It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys have one of the worst defenses in the NFL this season.

That much was clear in Week 8’s 44-24 loss to the Denver Broncos, but there was one area of Matt Eberflus’ unit that put together a particularly embarrassing effort.

With Juanyeh Thomas and Donovan Wilson both inactive, the Cowboys only had two active safeties against Denver, and got burned as a result. Two undrafted safeties got the start, with Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell getting the nod. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

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The secondary got off to a solid start, as cornerback Trikweze Bridges picked off Bo Nix on the second play of the game, but it was all downhill from there. The Broncos had their way against the Dallas defense, finishing with four touchdowns through the air, and the poor play in the secondary was a major reason why.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton runs against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trikweze Bridges in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Despite the early interception, Nix finished 19 of 29 passing for 247 yards and four scores. He had little trouble finding wide receivers Troy Franklin and Courtland Sutton, with the former scoring two touchdowns.

Injuries already played a factor coming into the game, but things weren’t made easier when Clark exited with a rib injury.

Undrafted cornerback Reddy Steward had to step in at safety, marking his first-career NFL snaps at the position. Not great.

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Fortunately for the Cowboys, it can’t get much worse on defense … can it?

Look for Dallas to potentially make a trade to address the defense before Week 9’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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