While the Cowboys looked pretty good yesterday, at least on Defense, the Offense is still TBD due to not having to do too much, I'm still holding any reservations about expectations due to watching the 49ers dismantle the Steelers. They still demonstrate the physicality that has caused major problems for the Cowboys. They are the most balanced and physical team in the Conference if not the NFL. We didn't get to see much of the Cowboys Offense last night to get a good read on their status. We should get a better read in the coming weeks leading up to the Week 5 matchup at the 49ers.
I was also extremely impressed with the 49ers. See my post over in NFL Zone. They're very well designed and organized. That 65-yard TD run by McCaffrey was the best example of teamwork I've seen in ages. Their O-line opened up a big hole, and he ran through. I figured it would be a good gain, and maybe a first down. However, he juked away from one defender and then a teammate opened up the field for him with a great block. He ran all the way down the field, but the Steelers player was in position to stop the TD, but another 49er player made yet another great block to spring him for the TD. The 49ers have a great defense, a quality O-line, and running game. Brock Purdy does need to play well (which he did), but he doesn't have to do everything himself. This team is smartly designed. They didn't put everything on their quarterback's shoulders and become pass happy. I personally think that the league's pass-happy trend will eventually fade, as defenses get better at defending it, and game plans become adept at containing that one-dimensional approach. IMO, the 49ers are the anti-pass-happy team, and they have a good shot at the title this year.
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It does make me sick to admit it, but the Eagles are still looking good enough to make a run.
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The other impressive team was a huge surprise to me, the Detroit Lions. They went into Arrowhead and beat the Chiefs. It didn't look like a fluke to me. It looks like they've built an outstanding team. Jared Goff finally looks like a first overall draft pick. He reads defenses well, and his passes are accurate. Granted, that was just one game. Some teams start seasons off with a bang and then fizzle. However, the Lions look like they've got their act together. I would not be shocked to see them sustain their high-level of play and then win their division. They've been terrible for ages, but they may have finally turned the corner.
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Could our Cowboys beat the above-mentioned teams? I think so. We've got an insanely good defense. With a good game plan, we'll see. Beating any of these teams I've mentioned would be a major accomplishment. These teams have their act together.
