Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin didn’t hold back after watching his former team get torched by the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Mile High.
The Cowboys legend posted his frustration on social media as Dallas trailed 27-10 at halftime before losing 44-24. The Cowboys’ defense allowed Denver to dominate on both sides of the ball in a game that exposed all of the unit’s weaknesses.
What Did Michael Irvin Say About the Cowboys’ Defense?
Irvin posted his frustration on X during the game, writing in all caps as the nightmare unfolded:
“This CAN NOT be an @NFL defense that’s wearing the @dallascowboys helmets !!!!!!”
This CAN NOT be an @NFL defense that’s wearing the @dallascowboys helmets !!!!!!
— Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) October 26, 2025
After allowing the Broncos to jump out to a 27-10 halftime lead, the Cowboys outscored them 7-3 in the third before giving up 14 more in the fourth. Denver dominated both sides of the ball, piling up 426 yards to Dallas’ 339.
Dallas entered the game with serious secondary issues. Before kickoff, the team ruled out cornerback Trevon Diggs and safety Donovan Wilson, leaving an already thin group even more exposed.
Those absences proved costly. Denver exploited the weaknesses relentlessly, racking up 247 passing yards and 231 rushing yards while averaging 7.5 yards per play compared to the Cowboys’ 5.0. Quarterback Bo Nix’s offense converted crucial third downs and controlled the tempo while Dallas’ depleted secondary chased receivers around Mile High.
The mismatch was obvious from the start. The 5-2 Broncos came in with momentum under head coach Sean Payton, having won four of their last five games. That surge showed throughout the game as cornerback Patrick Surtain II led Denver’s defense with four tackles and an assist while the Cowboys managed just one sack.
How Bad Has Dallas’ Defense Been This Season?
Sunday’s struggles are nothing new. The numbers paint a bleak picture for a unit that once defined Cowboys football. Dallas sits 30th in the NFL in points allowed per game, at 29.4, having given up 2,811 total yards through Week 8.
The Cowboys have the 30th-ranked defense in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric with a 61.8 score and a D- grade. They’ve allowed 24 touchdowns while offering opponents little resistance.
The defense has surrendered 1,938 passing yards and 989 rushing yards across seven-plus games, showing vulnerability against both the run and pass. Teams have moved the chains 163 times against Dallas, consistently keeping drives alive and wearing down the Cowboys’ defense.
The Cowboys lost Diggs, safety Malik Hooker, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown to injured reserve, stripping away experience and talent from a unit already struggling to find its identity.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Dallas needs a fourth-quarter miracle to avoid falling to 3-4-1 and watching its playoff hopes take another hit in a crowded NFC East race, where the Philadelphia Eagles lead at 6-2. Irvin’s frustration captures what every Cowboys fan feels watching this defense collapse in real time.
