The Denver Broncos are gearing up for what many inside the building believe is their toughest defensive test yet. Fresh off a stunning fourth-quarter comeback win over the Giants, Denver’s defense now faces Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s top-ranked offenses.
As Mile High Sports noted, superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II didn’t mince words when discussing the challenge. “They nearly lead the league in all the passing numbers,” Surtain said. “They’re balanced, too, strong in the run game and efficient in the air. It’s going to be a pretty good challenge.”
At 5-2, the Broncos boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, but Sunday’s matchup against a Dallas offense averaging nearly 400 yards per game will put that identity to the test. Surtain made it clear this week that Denver isn’t backing down.
“They’ve got playmakers everywhere,” Surtain said of Dallas’ receiving corps. “CeeDee [Lamb] is one of the best in the game—strong hands, great route runner, dangerous after the catch. And Pickens brings a different kind of physicality. We know exactly what we’re up against.”
Surtain’s confidence mirrors the tone across Denver’s locker room. “They’re pretty efficient,” he added. “They nearly lead the league in all the passing numbers, and they can run it, too. It’s going to be a great challenge, but this is what we live for as competitors.”
### Broncos Defense vs. Cowboys Offense: Strength Meets Strength
The numbers tell the story of two units at the top of their game. Dallas leads the league in yards per game (390.6), ranks second in points scored (31.7), and has allowed just eight sacks all season, tied for the second fewest in the NFL.
Dak Prescott has been surgical, completing 71% of his passes for 1,881 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only three interceptions on the season.
Denver’s defense, however, has been equally elite. The Broncos allow just 273.1 yards per game (third fewest), 4.49 yards per play (second fewest), and 18.1 points per game (fourth fewest). They lead the NFL in sacks with 34, while also holding opponents to a 29.2% conversion rate on third down and a red-zone success rate under 38%.
Edge rusher Nik Bonitto knows what’s at stake. “He’s [Prescott] a guy who can make a lot of things happen in the pocket,” Bonitto said. “We’ve got to make life easy for the DBs this week.”
Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, both ranked in the top five in the NFL for sacks, will look to put consistent pressure on Prescott and disrupt Dallas’ offensive rhythm.
### Denver’s Secondary Proving Itself Among the NFL’s Best
While the pass rush has stolen headlines, Denver’s secondary has quietly become the backbone of the defense. Surtain continues to shadow top receivers, while cornerback K’Waun Williams, often playing under the radar, has delivered exceptional performances.
According to Next Gen Stats, Williams has allowed just 20 completions on 45 targets (44%) and only 286 total yards across 264 coverage snaps.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero praised his young corner’s resilience: “[He’s] playing outstanding,” Evero said. “He’s getting a lot of targets, but he’s on to the next play every time.”
That next-play mentality will be critical against an elite Dallas receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
With Denver’s defense leading the NFL in sacks and Dallas’ offense ranking near the top in nearly every key metric, Sunday’s matchup is shaping up as a heavyweight battle between the league’s best offense and the league’s best defense.
“It’s going to be fun,” Surtain said with a grin after practice. “That’s what you play this game for, to face the best.”
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