Why a Dallas Cowboys’ loss doesn’t have to be all bad

The Dallas Cowboys got a taste of their own medicine in a lackluster effort in the Mile High city. But a humbling loss at this stage of the season isn’t a bad thing.

We probably should have seen this coming. The Dallas Cowboys do not typically fare well when they travel to Denver. Thankfully, it isn’t a yearly occurrence. But after a thorough dismantling at the hands of the Broncos, it’s back to the drawing board.

As bad as the loss looked–and it was horrid–credit has to go to the Broncos for giving the Cowboys a heaping helping of their own formula. A punishing running game and an efficient passing attack is what Dallas normally doles out. It’s the recipe they were forced to eat yesterday afternoon. Denver pays their players, too. Moreover, they’re a pretty salty bunch themselves.

Even then, after being dominated in the early stages of the game, the Cowboys managed to claw their way to a 7-7 draw on the strength of a forced fumble by defensive lineman Demarcus Lawrence. Unfortunately, a bizarre weather-delayed afternoon took a turn for the worse in a crucial stretch in the second and third quarters.

The first “uh-oh” moment occurred when Lawrence committed a leverage penalty on a Denver field goal attempt, The call extended the drive, and the Broncos capitalized with a touchdown. A potential defensive stop and a 10-7 deficit turned into a 14-7 hole that portended a disappointing afternoon.

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The ensuing Dallas possession featured a ticky-tack pass interference call on Dez Bryant and a crucial drop by receiver Brice Butler on third down. Dallas had to punt, and the Broncos capitalized and scored yet again. The 21-7 deficit would prove to be a hole from which the Cowboys would not recover. The ill wind was already apparent despite a late first half field goal to pull within 21-10. To add insult to injury, Denver received the second half kickoff and proceeded to go fifteen plays and seventy-five yards to pay dirt. The resultant 28-10 score verily sealed the deal halfway through the third quarter.

That thud you heard across the DFW Metroplex was the Cowboys’ bandwagon catching a flat tire. And judging by the reaction on post game shows, the sky is falling.

The offensive line isn’t that great. The defense can’t stop anyone. The coaching sucks. We’ll never win another game. It’s funny to listen to, especially when it’s obvious that some of the callers are more than a few libations into their evening.

Look, the game didn’t go like we all wanted. As a wise man once said, them’s the breaks. No running game, gobs of missed tackles, and overall poor play make for a long football Sunday. No one expected the Cowboys to go up there and lay an egg. But these things happen. The good thing is that the problems we all saw yesterday are fixable.

Remember, this team is still very young. The defense is still going through their rebuild. Above all else, Denver’s really good. In fact, the AFC West is the best division in football. Like I said before, the Dallas Cowboys almost never go there and win. Losing to a good team on the road isn’t a crime. It simply provides those coaching moments we all hear about. This iteration of Cowboys’ football hasn’t given us any reason to think they won’t bounce back.

Next: Cowboys shut down in Denver: Post game quick takes

So if you’ll allow me a little latitude, don’t panic–yet. We’re bound to experience some growing pains with this squad. If it makes you feel any better, Denver may be the best team they face all year. If the Cowboys have designs on February glory, they need to take their medicine now and become better for it. Yesterday was simply a prime example.