Broncos vs. Cowboys grades: Denver dominates Dallas with complete team effort

The Broncos ran past the Cowboys on Sunday to move to 6-2 on the season.

Here are the grades for the 44-24 win at Empower Field at Mile High.

Offense

The Broncos wanted a fast start and got it. But unlike other games this season, the offense kept its foot on the pedal and routed the depleted Dallas defense. Quarterback Bo Nix, who threw a pick on his second pass, had four touchdowns and 247 yards. Denver’s young players made an impact on offense as rookie RJ Harvey had three scores, Troy Franklin had two, and Pat Bryant scored his first career touchdown. A complete effort after plenty of questions in the previous weeks.

Grade: A

Defense

The Cowboys moved the ball early and got all the way down to the 1-yard line on their first drive, but the Denver defense held them to a field goal, and the Cowboys never got going after that. The Broncos held the Cowboys to 24 points with Patrick Surtain missing all of the second half. Zach Allen and John Franklin Myers each had a sack, and Denver was in the face of Dak Prescott most of the game. The Broncos also picked off Prescott twice.

Grade: A

Special teams

Marvin Mims had another highlight on a kickoff with a 46-yard return that set up a Broncos score. Wil Lutz was perfect on extra points and had one field goal.

Grade: A

Coaching

Coach Sean Payton’s offensive game plan was on point from the beginning, even though Nix threw a pick on the first drive. Denver only punted twice and scored six touchdowns in the rout. Penalties didn’t slow down the Broncos on Sunday, but they did commit seven for 42 yards. Plenty of credit to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph as well for his game plan against the best offense in the league.

Grade: A

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