The Dallas Cowboys’ season continues to resemble a yo-yo after Brian Schottenheimer’s team was taken apart 44-24 by the Denver Broncos to drop to 3-4-1 on the year.

With the defense staying true to form, giving up yards and big plays at will, and the offense, for once, not pulling its weight, the result was a game that the Cowboys, if we are being truthful, never looked like winning.

Having not won back-to-back games yet this season, and having conceded 40+ points yet again, coupled with the handful of pre-snap penalties on offense, Dallas didn’t have a shot, and when you are going against a well-drilled outfit like the Broncos, they make you pay, and the Cowboys paid dearly.

For Dak Prescott, he revealed a neat little message about Dallas’ current situation.

“Adversity reveals character, and it builds character,” Dak said. “So we’ve just got to get back to the basics. We’ve got to get back to practicing the right way, practicing hard, which we do. I’m not saying that we don’t, but we’ve got to make sure practice carries over into Sunday. And this week it didn’t.”

More: Dak Prescott gives worrying update on Cowboys ‘identity’ after Denver loss

Schottenheimer’s “culture” getting tested

It is easy to build a culture and “buy-in” when things are going well, but when adversity hits, as Prescott said, yeah, that’s when you find out a lot about yourself and your teammates.

Now, not many truly picked the Cowboys to challenge in 2025. A playoff team? Potentially, yes, maybe sneaking into a wildcard spot, but more than that? No chance.

The Cowboys, for some, are exactly who we thought they would be – the 2025 version of the 2024 Cincinnati Bengals. An elite offense that was crippled by the league’s worst defense.

Right now, the Cowboys are going through a tough time, and even with the trade deadline looming, I’m not sure even a move or two will fix this defense, and as a result, more tough moments will be coming.

And it will be a true test of the culture Schottenheimer is trying to build.