Denver Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter is helped off of the field by trainers after he was injured during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Chris Schneider)

Through three games, Denver Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter led the league in yards per carry (7.4) among NFL running backs with at least 10 rushes per game.

The Broncos may not be able to rely on that explosiveness in the near future.

Buckhalter suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s 17-10 victory over Dallas and did not return. He was seen on crutches after the game, but Buckhalter told the Denver Post that the injury wasn’t serious.

“Just a sprained ankle,” Buckhalter said. “Nothing more.” He was seen in good spirits after the game, and X-rays were reportedly negative.

Buck finished with 55 yards on five receptions and 37 yards on six carries.

Great to hear the injury isn’t too serious, but will he be ready for Sunday’s tilt against the Patriots? RBs Peyton Hillis and LaMont Jordan might be able to spare Buckhalter and give him the time to heal fully, but I’m still hoping Correll comes back soon.

Marshall over Newman for the game-winner. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

Stats, notes, and points of interest after the Denver Broncos‘ 17-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

FINAL SCORE: BRONCOS 17, COWBOYS 10
ATTENDANCE: 76,440

LATE ORTON-MARSHALL TOUCHDOWN FUELS 4-0 START

The Denver Broncos scored 17 unanswered points and improved to 4-0 on the season after beating the Dallas Cowboys (2-2) by a 17-10 margin. This marks the sixth time in Broncos history the club has started a season 4-0.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber (C) powers his way into the endzone to score a first quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos in their NFL football game in Denver October 4, 2009. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

Post-game quotes after the Denver Broncos‘ 17-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday. Thanks to the Broncos PR Staff!

DENVER BRONCOS HEAD COACH JOSH MCDANIELS

On his pride in his team

“I’m proud of our team. It’s a sixty-minute game against a really good football team. I give Dallas a lot of credit. They forced a lot of mistakes in the first part of the half; but our team stayed with it and made some adjustments at halftime. They never stopped playing hard and gave a great effort the whole time and made enough plays to win it in the end. That’s what you do against a good football team. You have to stand in there and take a shot and then throw one of your own. We tried to do that and made one more play than they did.” Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Denver Broncos Champ Bailey, left, congratulates Brandon Marshall after Marshall scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game in Denver, Colo., on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009. The Broncos won 17-10. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)

Any doubters still questioning whether the Denver Broncos are “for real” were definitively silenced Sunday as Brandon Marshall‘s 51-yard scamper and the defense’s goal line stand in the 4th quarter put them over the Dallas Cowboys, 17-10.

As the Broncos lined up against the Cowboys, their backs to the end zone with seconds left, it was up to the defense to win the game or suffer overtime. The defense, like it had the entire game, delivered. Three shots at the goal line were denied, Denver held on to its seven-point lead and the 2009 Broncos improved to 4-0 on the season.

It was the nail in the coffin the defense had built the entire game, sacking Tony Romo five times and snagging two takeaways.

Brandon Marshall‘s huge 51-yard play, mostly after the catch, gave the Broncos their first and final lead of the game in the final minutes of the 4th quarter.

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vs.
Broncos (3-0) vs. Cowboys (2-1)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Invesco Field at Mile High
2:15 pm MT CBS
GameBlog starts at 1:45

The Denver Broncos (3-0) play their first of eight consecutive games against teams who finished last year with a .500 or better record this week when they host the Dallas Cowboys (2-1) on Sunday. Kickoff at INVESCO Field at Mile High is set for 2:15 p.m. MDT.

Join us and other Broncos fans for our game chat. Window below; GO BRONCOS!

Pregame fun after the jump

BroncoTalk staffers J. Kenneth K., Mr. East and Kyle predict each week’s winners.

Oakland at Houston (-7.5)

Oakland is in a huge mess. Houston has a weak secondary but JaMarcus won’t be testing them.

Pick: Texans, 27-10

Tennessee (-3) at Jacksonville

10/4 1:00 ET Tennessee -3 At Jacksonville
This is a hard pick because neither team looks too hot. This might be the last week I give Tennessee the “This will be the week they get going” pick. To go along with that MJD, may not have much room to run as Tennessee’s run D has looked good. The stadium will be half empty and the Titans will start their winless comeback.

Pick: Titans, 21-3 Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Kyle Orton throws a pass vs. Cleveland. (REUTERS/Mark Leffingwell)

The Denver Broncos can beat the Dallas Cowboys.

I said weeks ago in my 2009 season preview (which has been very wrong to date, thankfully) that I feared the Broncos would have extreme highs and lows defensively. I cited the learning curve in this explanation — very wrong there — along with the quality of each opponent’s offensive line.

So far the Broncos defense, including its defensive line, has been dominant. Call that a “high.” But how will it hold up against more talented offensive lines? Everything starts up front, and the Cowboys present a new challenge, particularly in their size advantage. Are the Broncos about to face one of those “lows?”

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Seymour fined $7,500 for pulling Clady's hair Sunday

Injury Report – Starting left guard Ben Hamilton is listed as doubtful while right tackle Ryan Harris is questionable for Sunday’s tilt against the Cowboys. The Broncos will call on Russ Hochstein and Tyler Polumbus to fill their respective spots if they can’t go. Players listed as doubtful indicate there’s a 25% chance they will play, while those listed as questionable have a 50% chance (for you math nerds, that means there’s a mere 12.5% chance both play).

Backup powers… activate! – It also means rookie G Seth Olsen and T Brandon Gorin would likely be activated Sunday. Olsen has been activated once, in the season opener in Cincinnati, while Gorin has been inactive all season.

Seymour sees less – Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour was fined $7500 by the NFL for pulling Broncos OT Ryan Clady‘s hair Sunday.  Chump change if you ask me.

Clady vs. Ware – Speaking of Clady, many are looking forward to Clady’s upcoming battle with OLB DeMarcus Ware, who led the league in sacks in 2008.  Ware has yet to tally a sack in 2009, but it’ll still be a great battle to watch Sunday.

On the cusp of history – If Clady shuts Ware down, he’ll hold the record for best career start by an offensive lineman in NFL history – 20 games without giving up a full sack.

Josh here is one lucky kid, and probably Brandon Stokley's biggest fan.

Brandon Stokley is an awesome example of everything that is good in the NFL. He’s a big team-player, a hard worker and great role model for the younger generation.

This email from Matt in Pittsburgh hit our inbox the other day and has stuck with us since, for two reasons — first, Matt’s son is one lucky kid! Second, Brandon Stokley “gets it.” After the Immaculate Deflection, being on top of the world, and probably making the biggest play of his career, Stokley took the time to meet and greet fans with an impromptu “thank you.” Sometimes it’s the little things… We pass Matt and Josh’s story along to you, joining them in saying “Thanks, Stokes!”

My name is Matt and I am a long time Broncos fan who lives in Pittsburgh – Imagine that!

My son’s name is Josh and he is 8 years old. And if I could I’d like to give thanks where I believe it is due. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Injury Report for the Week 4 NFL game between the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 4, 2009.

DNP – Did Not Participate; LP – Limited Participation; FP – Full Participation; NL – Not Listed

Changes in practice status from Thursday’s report in bold. Cowboys report after the jump. Click here to read the rest of this entry »