Bo Nix and Rookies Propel Broncos to 44-24 Victory Over Cowboys, Extending Home Win Streak to Nine

Jack Dempsey/AP Photo

DENVER — A group of rookies played pivotal roles as the Denver Broncos defeated the Dallas Cowboys 44-24 on Sunday, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Running back R.J. Harvey scored three touchdowns, wide receiver Pat Bryant recorded his first NFL touchdown reception among four passes thrown by quarterback Bo Nix, and first-round pick Jahdae Barron intercepted Dak Prescott for his first career interception. “Our rookies did a great job,” said J.K. Dobbins, who rushed for 111 yards on 15 carries. “All the rookies, that’s a great confidence booster.” Veterans also appreciated the contributions of the young players. “It was dope seeing all the young boys do their thing,” receiver Courtland Sutton said. “I’ve got a lot of love for all our rookies. We’ve got some really good rookies.” Despite two touchdowns from former Broncos running back Javonte Williams, the Cowboys fell to 3-4-1 and have now lost eight consecutive games against Denver, a streak dating back to 1995 during the era of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. “All the credit to them,” Prescott said. “But we didn’t play anywhere close to our standard.”

Denver’s victory came despite losing star cornerback Pat Surtain II to a shoulder injury just before halftime. After winning the opening coin toss and opting to receive, Nix threw an interception to Cowboys cornerback Trikweze Bridges, setting up Brandon Aubrey’s short field goal. From that point on, excluding a kneel-down at halftime, the Broncos scored on seven of their next eight possessions.

After Williams narrowed the score to 14-10 with a one-yard touchdown run, Harvey responded with a one-yard TD off a direct snap. Nix then connected with Bryant on a 24-yard touchdown pass, giving Denver a 27-10 halftime lead. Nix later threw a touchdown to Troy Franklin and a five-yard scoring pass to Harvey, extending the lead to 44-17. Barron intercepted Prescott with 12 seconds left in the first half, preventing the Cowboys from closing the gap. Williams’ second one-yard TD cut the deficit to 27-17 in the third quarter.

Including their 33-point fourth quarter against the New York Giants last week, the Broncos have outscored opponents 77-37 over the last five quarters. “This is what we’ve been chasing,” said Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz. “Complementary football on offense, defense, and special teams. There are still penalties we need to address, but this shows what we’re capable of.” The Cowboys’ inconsistency continues to plague them. “We’ve got to find a way to be consistent, whether it’s at home or on the road,” Prescott said. “We’ve got too many good players. We’ve got great coaches. Jadeveon Clowney was just saying in the locker room this roster should not be going up and down like we’re doing. And a guy like that, when he says it… that’s real. We’ve just got to look in the mirror.”

Unhappy Homecoming

Williams ran for 41 yards on 13 carries for a 3.2-yard average. Although he reached a career-best nine touchdowns on the season, he was overshadowed by Denver’s backfield duo of Dobbins and Harvey, who combined for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Overall, the Broncos outgained the Cowboys on the ground, 179 yards to 108.

“It felt familiar because I was there for four years,” Williams said. “But it was just another game for me.” Still, Williams received recognition from the Denver crowd and his former teammates. “Shout-out to Javonte,” Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad said. “I was trying to say good things to him while tackling him, but the referees thought I was trash-talking. I’m really happy for him.”

Nix also praised his former teammate. “He’s doing a great job this season. He was a great teammate in Year 1. He helped me a lot in different situations. I’m happy for him.”

Injuries

Cowboys: Safety Alijah Clark exited with injured ribs in the second half.

Broncos: Surtain, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, suffered a lower-right-leg injury in the first quarter but returned. He later injured his left shoulder before halftime and was ruled out in the third quarter. Tight end Nate Adkins left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Coach Sean Payton declined to discuss the injuries but praised the performance of backup players.

Up Next

Cowboys: Host the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Nov. 3.Broncos: Travel to Houston next Sunday.