They’ve been linked for nearly half a century, forever bound by Super Bowl XII and the colorful, comic-book nicknames that defined their defenses: Doomsday and Orange Crush.
The Cowboys and Broncos have shared Hall of Famers like DeMarcus Ware and Tony Dorsett, each beginning their careers wearing the star before trading it in for orange and blue. The ’90s, too, were bookended by these two franchises: Dallas’ Triplets opened the decade with three titles in four years, and Denver closed it out with back-to-back championships in 1998 and ’99. Between them, five Lombardis in a ten-year span.
Fast-forward to today, and Denver is again one of the league’s surprises, sitting atop the AFC West at 5-2. They join a group of unexpected divisional leaders in Indianapolis, New England, and Pittsburgh. The Colts and Patriots combined for just 12 total wins a season ago; entering Week 8, they already have 11.
Denver’s resurgence has been sparked by Bo Nix, but the balance comes from a rejuvenated ground game led by J.K. Dobbins, who’s on pace for a 1,000-yard season. Over the last three games alone, Dobbins has logged 50 carries. That could spell trouble for a Dallas defense ranked 29th against the run. Add in the thin air of Mile High, and this matchup may hinge on physicality and stamina as much as star power.
History hasn’t favored the Cowboys in Denver as they’ve lost five of their last six trips there. Their lone win came back in December 1992, when Emmitt Smith scored late to complete a 31-27 comeback.
Don’t be shocked if today’s meeting turns into another shootout. Last week, Dallas and Denver combined for 77 points in their victories, and both offenses seem primed to light up the scoreboard again.
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