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Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos: Preseason Game 2 Recap Dallas is off and running in 2007, literally. Saturday night, the Cowboys tossed the Denver Broncos around like rag dolls and rushed for 178 yards while limiting Denver to just 36. Dallas had no problem getting pressure on Jay Cutler and the Denver quarterbacks-- it looks as if Wade Phillips rush 3-4 is going to be dominate in 2007. For two quarters, Phillips full- throttle, get after the quarterback 3-4 scheme, worked perfectly and paved the way to a 31-20 Dallas win. Dallas forced Cutler and Travis Henry to fumble and took an early but commanding 14-0 lead. Dallas and Denver practiced all week leading up to the game on Saturday-- the Cowboys either held back or figured something out during those practices as it was all Dallas come game time. Tony Romo had another strong game going 11-18 for 122 yards but had a meaningless interception to Dre Bly late in the first half. At the half, it was 24-6 Dallas. Marion Barber III ran for two touchdowns while Julius Jones added one. Barber ended the game with 57 yards on 11 carries while Jones added 31 yards on nine carries. Dallas ran all over Denver as third string tailback Tyson Thompson did most of the damage late, amassing 75 yards on 16 carries. The Broncos were limited to two first- half field goals by Jason Elam with Cutler going 7-13 for 58- yards and a lost fumble. Patrick Ramsey led both of Denver's touchdown drives in the second half. Ramsey had a sweet 90- yard pass and catch with Brian Clark and a five- yard pass to Quincy Morgan. Ramsey ended the game 10-17 with 169 yards passing and two scores. Denver failed to get the run game going against the swarming Dallas defense. Henry had ten carries for 25 yards and a lost fumble before leaving the game with a left knee sprain. Head coach Mike Shanahan said, "It’s a first-degree MCL, that's what we think. We'll do an MRI to make sure." Backup Denver running back, Mike Bell also went down with a strained hip. Bell's hip tightened up in the third quarter but the injury happened early in practice and just became very tight on Bell after a sideline hit and forced him to come out. What is even worse news for Denver is Ebenezer Ekuban strained his Achilles tendon and reports from Denver camp is he actually torn it. "It's a shame to loose Ebenezer for the year. He's been a real leader for us," said Shanahan. The only points that the Dallas starters allowed came on drives inside Dallas territory. Dallas however did not fold, holding Denver out of the end zone and making them settle of field goals. "No matter where the other team gets the ball, you have to stop them. I thought our defense showed some good signs," said Phillips. Phillips was also pleased with his offense and Romo. Dallas converted six of seven third- down chances and scored on four of Romo's seven drives. "We had a lot of total yardage. It starts with the quarterback," said Phillips. From My Notepad • Barber may become the Dallas starting back this season with Jones becoming the third- down back. Barber has now out gained Jones in two straight games.
• Dallas out rushed Denver 190-35 and to me, this was one of the keys to victory.
• Isaiah Stanback had a nice game with a 15- yard touchdown catch in his debut. Look for this former college quarterback to make the squad.
• Anthony Spencer had a solid game. Spencer is looking poised to fill in until Greg Ellis is ready to return.
• The much anticipated Terrell Owens and Champ Bailey match up was bit over hyped-- TO had only one catch for 12 yards
• Nick Folk had a 52- yard field goal while Martin Gramatica missed a 51- yard kick. Right now, Phillips is leaning on Folk to be the out- right starter by the start of the regular season.
• Cornerback Terrance Newman sat Saturday's game out with a bruised heel.
• Roy Williams had a solid game stuffing the run for Dallas-- look for Roy to make the line of scrimmage his home for the 2007 season. Phillips aggressive 3-4 will allow Williams to play his style of defense.
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