marshall-brandonThe Denver Broncos gutted out a tough 17-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys yesterday, improving to 4-0 on the season and continuing to defy many football “experts,” who say this team has no chance this season.

The defense remained stellar, holding the Cowboys’ league-best running attack to just 74 yards, and sacking Dallas quarterback Tony Romo five times (via NFL.com).

Hybrid linebacker Elvis Dumervil had two sacks, bringing his season total to eight. Yahoo! Sports ranks Dumervil as the third-most-underpaid player in American professional sports, earning just $535,000 in the last year of his rookie contract.

Perhaps the most encouraging news that has emerged from Sunday’s win is the way once-embattled wide receiver Brandon Marshall has become a part of the Broncos’ offense. Marshall made the play of the game with less than two minutes remaining. Tied 10-10, Denver quarterback Kyle Orton threw the ball to Marshall (pictured) at the Cowboys’ 33-yard line.

Marshall made an amazing catch over the defender’s head, and then zigzagged his way into the end zone for what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown. According to The Dallas Morning News, Marshall came off the field with tears rolling down his cheeks and gave Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels a big hug.

During the post-game press conference, a reporter asked McDaniels about the words the two exchanged during the emotional hug. That’s when Marshall walked to the podium and hugged McDaniels again. Perhaps the duo’s emerging emotional bond is a sign of a team-first concept taking root with the Denver Broncos.