QB Teddy Bridgewater vs. CB Trevon Diggs
WHO HAS THE EDGE? Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater’s fully healed from various ailments and Dak Prescott’s calf is fine, too. With both starters healthy, Bridgewater needs to find a way to get Denver in rhythm, while Prescott (Nflbest 73.1 completion percentage) is an MVP candidate. Edge: Cowboys
Running back
The Broncos have balance between Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams, but have lacked explosiveness and big plays virtually all season. Dallas’ run game is humming, with All-pro Ezekiel Elliott leading and a capable backup in Tony Pollard as well. Edge: Cowboys
Receiver/tight end
The combination of Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick should be able to take over a game, while second-year TE Albert Okwuegbunam must fill in for Noah Fant (COVID list). The combo of Ceedee Lamb and Amari Cooper is dangerous.
Edge: Even
Offensive line
Denver will be without starting left tackle Garett Bolles (ankle), who is missing only the second game of his career. The Broncos are 30th in sacks allowed at 25. Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith is dealing with an ankle injury, but their O-line’s been solid. Edge: Cowboys
Defensive line
Mike Purcell is back for the Broncos after missing last week, though the nose tackle will play with a cast on his right thumb. Dre’mont Jones and Shelby Harris are coming off solid games. The Dallas D-line is anchored by Osa Odighizuwa and Randy Gregory. Edge: Even
Linebacker
In the first game of the post-von Miller Era, Malik Reed and Jonathon Cooper will carry the load outside, with help from Stephen Weatherly/aaron Patrick. Kenny Young/justin Strnad and Baron Browning will be inside. Rookie Micah Parsons is Dallas co-leading tackler. Edge: Even
Secondary
With nickel Bryce Callahan on injured reserve, that role likely falls to Nate Hairson, who filled in for Callahan against Washington. Beyond Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys’ secondary has struggled this year, although fellow corner Anthony Brown has two picks. Edge: Even
Special teams
Brandon Mcmanus finally missed a field goal last week, from 53 yards out, but is still 13 of 14 this year. Denver’s poor special teams coverage improved incrementally over the last couple of weeks. Dallas’ Greg Zuerlein has missed six kicks already this year.
Teddy Bridgewater has thrown five interceptions in eight games, but knows he’ll have to be smart with the football Sunday in order to not increase that tally against the NFL’S top cornerback.
Dallas’ Trevon Diggs leads the NFL with seven interceptions and 11 passes defensed. He had at least one pick in six of the Cowboys’ first seven games, and as one of Bridgewater’s training partners last offseason in Florida, the Broncos QB knows Diggs is “a wide receiver playing corner.”
“I probably have to go back and talk to our trainer (for tips),” Bridgewater joked. “(Like), ‘Hey, what’s Trevon’s weaknesses and what does he struggle with?’.. He understands routes, concepts, releases, and little tells that you try to use routes.
That’s what really makes him such an outstanding player. He’s making plays on the ball like we haven’t seen in a while.”
Bridgewater remembers a younger Diggs sitting in the stands of the Vikings’ stadium, watching older brother Stefon (now with the Bills) catch passes from Bridgewater during the duo’s tenure together there from 2015-17.
Now, Bridgewater will need to play “Where’s Waldo?” with Diggs at all times Sunday as the underdog Broncos look to keep pace with the Cowboys’ top-ranked offense.
The Denver wideouts are also up for the challenge, as Diggs will likely be tasked with covering Courtland Sutton and/or Jerry Jeudy.
Despite Diggs’ dominance, the Cowboys’ secondary remains the team’s weak spot, as Dallas is tied for 28th in the league with 278.1 average passing yards allowed.
“(Diggs) helps them go and it’s on us to study so that we can understand where the weaknesses are, where we can go out and perform and have the most success,” Sutton said. “He’s a big part of their defense, but it’s upon us to make sure we prepare ourselves (for his tendencies).”