Packers’ Top Edge Rusher Emerges as Favorite for Defensive Player of the Year

Bo Nix and Troy Franklin Ignite Broncos Blowout — and Send Shockwaves Through the NFL The Denver Broncos didn’t just win their road game against the Dallas Cowboys — they made a statement. In a dominant 44–24 victory, Denver showcased a new identity powered by two rookies who are quickly becoming the future of the franchise: quarterback Bo Nix and wide receiver Troy Franklin. Once college teammates, the duo has brought that chemistry to the NFL — and it’s already tearing defenses apart. Nix the Commander, Franklin the Rising Star Bo Nix proved he’s far more than just another rookie quarterback. He operated the offense with precision and poise, completing 16 of 29 passes for 247 yards, four touchdowns, and only one interception. His favorite target? Troy Franklin — and it’s clear why. Franklin delivered a standout performance with six receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard score early in the game that set the tone. Their connection isn’t just nostalgia from college — it's becoming a legitimate offensive weapon in the NFL and the backbone of Denver’s attack. But on the Other Sideline — The Dallas Cowboys Are in Trouble While the Broncos are surging, the Cowboys are heading in the opposite direction. This loss drops Dallas to 3–4–1, a disappointing start for a team expected to contend for a Super Bowl. The defense — once the pride of the franchise — has collapsed. The Cowboys currently rank 31st out of 32 teams in total yards allowed, giving up over 400 yards per game. Injuries have only made things worse. Key players in the secondary and pass rush are sidelined, leaving the defensive unit disjointed and vulnerable. Offensively, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard continue to create chances — but with the defense crumbling, their efforts aren’t enough to win games. If Dallas doesn’t fix these issues soon, they risk falling out of the playoff race entirely — especially with a difficult stretch of opponents ahead. Broncos — From Doubts to Contenders The Broncos, however, are trending in the opposite direction. They racked up 426 total yards against Dallas, with the offense running efficiently from start to finish. After a shaky 1–2 start to the season, Denver has now won five straight games and sits at the top of the AFC West — a division long dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Sean Payton once said Bo Nix could become a top-tier quarterback within two years. With performances like this, that prediction no longer sounds ambitious — it sounds realistic. Final Thoughts The Denver Broncos are no longer just a mystery — they are a problem for the rest of the AFC West, and maybe the entire NFL. With Bo Nix and Troy Franklin leading the charge, this offense has become dangerous, dynamic, and very hard to ignore. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys face a harsh reality: if they don’t make urgent adjustments, their season could slip away faster than expected.