The Broncos are coming off a 7-9 season and most pundits have modest expectations for them this season. The Cowboys came to Denver before the second preseason game for a couple days of joint practices against the Broncos.

Last year, the Broncos went to Dallas for practices and a game, and the Cowboys looked very impressive on their way to a 13-3 season. The Broncos trailed 24-6 at halftime of that game last year. Many of their defensive problems were exposed and never got better.

This year was a different story. The team was happy with its workouts against the big, physical Cowboys, and the Broncos dominated the first half of the game when the starters were in. Denver had a 14-0 lead, although a late drive by the Cowboys before halftime made the score 14-7 after one half.

"To go out there and do that against that type of team is definitely encouraging," quarterback Jay Cutler said.

The second preseason game isn't a true measuring stick for any team, but the Broncos played well on offense and defense. Cutler was especially sharp.

Cutler completed his first 12 passes. For the night, he completed 16 of 20 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. He hasn't thrown an interception in 30 preseason passes, and has only six incompletions.

Although Cutler scoffs when he is asked about good performances in the preseason, given the basic schemes on both sides, his game against the Cowboys was impressive.

"I was pleased with the way he played today against an excellent defense," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

Denver's young offense was good as a whole. The Broncos scored on long drives in each of their first two possessions. The offensive line, which had a tough preseason debut, held up very well against a talented Cowboys front seven.

The defense was in the spotlight too, considering the talent on the other side. But Dallas quarterback Tony Romo didn't lead any scoring drives -- backup Brad Johnson threw a touchdown pass for Dallas' only first-half score.

The run defense, which was third worst in the NFL last season, played well. Marion Barber and Felix Jones each broke an 11-yard run, but Dallas averaged two yards a carry on its other first-half chances.

Through the first two preseason games, the coaching staff has been pleased with the lack of mental mistakes, which was a point of emphasis because the Broncos are learning defensive coordinator Bob Slowik's scheme.

"If you get guys playing together, anything can happen," linebacker Niko Koutouvides said. "We played well tonight."

One preseason game won't matter much once the regular season comes, but the Broncos can feel better about themselves after a very good showing against a Cowboys team that is a clear favorite in the NFC.

"I thought we got better," Shanahan said.

CAMP CALENDAR: Camp officially came to an end on Friday. They had two days of joint practices against the Cowboys before the end of camp.