Big Picture: 10 Storylines for Cowboys & 49ers

[CCBoy]

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/big-picture-10-storylines-for-cowboys-49ers


49ers

On the slide - The 49ers most certainly didn't expect to enter Sunday's showdown with the Cowboys with a losing record. But San Francisco is 3-4 for a variety of reasons, and it stems much deeper than just the injury bug, which has definitely been a problem for the 49ers. They've lost four games by a total of 22 points. The Cowboys on the flip side, have lost three games by a total of 66 points. But over the last few years, the 49ers have found ways to win those close games and it hasn't happened the same this year. The 49ers have also lost two straight home games and will be looking to end that skid against the Cowboys, who haven't won in San Francisco since 2017.


Wide Outs- The wide receiver position took a big hit for the 49ers this past game when Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending injury with a torn ACL, MCL. The team was already without Deebo Samuel, who was taken to the hospital after leaving the Chiefs game with a reported pneumonia and fluid in his lungs. Samuel's status for Sunday is questionable but Aiyuk is definitely out, leaving the 49ers to turn to Jauan Jennings and rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing.


CMC Doubtful? - 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan recently said he'd be "surprised" if Christian McCaffrey plays this week against the Cowboys. His starting running back has missed every game this season so far with an Achilles/calf injury. With the 49ers bye week to follow, it's more likely CMC is back in two weeks against the Bucs. Still, the 49ers would lean on Jordan Mason, who ranks second in the NFL with 667 rushing yards.


Purdy Different - While he certainly doesn't have the same cast around him these days, Purdy's numbers are reflective of that. Coming off a season in which he threw 31 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, Purdy has slightly more TD passes (nine) than his seven interceptions. His QB rating is 91.2, a far drop-off from his NFL-leading 113.0 QBR last season.

 

[CCBoy]

To win this game, Prescott needs to start out efficient and return the second half as well. Throwing completions and not targeting a receiver.

 

[CCBoy]

On the Dallas defense...

Kendricks is Dallas' leading tackler with 52 to his name through five games to go along with two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. He's been the piece that makes the defense go, and his presence was greatly missed against the Lions. The past is in the past however, and Kendricks has his eyes set on the rest of the season.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/kendricks-no-regrets-choosing-dallas-over-49ers

"It definitely does, and when you've got a defensive coordinator like Coach [Mike] Zimmer, you know he's got the answers to the test," Overshown replied when asked if it's lack of execution fueling the woes. "We've just got to be about our business and we have to hold ourselves accountable to do what he's telling us to do, [but] we're losing sight of that in the game.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/...s-won-t-use-injuries-as-excuse-to-not-improve

Something long termed is happening concerning run defense is happening here and now. Then one can mix in an All Pro cornerback and defensive end here and now. A solid football game is quickly coming back in sight as to the defense.

 

[CCBoy]

Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this season due to an Achilles injury he suffered during training camp. The same goes for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who has been on the PUP list all year after tearing his Achilles in last year’s Super Bowl.

That’s not all, though. Star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave went on the injured reserve following a Week 3 loss and safety Talanoa Hufanga joined him after a Week 5 loss. In their most recent loss, the 49ers suffered even more injuries to critical players. Deebo Samuel left the game with an illness, later determined to be pneumonia following his hospitalization. Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL and has already been ruled out for the year. And George Kittle is considered day-to-day with a sprained foot.

The Cowboys have been terrible on defense, though much of it can be chalked up to all their injuries. Even if Parsons doesn’t return this week, DaRon Bland should after nearly doing so before the bye week. In other news, Jordan Phillips had his practice window activated to return from the injured reserve, so help is on the way for Mike Zimmer’s beleaguered unit.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...rescott-brock-purdy-george-kittle-daron-bland