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Denver Native (Carol)
10-03-2009, 05:23 PM
http://espn.go.com/dallas/columns/cowboys/blog?post=4528918

From DALLAS COWBOYS BLOG | ESPN Dallas

We'll pick one matchup for both sides of the ball:

Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick vs. Broncos receivers

Scandrick isn't a part-time starter anymore. He's solely a slot cornerback after Wade Phillips decided to end the rotation at right cornerback by giving Mike Jenkins the job. But Scandrick still has an important job, especially against a team like the Broncos that operates out of multi-receiver sets the majority of the time.

The Broncos, who have several receivers who operate occasionally out of the slot, rely heavily on screens and the short passing game. Only 27 of Kyle Orton's 88 passing attempts have been thrown further than 10 yards downfield. That puts a premium on tackling in the secondary, which was a major problem for Scandrick in his start against the Giants.

Eddie Royal has yet to make an impact for the Broncos this season, but he's dangerous with the ball in his hands. Brandon Marshall is a 6-4, 230-pound beast who is hard to bring down. The Cowboys could catch a break if Brandon Stokley, the prototypical crafty slot receiver, isn't able to play due to a thigh injury.

Cowboys OTs Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo vs. Broncos OLB Elvis Dumervil

Adams turned New York's Osi Umenyiora and Carolina's Julius Peppers into non-factors the last two games, but Dumervil might be his biggest challenge so far this season. Figuratively speaking, at least.

The 5-11, 248-pound Dumervil is undersized, but he's putting up huge numbers. He ranks second in the NFL with six sacks this season and has 32 in 48 career games. Dumervil has a long wingspan, low center of gravity and excellent explosiveness.

The Broncos move him from side to side in an attempt to create one-on-one opportunities, so he'll also be matched up some against Colombo, who hasn't allowed a sack this season but didn't pass protect well in the win over the Panthers.

Ideally, the Cowboys could take advantage of Dumervil's size by letting the 6-7, 338-pound Adams and 6-8, 318-pound Colombo maul him in the running game. However, that's easier said than done. With the Broncos going to a base 3-4 this season, Dumervil is often matched up against tight ends instead of tackles on running plays. Plus, he's much better against the run than his measurements might lead one to believe.