Pass2Run
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In this post, we'll break down the wins and losses for each team, what those might mean for this game, and the toughness of the schedule of each team, which is a significant factor to consider when considering the losses of each team.
Of course, it's possible that none of this matters in the end, because as the saying goes, any given Sunday...
Dallas' first loss was in game 1 against the Bucs. As it turned out, the Bucs won their division and hosted a playoff game. The 9ers on the other hand, lost to the Bears, who, coincidentally, Dallas stomped in a game that I argue was probably closer than the score indicated as far as how teams were playing. Cowboys won a nice game here. But the loss tells me that San Francisco is susceptible to a strong running attack.
We might be wise to bring Malik Davis to the game today, if this game is any indication of what could be the 9ers cryptonite.
Dallas' second loss was when Cooper Rush started against the Philadelphia Eagles. The game wasn't as bad as it could have been, given that we turned the ball over 3 times. But it wasn't pretty either. That said, how many times do the 9ers beat the Eagles? I'd say probably about half the time, like we did so far.
San Fransisco's second loss was their 3rd game of the season, in a 10-11 defensive game against the Broncos. San Fran couldn't get their offense going against Denver, and, of course, Dallas would be wise to see what the Denver defense did that game to keep the 9ers to under 11 points.
Dallas' third loss was to the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers, who almost had a below average Packers team in the playoffs after going on a run, which means the Packers were getting hot and Dallas may have underestimated and underprepared for McCarthy's old QB crush.
The 49ers third loss occurred against the Falcons, who the Cowboys didn't play this year in the regular season.
The fourth loss for Dallas, and I'd argue the last significant loss came from the Jaguars. I said after that game, that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jags in the playoff picture — next year. I was wrong, they went on a streak and are still contenders this year.
The Chiefs handed the 49ers their fourth, and final, loss, and the Chiefs are still in the playoffs. And everyone knows it's probably the Bills and Chiefs being the best two teams in the AFC, although I respect all the remaining AFC teams.
And finally, Dallas' final loss was against the Commanders, who I'd say are also an up and coming team that didn't quite make the playoffs. That said, I'd say this loss was irrelevant, because the players didn't have a whole lot to play for.
People have argued that the 9ers had an easier schedule. I don't really agree with that. They played against relatively talented teams, but we may have played one more team with someone like Rodgers, who can take over a game, and who did take over the game. But overall, we played some pretty equal teams.
Given that, I'd say this game is pretty much a toss-up that'll end up coming down to which side executes the better game plan. The way I see it, ESPN is about right. The Cowboys have a slightly better than 50 percent chance of winning. Although, we're going into hostile territory. The 9ers are playing at home, and that has helped them this season. Their fans are rowdy, and that could force Dallas into false start penalties, like it has other teams.
On the other hand, Dallas typically doesn't run as many motion plays when playing away. They need to stick with motion in their offense if they're going to beat the 9ers. When Kellen Moore's offense motions players around, it's at its most effective.
The motto in this game should "produce."
If the Cowboys can go out and do what they do best, produce, then they can walk away with this game. If they don't, well, there's always next year. I have a feeling they win this game. But I'm not going to give any guarantees. It'll be a tough battle, either way, more than likely, although either team has the ability to run away with it.
Of course, it's possible that none of this matters in the end, because as the saying goes, any given Sunday...
Dallas' first loss was in game 1 against the Bucs. As it turned out, the Bucs won their division and hosted a playoff game. The 9ers on the other hand, lost to the Bears, who, coincidentally, Dallas stomped in a game that I argue was probably closer than the score indicated as far as how teams were playing. Cowboys won a nice game here. But the loss tells me that San Francisco is susceptible to a strong running attack.
We might be wise to bring Malik Davis to the game today, if this game is any indication of what could be the 9ers cryptonite.
Dallas' second loss was when Cooper Rush started against the Philadelphia Eagles. The game wasn't as bad as it could have been, given that we turned the ball over 3 times. But it wasn't pretty either. That said, how many times do the 9ers beat the Eagles? I'd say probably about half the time, like we did so far.
San Fransisco's second loss was their 3rd game of the season, in a 10-11 defensive game against the Broncos. San Fran couldn't get their offense going against Denver, and, of course, Dallas would be wise to see what the Denver defense did that game to keep the 9ers to under 11 points.
Dallas' third loss was to the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers, who almost had a below average Packers team in the playoffs after going on a run, which means the Packers were getting hot and Dallas may have underestimated and underprepared for McCarthy's old QB crush.
The 49ers third loss occurred against the Falcons, who the Cowboys didn't play this year in the regular season.
The fourth loss for Dallas, and I'd argue the last significant loss came from the Jaguars. I said after that game, that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jags in the playoff picture — next year. I was wrong, they went on a streak and are still contenders this year.
The Chiefs handed the 49ers their fourth, and final, loss, and the Chiefs are still in the playoffs. And everyone knows it's probably the Bills and Chiefs being the best two teams in the AFC, although I respect all the remaining AFC teams.
And finally, Dallas' final loss was against the Commanders, who I'd say are also an up and coming team that didn't quite make the playoffs. That said, I'd say this loss was irrelevant, because the players didn't have a whole lot to play for.
People have argued that the 9ers had an easier schedule. I don't really agree with that. They played against relatively talented teams, but we may have played one more team with someone like Rodgers, who can take over a game, and who did take over the game. But overall, we played some pretty equal teams.
Given that, I'd say this game is pretty much a toss-up that'll end up coming down to which side executes the better game plan. The way I see it, ESPN is about right. The Cowboys have a slightly better than 50 percent chance of winning. Although, we're going into hostile territory. The 9ers are playing at home, and that has helped them this season. Their fans are rowdy, and that could force Dallas into false start penalties, like it has other teams.
On the other hand, Dallas typically doesn't run as many motion plays when playing away. They need to stick with motion in their offense if they're going to beat the 9ers. When Kellen Moore's offense motions players around, it's at its most effective.
The motto in this game should "produce."
If the Cowboys can go out and do what they do best, produce, then they can walk away with this game. If they don't, well, there's always next year. I have a feeling they win this game. But I'm not going to give any guarantees. It'll be a tough battle, either way, more than likely, although either team has the ability to run away with it.
