The Dallas Cowboys were embarrassed by the Denver Broncos in Week 8 - who's most to blame in Dallas for the 44-24 loss?

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.

The Denver Broncos (6-2) put together their first complete game of the season, thrashing the visiting Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1) 44-24. The Broncos remain atop the AFC West, a game ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Once again, Dallas’ league-worst defense doomed the team, allowing the Broncos to score 44 points. Denver quarterback Bo Nix looked unstoppable with four touchdowns against just one interception, completing 19 of his 29 passes for 247 yards.

Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II avoided a major injury in the Cowboys blowout as Denver’s defense stays dominant during recovery.

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.

Dallas' back-up quarterback Joe Milton got to play in some mop up after Dallas was torched by Denver. He went 3-of-4 passing for 58 yards. His quarterback rating was 99.8 which is tremendous for a back-up quarterback. Denver won 44-24 and it wasn't that close.

It feels exhausting to consider that the Cowboys defense may have to have four coordinators in as many years with 2026 changes, but right now it is hard to see any other future. Matt Eberflus continues to play soft defenses and stick with his zone principles and it is hindering things on almost a play-by-play basis.