After a tough, rainy matchup, the Dallas Cowboys lost 42-17 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday evening.

The Denver Broncos offense showed out at  Sports Authority Field with a dominant offensive and defensive performance.

Simply put, the Cowboys were completely shut down.

Not even a nearly 60-minute weather delay gave Dallas leverage for a momentum change. 

Ezekiel Elliot, arguably the Cowboys’ most dangerous weapon, ended the night with only eight yards on nine carries. Dallas abandoned the run early in the game, but it’s difficult to predict a different (better) outcome had they stuck with it.

The Cowboys defense struggled the entire night. Nolan Caroll (concussion) and Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) left mid-game leaving Dallas with only Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis as cornerbacks. Lewis snagged his first career interception in his NFL debut, but both players failed to make significant stops. 

DeMarcus Lawrence had his second multi-sack night and was about the only fire the Cowboys lit up tonight. 

Dak was seemingly struggling with overthrown passes to Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley. It is questionable if tonight’s underwhelming performance is related to any lingering issues with his ankle after the first quarter hit.

Sure, Dak missed a throw or two. But considering the pass rush, lack of run game, and dropped passes, it isn’t anything to worry about so early in the season. Dak finished the night with two touchdowns, two interceptions, and 238 yards.

This loss was a stinger, no doubt about that, but it is definitely too soon to start panicking. The Cowboys will play in Arizona next Monday giving them an extra day to pick themselves up by the bootstraps and get back after it.