Another week has come and gone, the sky is blue, water is wet, and the Broncos blew out another opponent. All is still right with the world.
Last week's predictions were spot on again. The sims predicted victory in all three run throughs, and the play-through, well, that one predicted the elusive 50-burger that we finally got to see on the field. And it tasted good, folks.
This week, much like last week, I played the matchup against a fan of the other team. This one was much closer to my level, so the game was accordingly much closer. Fortunately, he also was not nearly as much of a tool as the Philly fan I played against last week. While it was enjoyable to pound that guy into the ground and then watch the Broncos do the same thing on the field, this matchup was the more fun to play.
Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys
Final Score: Denver Broncos 45, Dallas Cowboys 38
This game was a highly entertaining back and forth battle that saw four lead changes in the first half before the Broncos pulled away in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys managed a garbage time TD to get within one score, but failed to recover the onside kick. I was then able to successfully run out the clock using Montee Ball to run the ball right up the gut..
Relevant Stats
Passing: Denver - P. Manning - 23/30, 354 YDs, 4 TDs
Dallas - T. Romo - 21/36, 308 YDs, 4 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing: Denver - K. Moreno - 10 ATT, 41 YDs, 1 TD
M. Ball - 8 ATT, 44 YDs, 1 TD
Dallas - D. Murray - 7 ATT, 38 YDs, 1 TD
Receiving: Denver - J. Thomas - 8 REC, 125 YDs, 2 TDs
E. Decker - 4 REC, 67 YDs, 2 TDs
Dallas - D. Bryant - 12 REC, 160 YDs, 3 TDs
M. Austin - 3 REC, 50 YDs, 1 TD
Defense: Denver - N. Irving - 12 TCKLs, 3 TFL, 1 SACK
D. Rogers-Cromartie - 3 TCKLs, 1 INT
Dallas - S. Lee - 10 TCKLs, 1 TFL
J. Durant - 8 TCKLs, 2 TFL, 2 SACKs
Special Teams: Denver - M. Prater - 1 FGA, 1 FGM, 59 YDs
Dallas - D. Bailey - 1 FGA, 1 FGM, 44 YDs
Sim Results
This weeks sims were a mixed bag, with the teams alternating wins. The Broncos ultimately came out on top, however.
Sim 1: Denver 23, Dallas 14
Sim 2: Denver 29, Dallas 32
Sim 3: Denver 28, Dallas 20
Sim 4: Denver 13, Dallas 20
Sim 5: Denver 29, Dallas 18
Sim Average: Denver 24, Dallas 21
Overall Average: Denver 29, Dallas 24
So, Madden has spoken and predicts Denver wins a close one. Frankly, I will be surprised if we score less than 40, given how well Manning is supposed to know this particular defense. In fact, I would not be shocked to see another 50 point game.As far as Madden's accuracy in picking the winner, we are looking at a perfect 3-0. Here's to seeing that continue this week! GO BRONCOS!!!