Game Recap: Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys (Jan 2, 2025)

Overview

In a thrilling opening game of the Paydirt Action Football League, the Dallas Cowboys edged out the Denver Broncos by a narrow margin, securing a 41-40 victory at AT&T Stadium. Both teams showcased explosive offensive performances, highlighted by standout performances from their quarterbacks and running backs.

Scoring Summary

• 1st Quarter:

  • Dallas (11:49): TD by Taylor, 29-yard run (Folk kick) - Score: 0-7
  • Dallas (2:29): TD by Jones, 23-yard pass to Thomas (Folk kick) - Score: 0-14

• 2nd Quarter:

  • Denver (9:28): TD by Murray, 7-yard pass to Shaheed (Koo kick) - Score: 7-14
  • Denver (7:10): TD by Shaheed, 80-yard punt return (Koo kick) - Score: 14-14
  • Denver (1:53): TD by Murray, 14-yard pass to Reynolds (Koo kick) - Score: 21-14
  • Dallas (0:12): TD by Taylor, 3-yard run (Folk kick) - Score: 21-21

• 3rd Quarter:

  • Denver (11:28): FG by Koo, 35 yards - Score: 24-21
  • Denver (8:18): TD by Kelley, 6-yard run (Koo kick) - Score: 31-21
  • Dallas (3:41): TD by Cousins, 28-yard pass to Andrews (Folk kick) - Score: 31-28

• 4th Quarter:

  • Denver (10:47): FG by Koo, 34 yards - Score: 34-28
  • Denver (9:01): FG by Koo, 47 yards - Score: 37-28
  • Dallas (7:28): TD by Cousins, 25-yard pass to Thomas (Folk kick) - Score: 37-35
  • Denver (2:51): FG by Koo, 48 yards - Score: 40-35
  • Dallas (1:06): TD by Cousins, 24-yard pass to Andrews (failed 2-point conversion) - Score: 41-40

Key Performances

• Denver Broncos:

  • QB Murray: 21 completions on 28 attempts for 237 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT.
  • RB Kelley: 13 carries for 84 yards and 1 rushing TD.
  • WR Shaheed: 2 receptions for 14 yards, 1 receiving TD, and a spectacular 80-yard punt return touchdown.

• Dallas Cowboys:

  • QB Cousins: 23 completions on 30 attempts for 324 yards and 3 TDs, along with 2 INTs.
  • RB Taylor: 13 carries for 103 yards and 2 rushing TDs.
  • WR Andrews: 8 receptions for 132 yards and 2 receiving TDs.

Team Stats

• First Downs: Both teams had 24 first downs.
• Total Rushing Yards: Denver 229 yards (36 attempts); Dallas 129 yards (21 attempts).
• Total Passing Yards: Denver 237 yards; Dallas 359 yards.
• Turnovers: Denver had 0, while Dallas had 2.

Defensive Highlights

• Denver: Notably struggled with missed tackles (7) and allowed several big plays. Stevenson secured an interception.
• Dallas: Gave up considerable yardage but managed to force an interception of Murray in crucial moments, which kept them in the game.

Injuries

• Broncos: Browning (Out 7 Weeks), Corbett (Out 13 Weeks)
• Cowboys: White (Out 13 Weeks), Thornhill (Out 6 Weeks)

Conclusion

The match showcased the excitement and competitiveness expected in the Paydirt Action Football League, with a dramatic finish as the Cowboys pulled off a last-minute touchdown to take the game. Denver, despite the loss, demonstrated resilience and offensive prowess that promises an entertaining season ahead.