ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A Texas-sized challenge is set to roll into Denver this weekend in the form of the Cowboys' top-ranked total offense.
"It's a great offense with two great receivers, with an experienced quarterback [and] with a running game," Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday. "It's the NFL dream offense.
"… It's a challenge for us, but I'm excited about it. If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best. Hopefully, we put our best foot forward on Sunday."
Quarterback Dak Prescott ranks first in passing touchdowns and passing yards since Week 2, and he's recorded the second-longest streak since 1970 with at least three passing touchdowns and no interceptions in four consecutive games.
"He is playing at a high level," Joseph said. "He's putting those guys in the best plays. He's taking care of football and scoring points at high volume. He's playing really good football. That's all I can say. When you watch it, it's what an NFL quarterback should look like. The ball is out quick. He's not taking sacks. He's keeping plays alive. He is taking care of the football. That's what it is. He's playing great."
The Cowboys also feature the league's second-leading rusher in former Broncos running back Javonte Williams and a productive tight end in Jake Ferguson.
Dallas' most dangerous weapons, though, may be wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Lamb returned in Week 7 after missing three games to record five catches, 110 yards and a touchdown, and he's notched at least 100 yards in all three games he's finished in 2025. Pickens, meanwhile, ranks fourth in the NFL in receiving yards and is tied for second in both receiving touchdowns and catches of at least 20 yards.
On Sunday, the two receivers will battle with Denver's outside cornerbacks, who have also played like the league's best.
Pat Surtain II has given up the fewest yards per coverage snap of any defensive back with at least 30 targets, while Riley Moss has allowed the lowest completion percentage among the same group of players.
Moss, who is likely poised for one of his bigger matchups of the season, has been tested in 2025 — and the Broncos like how he's responded.
"[He's] playing outstanding," Head Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday. "All the numbers suggest it."
Added Joseph: "I think he has the hardest job on our defense weekly. Obviously, Pat is a great player. He is the No. 1 corner in football. So, most of the concepts and most of the scheme for [the] offense, it's going towards Riley. He's competitive. He's not going to back off. It doesn't matter how the game's going. If he gets a penalty or two, he's going to compete and do his job, and that makes Riley special."
On Sunday in Denver, the Broncos' third-year corner will look to rise to the occasion yet again.
"It'll be a great challenge," Moss said Wednesday. "It's good for us to be able to go against the best and prove that we're the best. That's our goal every week, to go out there and prove ourselves. It will be a great test."
THE FLOW OF THE GAME
Payton often references that there is a specific way to win each game, and he said Wednesday the Broncos were "at work right now preparing for it."
With a top-ranked offense on the other side, Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi emphasized the importance of Denver not having "a bunch of three-and-outs" — but he also said the objectives for Denver's offense don't necessarily change.
I mean I think every game you're trying to move the ball and score points," Lombardi said. "… I think every week in this league, you want to play well. We have keys to victory every week. It's don't turn the ball over, play well in the red zone."
Lombardi did also note that as the game unfolds, the Broncos' approach — and level of aggressiveness on offense — will change accordingly.
"Going into the game, I think our plan is to play well and then as you feel the rhythm of the game, you might have to adjust how aggressive you are," Lombardi said. "That always is a flow-of-the-game type thing."
