On Deck will be here all season to provide you with everything you need to know (and a few things you don't) about every Cowboys game during the 2013 season.
The Opponent: The Broncos roll into AT&T Stadium with an undefeated record and the new version of the "Greatest Show on Turf" behind quarterback Peyton Manning and the Broncos' new and improved offense following the off-season signing of Wes Welker. Manning is off to a legendary start to the season and is on pace to shatter all kinds of passing records.
Past Meeting: The Broncos beat the Cowboys 17-10 back in 2009 — the last year the Cowboys made the playoffs.
Key Matchup: DEN WR Wes Welker vs. DAL DBs: It's no secret. The big addition this offseason in Denver's passing game was Welker, the former Texas Tech standout who went from undrafted free agent to possibly the best slot receiver to ever play the game. Some slot receivers can be dealt with by safeties and even athletic outside linebackers, but Welker isn't one of those. The Cowboys will have to account for wideouts Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, as well, meaning Dallas will be in its nickel defense for much of the game.
Who's Hot: The Cowboys' much-talked about offensive line has actually been halfway decent this year, giving Tony Romo time to be a highly effective quarterback, so far, and also has given DeMarco Murray room to run over the past two weeks.
No one in this league is hotter than Peyton Manning. The second-year Broncos quarterback, who spent much of his career in Indianapolis, has basically been an automatic to throw for four or five touchdowns a week and no interceptions.
Who's Not: Bruce Carter is on the verge of being bench as the athletic linebacker is having some serious issues in pass coverage. Morris Claiborne, the second-year cornerback who the Cowboys traded up for in the 2012 draft to pick, is in the same boat as he's nearing relegating to nickel back territory.
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The Broncos' running game isn't exactly an issue, but where the production is going to come from is. One week, it's Ronnie Hillman. One week, it's Knowshon Moreno. That could be seen as an advantage for Denver but continuity can also be a good thing.
