yards 2 INT & 0 TD, with both of his interceptions coming inside Denver territory and both in crucial moments of the game. His first interception came in the final 30 seconds of the first half, rookie Jahdae Barron made an excellent play in underneath coverage on tight end Jake Ferguson. Dak’s second interception came to defensive linemen Dondrea Tillman, the first of his career as well which ended with a stellar 36-yard return to midfield, this was Prescott’s last attempt of the day. Patrick Surtain didn’t return after halftime due to his pectoral injury, but the Broncos still managed to construct a game plan that held the league’s most potent offense to just one touchdown outside a garbage time prayer by Joe Milton in the final three minutes. This was with 15-minutes of preparation knowing they were without Surtain, there is no luxury in his absence but they have prepared all week to be without him, and I trust Vance Joseph used that time effectively.

On the other side of the ball, Bo Nix put together another impressive day following his record 4th quarter the week prior, Nix strung together 4 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes and taking no sacks. Two of Nix’s touchdowns came to former Oregon connection, Troy Franklin, who has found his stride since last year and is on track to restoring that chemistry with Nix. Granted, Pickens and Ceedee didn’t have the benefit of playing against the Cowboys defense, Troy Franklin outgained them both in yardage and touchdowns. Denver’s stars in the backfield also outshined their opponents on the other side of the ball. RJ Harvey wasted little time validating the Broncos decision to part ways with Javonte Williams and draft him in the 2nd round when he took his first touch of the game 40-yards to the endzone. Harvey didn’t stop there, he went on to score two more touchdowns, including one through the air and one where he lined up at wildcat on a goalline score. Harvey became the first Broncos rookie since Clinton Portis to have 3 touchdowns in the same game. JK Dobbins continued to stomp his way through defenses with his second 100-yard game of the year, Dobbins gashed Dallas on every possible cutback lane for 7.4 YPC. Ex-Broncos Javonte Williams found the endzone twice from the one yard line, but ended with 41-yards total and 3.2 YPC.

This was the most complete game the Broncos have played since week 4 against the Bengals, and the most points the Broncos have scored since 2019. The Broncos offense controlled the games flow and provided a cushion for their defense, putting the Cowboys in obvious passing situations, where the Broncos pass rush flourishes. Denver’s fierce defensive line generated 15 pressured against Dak and the Cowboys line. They also removed Prescott’s safety blanket Jake Ferguson, who was held without a single reception. ​Takeaways from this game come with their bruises, Denver loses Patrick Surtain for at least a month and Marvin Mims will be in concussion protocol likely until the Broncos home matchup against the Chiefs in three weeks. Dondrea Tillman, Justin Strnad, and Pat Bryant are all demanding and deserving of elevated roles after their strong performances, a much needed boost of depth.