The 49ers will come out swinging just like they did last season. You could tell last year that the Cowboys defense was taken completely by surprise with the 49ers level of intensity. They were not ready for it. The Cowboys defense were back on their heels from the very start.
It was 10-0 before you even had a chance to pop your first beer tab. That cannot happen again.
The very first play was a penalty by Randy Gregory. They took advantage of the Cowboys aggressiveness.
The 49es coach knew exactly how to attack this young defense. They went right down the middle with Deebo Samuels on their first two downs and it yielded 10 yards. Then it was two consecutive completions, both first downs. After that, it was a 13 yard run by Mitchell for a 1st down.
Just like that, they are on the Cowboys 4 yard line. One play later it is 6-0, 49ers. Seven plays, 75 yards.
The Cowboys defense looked like they didn't even know that they were scheduled to play a game that day.
How did the NFL 2021 #1 offense respond?
An incomplete short pass, a three yard loss by Zeke and a ten yard loss after Dak was sacked........by Nick Bosa, of course.
That cannot happen again.
The next 49ers drive the Cowboys held them.....to a field goal It was 10-0 with five minutes left in the first quarter.
The Cowboys 2nd offensive drive made you wish it had been a three and out.
Naturally, there is a penalty on the kick return so the ball starts on the Cowboys 9 yard line. After an incomplete pass, they finally get a 1st down with a catch by.....Amari Cooper.
On 3rd and 6 Dak completes another pass, this time to CeeDee Lamb.....for no gain. However, before you can celebrate a completion, hold up! Offensive holding , Connor Williams, ten yards. So on 3rd and 16 Dak passes short to Cedrick Wilson.....who fumbles. Luckily, the Cowboys recover and mercifully, Anger punts the ball away
The first ten minutes of the game the Cowboys have 3 penalties for 24 yards. That cannot happen again.
Keys to beating the San Fransisco 49ers?
1. Don't do anything you did in the first ten minutes of last year's playoff game against the 49ers!
2. Be ready!
3. Don't get dumb penalties!