The Cowboys’ Winning Formula May Be Their Biggest Trap This Week
Why the Dallas Defense Is the Key — and How It Could Undo Them vs. the Broncos
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for a showdown with the Denver Broncos in Week 8, the narrative is simple: they’ve found a formula that’s winning games. But here’s the kicker — that same formula could be the one that causes a collapse in Denver.

🔑 Why Dallas Could Win
Dallas’ defense is showing real signs of life. Two young defensive stars — rookie linebacker Shemar James and rookie defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (“EZ”) — are suddenly stepping up.
-
Ezeiruaku’s pass-rush grade has climbed, hitting a career-high 75.1 in Week 6 and delivering his first NFL sack last week. Roundtable.io Network
Shemar James has made steady gains too, improving from a 49.8 grade in his debut to 63.8 in Week 7. Roundtable.io Network
If Dallas keeps getting pressure on the quarterback, the game tilts in their favor. The formula is working: disrupt the passing game, get stops, control tempo, and turn defense into offense.
⚠️ But Here’s Why the Same Formula Could Backfire
The dangerous twist: the formula depends heavily on one thing — applying sustained pressure on the opposing QB. And when that fails, everything could fall apart.
Here’s how:
-
The Broncos’ QB Bo Nix is solid when he’s in a clean pocket — his passing grade there: 76.7, ranking him No. 24 in that scenario. Roundtable.io Network
But under pressure? His grade drops to 39.6 — No. 44 league-wide for pressured passers. Roundtable.io Network
If Dallas can’t consistently get home — if Ezeiruaku slows down, if James regresses, if the defensive front can’t impose themselves — then Dallas’ “winning formula” becomes a liability. Because instead of making the Broncos one-dimensional, it allows Nix to attack from the pocket, carve up soft spots, and turn the script.
🎯 What to Watch
-
Can the Cowboys sustain pressure? If Ezeiruaku and James stack another strong game, then Dallas has a path to dominance.
Will Nix be allowed to operate clean? If he’s given time and space, the Broncos could explode.
Can Dallas avoid playing it safe? Relying solely on defense without adapting could mean getting flat-lined.
📌 The Bottom Line
Dallas has the parts to win — young defenders stepping up, a blueprint forming, and momentum on their side. But that blueprint is fragile. It depends on everything clicking.
In Denver, margins are thin. The Broncos smell an upset. If Dallas doesn’t hit the marks, the very formula that’s lifted them up could become the reason they fall.
When the whistle blows, it won’t just be a game of yards and touchdowns — it’ll be a test of execution, resilience, and timing.
And that is why this one is far from certain.












