Broncos know Dallas will be first major test

ENGLEWOOD – The Denver Broncos don’t really care if critics wonder if they’re for real after a 3-0 start, but they quickly admit this week will be a major test.

After beating Cincinnati, Cleveland and Oakland, the Broncos get a big step up in competition on Sunday against Dallas.

“They look like a good football team,” quarterback Kyle Orton said. “Probably the most talented team we’ve played.”

The Broncos spoke in glowing terms about Dallas’ offensive line and its rushing offense, which is first in the NFL, the passing game led by quarterback Tony Romo and a defense that is good at getting up field and creating negative plays.

“They’ve got great players all over the field,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said.

A win against Dallas would validate Denver’s great start, but the Broncos claimed not to worry about national respect. Safety Brian Dawkins said he only cared about the attitude coming out of the locker room, not what pundits thought of his team.

“This is a team that’s moving in the right direction,” Dawkins said.

Denver did come out of its win against Oakland with some injuries. Running back Peyton Hillis (head), cornerback Alphonso Smith (ankle) and guard Ben Hamilton (hamstring) were ruled out of today’s practice by McDaniels. Right tackle Ryan Harris (shoulder) would try to practice, McDaniels said, but would be limited.