For the first time in 2009, the new-look “Orange Crush” will be on display when the 3-0 Denver Broncos host the 2-1 Dallas Cowboys wearing their popular alternate orange uniforms.

The Broncos are looking to start 4-0 for the first time since 2003, and the Cowboys are trying to keep pace with the New York Giants who also face an AFC West opponent in the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Denver’s potential 4-0 start will not come easy, as Dallas boasts one of the league’s top offensive units.  This is significant because, so far in 2009, the Broncos have faced the 24th, 31st, and 32nd ranked offenses in the NFL, and the skeptics maintain that their defensive statistics are “overhyped.”

The Broncos have most certainly been up to the tasks at hand, handling the offensive units of Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Oakland with relative ease.  Denver’s defense has been so dominant in their first three games that they have allowed their opponents into the red zone a total of three times.

Here are the keys to victory for the Broncos as they host the Cowboys on Sunday.

 

1.  Stop The Run

The Cowboys have the number one rushing offense in the NFL and are getting a boost from their Pro Bowl tailback Marion Barber, who is returning from an injury.  Barber is undoubtedly the biggest name at running back the Broncos have faced so far, and the Cowboy offensive line is the biggest. 

Denver needs to stop Barber, Tashard Choice, and the Dallas running game if they are going to win this game.  The Cowboys are averaging nearly 200 rushing yards per game, and they can control the clock and wear down Denver’s defense if the Broncos are unable to get off the field.

Ronald Fields, Kenny Peterson, Ryan McBean, Vonnie Holliday, and Le Kevin Smith have done an outstanding job at stopping the run so far this season, and linebacker Andra Davis has been a great acquisition as well.  This group of players, though not the most decorated is a very solid unit.  They are big, but they are also quick. 

The Cowboys will be without speedster Felix Jones, who was averaging over 10 yards per carry before going down for two weeks with an injury.  His absence could be key.

2.  Exploit Dallas’ Weak Pass Defense

Dallas is currently ranked 27th in pass defense, and they have not exactly played the most dominant passing offenses in the NFL so far.  Denver is getting back a full arsenal of weapons offensively now with Brandon Stokley back in the mix, and they would be wise to utilize a lot of short passes to neutralize Dallas’ blitzing.

The Cowboys have a solid group in the secondary with Terrance Newman, Ken Hamlin, and Mike Jenkins, but the Broncos counter with a very solid group of skill players.

Kyle Orton is going to not only need to keep up his consistent, mistake-free play, but he may need to throw more than one touchdown in this game because Dallas’ weakness is clearly on the back end of their defense.

3.  Pressure Tony Romo

The Broncos have been one of the top teams in the NFL this year statistically in getting to the quarterback, led by Elvis Dumervil who has six sacks.

Denver is going to need to continue that success on Sunday if they want to slow down the Cowboys’ offense.  Tony Romo is probably the most athletic quarterback they have faced thus far, and he does a good job evading pressure and making something out of nothing.

If the Broncos can stop the run, then getting to the quarterback should be no problem. 

 

The Broncos have done an excellent job so far this season at playing “small ball” and winning games with the stellar play of their defense.  The Cowboys are Denver’s biggest test yet physically and are far and away the best offense the Broncos have faced so far.

Here is a positional comparison for each team.

 

Quarterback:  Cowboys

Running Back:  Broncos

Wide Receiver:  Broncos

Tight End:  Cowboys

Offensive Line:  Broncos

Defensive Line:  Cowboys

Linebacker:  Push

Defensive Backs:  Broncos

Special Teams:  Broncos

Coaching:  Broncos

Advantage:  Broncos

 

 

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