DENVER– Two interceptions inside Denver territory, coupled with a slew of big gains by the Broncos offense, were the plays you'll remember most.
But there were a few plays that went against the Cowboys that might have changed the outcome, although that might be a stretch considering the final score. These five definitely would've changed the flow of the game, though, and kept the Cowboys within striking distance.
Phantom false start – While the false start was never actually seen on any replay, the penalty was called on Tyler Smith, but it could've been Tyler Guyton. Either way, the 5-yard penalty on third-and-goal from the 1 pushed Dallas back to the 6. From there, Dak Prescott's pass to CeeDee Lamb was incomplete, and the Cowboys had to settle for a field goal. Without the penalty, it's likely the Cowboys run Javonte Williams twice from the 1-yard line for a touchdown attempt.
Offside penalty extends drive – Lined up offside from the start, James Houston was flagged on a play that could've gotten the Cowboys off the field on Denver's second drive. Instead, an incomplete pass was negated because of the 5-yard penalty. The Broncos converted the next third down and then were in the end zone two plays later on a R.J. Harvey's touchdown run. The Cowboys went from having the ball and a 3-0 lead to a 7-3 deficit in a matter of minutes.
Prescott's slide vs. dive – Protecting the quarterback is vital and a lot times it comes down to the quarterback protecting himself. However, one play late in the second quarter might have cost the Cowboys a big swing in points. Prescott's first-down run at the 20-yard line was headed toward another first down, but as he approached the 30, he started his slide motion, and the ball was spotted at the 29. Had he chosen to dive forward, he would have gained at least 2-3 more yards and a first down. As it turned out, Dallas couldn't convert on second or third downs and had to punt. Already down 10, the Cowboys desperately needed points, and the Broncos eventually got the ball and finished the half with another touchdown. Even if the Cowboys didn't score on that drive, it might have chewed up enough time to make it tougher for the Broncos to score.
Turpin drops low pass on third down – Late in the third quarter, trailing by 13, the Cowboys were in major need of points. On third-and-5 at the Dallas 45-yard line, Prescott had KaVontae Turpin open on the sideline, but the speedy receiver, who had already drawn a defensive penalty earlier in the drive, couldn't haul in the low pass, the play counting as a drop. But a higher pass would've been ideal as well. Either way, the missed opportunity led to a punt, and the Broncos proceeded to score on their next possession, pushing the lead out to 37-17.
Engram's catch puts game away – Down 13, the Cowboys had to somehow get a stop and force a field goal. On third-and-10 at the Cowboys' 21-yard line, Bo Nix found Evan Engram over the middle for an 11-yard gain to the 10. That would not be the last third-down conversion of the drive, as the Broncos scored from the 5-yard line on third-and-goal. The pass to Engram not only took more time off the clock but erased any chances of the Cowboys keeping it a two-score game.
