Broncos at Cowboys
Texas Stadium
Irving, Texas
Thursday, Nov. 22, 2001

OVERVIEW: The Broncos have dropped four of their last six and have been a major disappointment. Denver has not been able to find anyone to play opposite WR Rod Smith, who hurt his ankle last week (check status). The ground game also has underachieved behind an offensive line that is lacking cohesiveness. The Cowboys have been in most of their games but have lost three straight, and QB Ryan Leaf has not looked good since entering the lineup. Leaf might get only one or two more opportunities to show what he can do before Quincy Carter returns.

When the Broncos have the ball:

RBs Mike Anderson and Olandis Gary should share carries. The Broncos need one to step up and take pressure off a passing attack that has had many miscues. QB Brian Griese could have success vs. a Cowboys pass defense that has not applied a lot of pressure. Griese has had accuracy problems due in part to injuries limiting his receiver’s practice time.

When the Cowboys have the ball:

The Cowboys’ offense has struggled in many areas, including the C-QB exchange. Starting four quarterbacks has not helped. Leaf knows the clock is ticking, and he may try to force some throws. RB Emmitt Smith returned last week and looked good. The Broncos are looking to get LB Ian Gold, their special-teams ace, on the field more with the defense.