Going into their showdown with the Denver Broncos, the Cowboys were hoping some defensive adjustments would carry over from a Week 7 win over the Washington Commanders. That didn’t happen in Week 8. In fact, Dallas’ defense reverted to a few troubling trends in a 44-24 loss at Empower Field at Mile High.

With Juanyeh Thomas and Donovan Wilson both inactive, the Cowboys only had two active safeties against Denver, and got burned as a result. Two undrafted safeties got the start, with Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell getting the nod. Let's just say it wasn't pretty.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The sight of newly signed 41-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis on the practice field Wednesday brought sighs of relief and moments of awe to the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos won the toss and wanted to start on offense. The Cowboys defense was up first. It appeared early on as if Denver was well-reasoned in wanting the ball to start. Their first two plays went for solid gains and many were wondering what was up next. Trikweze Bridges intercepted Bo Nix. That’s what was up next!

Coming off a 44-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Denver Broncos are now ranked seventh in Nate Davis' latest NFL power rankings for USA TODAY Sports. That's unchanged from when the team had the same ranking last week.

The Broncos are now 6-2 and they remain in first place in the AFC West. They have now beaten the Cowboys in eight consecutive meetings, and they are 3-0 in their throwback uniform since reintroducing the look to their rotation in 2024.

The Broncos got three touchdowns from rookie RB RJ Harvey, another from rookie WR Pat Bryant and an interception from first-round pick Jahdae Barron.

J.K. Dobbins ran for 111 yards on 15 carries and the Broncos (6-2) also got big performances from rookies Pat Bryant and Jahdae Barron as they extended the NFL's longest home winning streak to nine games.