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Broncos carve up Cowboys behind Cutler

Aug 17, 2008 - 4:28 AM Tony Desiere PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

DENVER (Ticker) -- It looks like Jay Cutler may have another favorite target in the Denver Broncos passing game.

After throwing most of his passes last season to Brandon Marshall, Cutler hooked up on two big pass plays to rookie Eddie Royal as the Broncos beat the Dallas Cowboys, 23-13, on a rainy Saturday night at Invesco Field.

Cutler was brilliant, completing 16-of-20 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. He effectively led the Broncos on back-to-back touchdown drives to open the game, completing his first 12 passes. He was replaced at halftime by backup Patrick Ramsey.

Royal, the second-round pick out of Virginia Tech finished with 67 yards, catching passes of 35 and 32 yards. Marshall finished with six catches for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Dallas starting quarterback Tony Romo was 6-for-9 for 33 yards before being replaced by backup Brad Johnson midway through the second quarter. Wide receiver Terrell Owens had three catches for 20 yards.

Cowboys running back Marion Barber had five carries for 22 yards. Rookie Felix Jones added 17 yards on three carries.

Johnson led the Cowboys on two scoring drives, tossing a touchdown pass to Miles Austin. Johnson was 9-for-12 for 114 yards and a touchdown.

Broncos kicker Matt Prater, who has the tough task of replacing Jason Elam, hit 3-of-4 field goals, missing a 49- yard attempt at the end of the half. He hit a 43-yard field goal on Denver's final possession.

Penalties were a major problem for both teams, especially for the Cowboys. They had nine penalties for 78 yards in the game, including two unnecessary roughness calls.