"Sure, it was just the preseason opener for the Cowboys on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos at Cowboys Stadium. But there's always something to brag about. Other than the 24-23 victory in the final seconds, here are five things to brag to your co-workers about today around the water cooler:

1. How about that Jason Hatcher? The defensive end looked great in the Cowboys' new defensive scheme. After only recording 17 tackles and one sack last season, the Cowboys brought the unrestricted free agent back with a three-year contract. Hatcher was active all night, breaking through the offensive line and constantly pressuring the Broncos' quarterback. He had four tackles in the first half and has seemed much quicker throughout training camp than he was a year ago.

2. Hey, who is this Victor Butler ? The linebacker was one of the best players throughout the team's first two weeks of training camp practices in San Antonio, often getting in the backfield for would-be sacks. He carried that over to the Denver preseason opener, recording five tackles (one for loss). He should have had a sack but whiffed on Tim Tebow before Clifton Geathers cleaned it up. Butler appears to be coming into his own and is pushing for more playing time.

3. Felix Jones looks faster than last year. The running back is being asked to be the featured back for the first time in his career. He appears ready. In San Antonio, Jones had a great final week, making several long runs and taking screen passes for big gains. Against Denver, he showed his elusiveness and speed in the open field on runs and screens. He won't carry the ball 25 times a game very often, but he's shown he can be trusted with the bulk of the load."