Four Cowboys Players That Need to Step up Versus the Broncos
As the Cowboys enter Week Eight, they need to secure a road win. They have not won two straight this entire season, so they will look to build momentum and hope to find consistency. After blowing out the Commanders last week, they hope to use that same energy this week as they go play a tough Denver team in a hostile environment. Here are four players who need to step up this week if the Boys have a chance.
Left Tackle Tyler Guyton
It is unclear as of today if Tyler Guyton will play in this affair, as he has a glute injury. If he is cleared, he will have a test as he will have to block for Dak Prescott's blindside and will have a big challenge being matched up against one of the best pass rushers in the league, Nik Bonitto. Bonitto has been stellar this year, ranking with eight sacks, which ranks in the top five in the league. If Guyton can hold off Bonito, there should be no reason why Prescott and the Dallas offense cannot hold the pocket and push the ball deep down the field.
Wide Receiver George Pickens
Patrick Surtain Jr is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and he will be shadowing CeeDee Lamb. This means that George Pickens will have to get open for Prescott. If Pickens can play like a top-ten wide receiver like he did in Lamb’s absence, then the Cowboys offense will flow like normal. If the Cowboys want to win, they will rely on Pickens to separate, especially when getting one-on-one coverage. Look for Pickens to continue to make some big plays on Sunday.
Cornerback DaRon Bland
Between Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, and Courtland Sutton, these players are known for big plays. Dallas will need their top corner to step up, limit the big plays, and even make some game-changing plays. Last week, Dallas played significantly more man-to-man, so look for DaRon Bland to be left on an island. Bland has slowly become one of the leaders of the defense, and the Cowboys feed off his energy. He is also a playmaker, which the Cowboys’ secondary needs. If Bland plays well and has a good day on Sunday, the Cowboys' defense should be able to control the pace of this game and walk out victorious.
Defensive Tackle Osa Odighizuwa
The Denver Broncos rank sixth in rushing yards per game. This means that the Cowboys' run defense, led by Osa Odighizuwa, needs to step up. He needs to clog up the holes and control the line of scrimmage. He will need to stay disciplined and make second-year quarterback Bo Nix beat them with his arm. If they hold J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey to under 100 yards, then the Cowboys will get out of Mile High with a win, and Osa will be the key here.
The Cowboys go into Week Eight as an underdog. They need to play a clean game, limiting turnovers and penalties. They need their playmakers to step up and limit big plays. Odighizuwa and Bland need to bring their veteran presence, while Pickens and Guyton must be the key on offense. If these players do their job, not only will they cover their spread, but they will win the game outright.
