/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56722889/usa_today_10289514.0.jpg)
Once again, the Denver Broncos dominated their opponents for three quarters only to see that momentum slip away in the fourth quarter. The Dallas Cowboys tried to make the game interesting late, but came up short.
With their 42-17 victory over the Cowboys, the Broncos are now 2-0 and legitimate contenders in the AFC.
First Quarter
The first quarter saw the Broncos start out red hot for the second game in a row. Trevor Siemian could not be stopped in the opening drive, capping it with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders.
Defenders everywhere.
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2017
But it doesn't matter.
This @TrevorSiemian to @ESanders_10 TD pass... #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/HOdRWX0Ztj
From there, the defense completely shut down Eziekel Elliot and the Cowboys offense. The Broncos got a second chance to put points on the board in the first quarter after C.J. Anderson ripped off a beastmode-like 28-yard run, but Brandon McManus missed a 49-yard field goal.
Before #DALvsDEN weather delay, #Broncos RB @cjandersonb22 rushed five times for 41 yards, including this beauty: pic.twitter.com/2eDYdf4yag
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) September 17, 2017
The quarter ended after an extensive “weather delay”, but the Broncos came out on top up 7-0.
Broncos 7, Cowboys 0.
Second Quarter
The Broncos defense continued to be dominant in the second quarter, but Menelik Watson on the other side of the ball was beaten badly on a sack that resulted in a Siemian fumble. The Cowboys started that drive on the 3-yard line and Dak Prescott connected with Dez Bryan two plays later for a game-tying touchdown.
Momentum had seemed to shift, but that would be the only stop the Cowboys defense would muster as the Broncos offense quickly seized momentum back leading to two touchdown drives.
The Cowboys would add a field goal just before halftime, but the Broncos were in full control heading into halftime.
Broncos 21, Cowboys 10.
Third Quarter
The game was in hand for the Cowboys when the second half started, but by the time the third quarter was over the game was completely out of hand for the Cowboys.
Two scoring drives, put the first two nails into the coffin for the Broncos. C.J. Anderson was having himself quite the game in this one.
+6#BeatTheCowboys pic.twitter.com/0GQcUoQo1s
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 17, 2017
Broncos 35, Cowboys 10.
Fourth Quarter
The Cowboys took a Siemian interception and drove down the field. Dak Prescott hit Jason Witten down the seam for a touchdown pass to close the gap some.
The tide of momentum began to shift as the Broncos were forced into a three and out and also for their first punt of the game.
Fortunately, the Broncos defense were having none of this comeback crap in this game and forced a quick three and out on the Cowboys on their next possession. Anderson took things from there and began to grind out yards and eating up time.
The Cowboys offense finally got things going with time running out, quickly getting back down inside the Broncos red zone area. Finally, Von Miller got to Prescott with his first sack of the 2017 season.
On fourth down at the Broncos seven yard line, Prescott’s pass to Bryant was broken up by Bradley Roby.
The Cowboys got the ball back after a nice punt return, but Aqib Talib would finally get an interception in the end zone and return it 103-yards for the touchdown. Game over.
#Broncos seal deal w pick-6 of #Cowboys @1053thefan pic.twitter.com/gQKxJdHtsA
— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) September 18, 2017
Broncos 42, Cowboys 17.