Cowboys Face Tough Decisions After Loss to Broncos

DENVER — The Dallas Cowboys suffered a significant setback in their quest for playoff contention, losing 44-24 to the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 29, 2023. Despite initially taking a 3-0 lead following an interception, the Cowboys struggled to maintain momentum as the Broncos scored touchdowns on six of their next eight possessions.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed disappointment in both the team’s performance and coaching. “I don’t think any of us coached or played well enough,” he remarked. Schottenheimer emphasized the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage, which the Cowboys failed to do. “It started up front. They moved us around pretty good,” he added.

Despite this loss, Schottenheimer highlighted the team’s resilience, noting that they have not allowed previous losses to affect their performance in the following weeks. Nevertheless, the Cowboys have struggled to build on any successes, failing to secure consecutive wins throughout the season.

The game against the Broncos revealed several glaring issues. The Cowboys faced costly pre-snap penalties and allowed numerous Denver players to run free, while both offensive and defensive lines were overpowered. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who had been performing at an MVP level, threw two interceptions, a stark contrast to his previous four games without a turnover. “Two unacceptable plays,” Prescott stated. “We got to find consistency, honestly.”

In the postgame locker room, Schottenheimer challenged players to reflect on their performance, asking if anyone felt they had played their best. No players stepped forward, underscoring the collective disappointment. Prescott noted that the team was far from their established identity, particularly on offense. “We didn’t play to our standard. We’ve got to find a way to do that on the road,” he said.

As the Cowboys assess their playoff prospects, it is evident that their success hinges on the performance of their offense. Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo compared this year’s team to his 2013 squad, which narrowly missed the playoffs. “They’re going to hover around .500, and it’s going to come down to a game or two for them to get into the playoffs,” Romo predicted.

Currently, the Cowboys hold a record of 3-4-1 and face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. They have upcoming matches against teams like the Arizona Cardinals (2-5), Las Vegas Raiders (2-5), and Minnesota Vikings (3-4), which present opportunities for victories. However, challenging encounters await against stronger teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) and Kansas City Chiefs (4-3), raising questions about their ability to compete at that level.

The impending trade deadline on November 4 looms large for the Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones has indicated a willingness to make changes to improve the roster. “This loss is discouraging,” he acknowledged outside the team’s locker room, yet reaffirmed his openness to opportunities that could benefit the team regardless of the game’s outcome.

While Prescott is not in a position to advocate for roster changes publicly, he expressed confidence in his teammates. “I trust and I like the guys that we have,” he said. “Can it be better? That’s for you guys to write about and to judge.” Prescott underscored the need for players to step up and improve their performance rather than relying on potential trades.

As the Cowboys regroup for their next game, the focus will be on addressing the shortcomings that led to the disappointing defeat in Denver. With Schottenheimer and Prescott leading the way, the team aims to turn their frustrations into motivation for the crucial weeks ahead.