The Dallas Cowboys have had a few ugly losses this season, but this one might take the cake. Dallas allowed 27 points in the first half, 44 in total, as the defense played its worst game of the year.
It’s hard to find too many positives from this loss, and with Dallas sitting at 3-4-1, their season is hanging in the balance. But before we look ahead to Week 9, here are the biggest winners and losers from the Cowboys’ ugly loss to the Broncos.
Winners and losers from the Cowboys' ugly Week 8 loss
Loser: Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele
The Cowboys have invested a lot into their offensive tackles, but they were outclassed in every way on Sunday. Both Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele had back-breaking penalties and were outmatched in the passing game.
That hasn’t been the case in too many matchups this year, but the tackles haven’t been a strong point for them this season. Guyton hasn’t developed the way the Cowboys have hoped, and it’s fair to wonder if Nathan Thomas should get an extended look. Either way, it was a rough outing for the tackles.
Loser: Jaydon Blue
Blue got more work in Week 7 than he had in previous weeks, but outside of one run, it was a day to forget. Blue fumbled in the second half and he was lucky that Brock Hoffman was able to recover it. And there were several times where Blue shied away from contact.
The Cowboys could really use Blue’s juice, but mental mistakes (false start last week) and fumbles will keep him off the field. Javonte Williams has been fantastic this season, but Dallas needs a No. 2 running back, and the rookie out of Texas has yet to step up.
Winner: George Pickens
There weren’t many bright spots for Dallas, but Pickens played another good game. He made several big receptions in key moments and continues to be everything the Cowboys could have hoped for with their No. 2 wide receiver.
Pickens has crossed over 65 yards in six of the team’s eight games this season and continues to be a force. At this point, it might behoove the Cowboys to get a contract done now before the end of the season.
Winner: Tyler Booker
If there was one offensive lineman who did well today, it was Tyler Booker. He dominated his matchup, and he was the one player who could open up lanes in the run game. He allowed just two pressures on 46 dropbacks, which is highly impressive considering the level of competition.
After returning from his high-ankle sprain, Booker has played well. And while the Cowboys still have other issues on the offensive line they need to fix, it sure looks like they hit a home run on Booker.
Loser: Marshawn Kneeland and Sam Williams
We are going to lump these two together as they are both former second-round picks at defensive ends, and neither played well. Kneeland was drafted to be a run-stopper, and he’s been among the worst on the team defending the run. He’s recorded one sack in two years and is downright unplayable in his current state.
Williams has had more success as a pass rusher, but his inability to stop the run and play sound defense makes him a huge liability. He continues to rack up the penalties, and teams have been able to take him out of the game on run downs by using receivers and tight ends to block them.
The Cowboys have a lot of issues on defense, but missing on two second-round pick defensive ends is a big reason why.