3 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys' deflating Week 8 loss vs. Broncos

The Dallas Cowboys knew they had a mountain to climb when they took on the Denver Broncos in Week 8.

Unfortunately, it would be one that the team couldn't conquer, as the Broncos dominated this one from the jump.

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The Broncos were the superior team, and there were many reasons as to why that was. Here are three takeaways from the deflating Cowboys' loss to the Broncos.

1. Couldn't Overcome Injuries

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

A laundry list of injuries was too much for the Cowboys to overcome on Sunday. The Cowboys' secondary was a shell of what it is supposed to be, and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix made the unit pay, time and time again.

2. Couldn't Convert

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks to throw against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In a game where the Cowboys needed their offense to do even more than they usually do, the unit could not find a way to keep themselves on the field on third down.

Before what I would describe as garbage time, the Cowboys were converting just 33% of their third attempts, which wasn't nearly enough against one of the best defenses in the league.

The Cowboys' offense has been asked to carry this team to this point of the season; they shouldn't have to deal with even more pressure to win.

3. That Run D

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins runs against the Dallas Cowboys. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jerry Jones harped on the run defense getting better after the team made the decision to trade Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for Kenny Clark.

So, how did the run defense look on Sunday? Well, the defense being so depleted by injuries made the run defense not look like anything Jones had envisioned when he made the massive trade.

The Broncos rushed for over 170 yards in the game, which meant this offense had its way with the Cowboys' defense in every facet of the game.

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What's Next?

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Greg Dortch. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This one was want to forget for the fanbase, while the Cowboys are limping to a much-needed bye week in a few weeks.

Next up, the Cowboys will take on the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in Week 9. It may sound premature to call it a must-win, but it feels like a loss to a struggling Cardinals team could be a nail in the coffin of the Cowboys' season.

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However, in order for the Cowboys to even a real chance, they have to find some luck when it comes to the injury situation.

A Dallas Cowboys fan reacts in the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images