Michael Irvin Scathes Cowboys' Defense Over Pitiful Performance vs. Broncos
The Cowboys' defense is a major problem right now, and Michael Irvin has seen enough.
Dallas suffered a humbling defeat against the Broncos on Sunday, and much of the blame can be put on its defense. Bo Nix & Co. hung 44 points on the Cowboys in Week 8. It's the second time this season Dallas has surrendered 40-plus points, and it has allowed 30 or more points in five of its eight games.
A frustrated Irvin took to social media in the midst of the Cowboys' latest shootout, and he made clear that he doesn't think the defense is performing at a satisfactory level.
"This CAN NOT be an [NFL] defense that’s wearing the [Dallas Cowboys'] helmets !!!!!!" wrote Irvin on X.
Denver racked up 426 yards and averaged 7.5 yards per play on Sunday. The Broncos' offensive line won the battle in the trenches, as Nix wasn't sacked in the game. They punted just twice and had one turnover, which came early in the first quarter. After that, it was a pretty one-sided affair as the Broncos' offense ran up the score.
Through eight games, the Cowboys have surrendered 250 points. That's an average of 31.25 points per game. It's the third-most the team has ever surrendered in the first eight games of a season, and the most since 2020, according to ESPN research.
The Cowboys' next test awaits next Monday, in a prime-time matchup against the Cardinals, who average 21.9 points per game.
QB Sanders Won’t Start for Browns Yet Despite Myles Garrett’s Explosive Sideline Rant
Myles Garrett is typically regarded as a consummate professional. He stood by his character when reporters tried to prod him into answering questions about rookie QB Shedeur Sanders‘ standing in the franchise.
The star pass rusher knew that any controversial comments would trigger a domino effect inside the locker room or upset his coaches and front office staff.
He could not give a hint of what he prefers and continued to prepare for the 2025 season after signing a monster contract extension, which at the time, made him the highest-paid non-QB in the league at the time.
Myles Garrett knew this season was about to be the most topsy-turvy of his career, as the Cleveland Browns would experiment with three quarterbacks. That became two after Joe Flacco‘s trade, but their situation has not improved.
Dillon Gabriel has displayed some poise in the past few games, but tonight against the New England Patriots, he threw 2 interceptions. After the 1st, the Patriots just had to cover 9 yards, and Myles Garrett’s fifth sack of the night was not enough to stop a touchdown.
Then on the next drive, the Browns QB threw another interception. This time, the pass rusher was seen smashing his helmet on the sidelines. It showed the level of frustration he was suffering after doing his part to the best of his capabilities.
The Browns went on to lose the game 13-32, which means Garrett became the first player in NFL history to register 5 sacks in a game and then lose by more than 3 points.
Browns are not moving on from Dillon Gabriel
Ahead of the game, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters that the sample size is still small for the franchise to make a decision on Dillon Gabriel.
Against the New England Patriots, the QB attempted 35 passes, connecting on just 21 of them. Along with those two interceptions and Myles Garrett’s frustrations, it would seem sensible to bench him for Shedeur Sanders.
Yes, it does. I just have to make the point that we just have to be better in every area. We’ll look at everything, including how we’re putting these guys in position to succeed.
Kevin Stefanski said to reporters
This was the Browns’ head coach’s response when asked if he was sticking with Gabriel at quarterback. Stefanski then added that he and the coaches believe they are doing a good job helping the most important position on their team.
That answer might not be popular with fans and Garrett, who just wants to win football games. Time and again, there has been proof that the Browns’ struggles are due to the quarterback position.
Myles Garrett gets candid with reporters after another tough loss
As the best player on the Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett is doing his part. He is now near the top of the sack leaderboard, after putting the defense on his back.
It doesn’t get any easier, each week you ask me.
Myles Garrett replied
The star pass rusher kept it as candid as possible with a reporter who asked if the loss was tough to swallow. Then, another reporter asked him if his five-sack performance was diminished because of this defeat.
I would throw the whole performance away for a win.
Garrett responded
The 29-year-old kept it as clear and simple as it could get. All those sacks mean nothing unless the Browns start to win. He will have to wait at least 14 days to know if Dillon Gabriel can lead them to a win.
