After a preseason opener defined by evaluation and growing pains, the Dallas Cowboys return to work with a clearer sense of who they are, who they want to become, and what must be sharpened before the regular season kicks off. Preseason Week 2 brings a road matchup against the Denver Broncos, a physical AFC squad known for defensive aggression, ball-control offense, and a home environment that forces teams to match their discipline as much as their conditioning — even in exhibition play.
This matchup won’t just be about the scoreboard. It’s about answers, momentum, and stacking development from last week’s showing against New England.
I. Quarterback Storyline Takes Center Stage Again
The Cowboys came into the preseason with arguably the most intriguing quarterback room in PML: a rookie with upside, a young passer entering year two, and established veterans waiting in the wings. Against the Patriots, Alonza Barnett IIgained valuable live-fire experience, and Maalik Murphy showed flashes of arm strength in limited action.
Heading into Denver, the expectations shift slightly:
- Barnett II: processing speed and decision-making under disguise
- Murphy: ball placement refinement and comfort attacking intermediate routes
- Offensive staff: settling into sequencing that fits each QB’s strengths
While no official announcement has been made regarding who takes the opening snap, it’s clear the staff intends to challenge both young quarterbacks with situational football — red zone, third-and-medium, and accelerated tempo are all likely areas of emphasis this week.
Denver’s defense, known for rotating coverages post-snap and walking linebackers into pressure looks, will test Barnett and Murphy’s poise.
II. Wide Receiver Chemistry — Wingo’s Rise Continues
The Cowboys’ WR room has begun forming its identity around size, physicality, and contested-catch ability — and rookie Ryan Wingo made sure everyone noticed last week with 85 yards and consistent separation.
Against Denver, the next developmental step is timing refinement:
- Wingo & Pickens: deeper route tree synergy with young QBs
- Theo Knox: impact on possession downs
- KaVontae Turpin: gadget looks and RAC potential
- CeeDee Lamb: leadership presence even if his reps remain controlled
Expect the Cowboys to test Denver’s corner depth early — especially if matchups favor isolation throws on the boundary.
III. Ground Game Goals — Establish Identity, Control Tempo
The Cowboys averaged just under 4 yards per carry last week — not bad amid rotating offensive lines and preseason unpredictability — but the expectation is growth.
Key objectives vs. Denver:
- More downhill runs for Mafah to leverage his power
- Stretch concepts for Jaydon Blue to get him in space
- Protection communication to reduce negative plays
- QB mobility checks when pressure breaks contain
A strong run presence would not only stabilize the offense — it would create controlled, rhythm-building situations for the quarterbacks.
IV. Defensive Momentum — Can Turnovers Cascade?
Dallas’ defense had bright moments in Week 1, headlined by Marist Liufau’s closing speed and A.J. Terrell’s interception. Against Denver, this unit looks for defensive identity more than defensive dominance:
Identity = speed, pursuit, and forcing offenses to play left-handed.
Watch the following battles closely:
- Henry To’oTo’o as a downhill disruptor
- Patrick Payton & Kneeland chasing sacks instead of hurries
- Secondary rotations as the staff tests nickel packages
- Red zone urgency, where Denver historically leans on tight formations
If the Cowboys can generate one or two more splash plays, the film room changes tone dramatically heading into Week 3.
V. The Silent Third Phase — Special Teams Attention Rises
Preseason often hides third-phase emphasis, but not this week.
Expect reps for:
- Return mechanics for Turpin — field-position swings matter
- Coverage discipline against Denver’s lateral movement
- Kicking consistency evaluation as roster decisions approach
Hidden yardage could be the separator in a game built around evaluation.
VI. What We Need to See — 5 Coaching Priorities
- Better pocket protection + pocket navigation
- Finishing drives — field goals aren’t enough
- Linebacker pursuit angles cleaned up
- Offensive rhythm beyond scripted drives
- Turnover resistance — giveaways swung momentum last week
If the Cowboys check three of these five boxes, the night is a win — regardless of score.
VII. Prediction — Not Score, but Tone
No trophy is handed out in Week 2 of the preseason.
But confidence is built.
Look for a Cowboys performance fueled by urgency, sharper execution from the QBs, and continued emergence from the rookie class. The Broncos will test Dallas physically and mentally — exactly the opponent the staff wants at this stage.
If Week 1 was about seeing who we are, Week 2 is about showing who we’re becoming.
Kickoff is near — and so is clarity.
The Cowboys head into Denver not to prove they’re ready for Week 1 of the regular season…
but to take the next step toward being dangerous when they get there.
