The matchup to watch here is Dallas’ offensive line, specifically in the running game which currently ranks 6th best, vs San Francisco’s young defensive end duo, Arik Armstead and Deforest Buckner. Both have the size (6’7 290 pounds) and athleticism to disrupt the Cowboys’ game plan of feeding Ezekial Eliott early and often. Zeke ran the ball 30 times last week against the Bears. He handled the workload extremely well, and could see even more carries if Dez Bryant is a last minute scratch. Having said that, the 49ers have not been able to stop the run up til this point. They gave up two scores to Seahawks’ Christine Michael last week and have allowed 123 rushing yards per game.
If the 49ers are able to slow down Zeke, the Cowboys are confident that Dak Prescott will be able to continue his risk-averse, highly efficient play. After all, the Cowboys currently rank 1st in 3rd down conversions (52%) and 4th in time of position (35:00). Those numbers are impressive for any offense, let alone one led by a rookie QB. Dak has unprecedented levels of maturity and work ethic. He already knows the Cowboys playbook backwards and forwards. Sometimes that trumps the more celebrated QB traits such as arm strength or height.
On the other hand, the 49ers are struggling at the QB position. They currently rank 30th in passing yards (175 per game), while Blaine Gabbert holds the 3rd worst QB rating (68.6). Gabbert probably shouldn't be criticized too hard, considering his lack of game changing weapons. Nevertheless, if this ineptitude in the passing game continues, the 49ers will begin seeing eight man boxes if they haven't already. It won't matter what pace you run plays at that point and that already low rushing average (3.5 yards per carry) will drop even further. Dallas and San Fran are sort of on opposite ends of the spectrum right now in terms of execution. The Cowboys should be the favorites even if their star wideout sits.
[h=4]How to watch Cowboys vs. 49ers on Sunday[/h]Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
TV: FOX
Online Streaming: Sunday Ticket, Fox Sports GO
If the 49ers are able to slow down Zeke, the Cowboys are confident that Dak Prescott will be able to continue his risk-averse, highly efficient play. After all, the Cowboys currently rank 1st in 3rd down conversions (52%) and 4th in time of position (35:00). Those numbers are impressive for any offense, let alone one led by a rookie QB. Dak has unprecedented levels of maturity and work ethic. He already knows the Cowboys playbook backwards and forwards. Sometimes that trumps the more celebrated QB traits such as arm strength or height.
On the other hand, the 49ers are struggling at the QB position. They currently rank 30th in passing yards (175 per game), while Blaine Gabbert holds the 3rd worst QB rating (68.6). Gabbert probably shouldn't be criticized too hard, considering his lack of game changing weapons. Nevertheless, if this ineptitude in the passing game continues, the 49ers will begin seeing eight man boxes if they haven't already. It won't matter what pace you run plays at that point and that already low rushing average (3.5 yards per carry) will drop even further. Dallas and San Fran are sort of on opposite ends of the spectrum right now in terms of execution. The Cowboys should be the favorites even if their star wideout sits.
[h=4]How to watch Cowboys vs. 49ers on Sunday[/h]Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
TV: FOX
Online Streaming: Sunday Ticket, Fox Sports GO