(Photo: Blogging The Boys)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week Eight
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Cowboys: Before the bye week, week six was by far the worst I’ve ever seen them look. There are times when they’ve been bad or they flat-out play down to competition, but they didn’t even bother to try in that game against the Detroit Lions. I saw no urgency or any attempt to try and climb back into the game, instead, they threw the towel in and quit. Since Dak Prescott became the starting Quarterback, the Cowboys’ identity has been a strong running game which then turns into the Quarterback being able to throw the football. Fast forward to this year, they can’t consistently get the push up front to open running lanes. Ezekiel Elliott isn’t the same guy he was all those years ago and they should’ve never released Tony Pollard. I’ll even add more salt to the wound. They should’ve considered signing Derrick Henry because if they had him at this moment, their offense would be a bit more consistent and taken seriously. Instead, Jerry Jones continues to think and believe this notion that Dak is a Quarterback that can win games with his arm. I say this every year and I’ll repeat it here. If Dak Prescott attempts to get into a shootout, he will lose. He is not that type of Quarterback and if he throws the football over 32 times, that’s a recipe for disaster. I have no problem giving this team credit when they’re doing well and handling business, but when they struggle and play disappointingly, I’ll also say something. They return from the bye week and make a trip to Levi’s on Sunday night.
49ers: They’ve been a mess. From the contractual issues with Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk which ended up getting resolved, to the downplay of Brock Purdy, it’s also been a slew of injuries that have held them back. George Kittle is dealing with a sprained foot, Deebo Samuel was in the hospital dealing with pneumonia, Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL and is done for the year, Dre Greenlaw is still out recovering from the ruptured Achilles he suffered in the Super Bowl. To add further insult to injury (no pun intended), Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this year as he’s been dealing with Achilles tendinitis. Anytime I have been asked about who the biggest threat to the San Francisco 49ers is, I always say it’s themselves and being healthy. Around this time last year, they lost Trent Williams and Deebo for a few games due to injuries and they lost three consecutive games. In other words, when they are 100 percent, they are a tough out and to beat them, you truly must give them a taste of their own medicine and be physical with them. By now, you all should know my saying which is “The bully doesn’t like to be bullied”. Despite all these injuries, I could still see them going on a run when it was all said and done. I say that because, in 2022, they were 4-6 after ten games. They won out, won the NFC West, clinched the second seed in the conference, and still made the NFC title game. Don’t count them out just yet. They get some key guys back, play the football we know they can play, and win some games, they’ll be back on track. They’re back home on Sunday night.
Cowboys X-Factor: KaVonte Turpin– If there’s anybody who can provide a spark for this Dallas offense, it’s this guy right here. KaVonte is a weapon that can be used in many different capacities. He can line up as a slot receiver, takes handoffs, works in the flat area of the field and what makes him stand out more is the speed. He’s that jack-of-all-trades weapon many teams would love to have on their roster. I can see him putting a lot of pressure on this 49ers defense.
49ers X-Factor: Jordan Mason– One thing the 49ers can do is run that football. It doesn’t matter who they have starting in the backfield. Jordan has been a godsend for them. I remember his first game starting against the Jets on that Monday night. He had a big game largely because there wasn’t much tape on him. He’s a tough runner between the tackles and lowers that shoulder to initiate contact. Dallas has had their share of trouble stopping the run.
Final Thoughts: This isn’t the classic NFC matchup that we always anticipate it to be. Two legendary teams here that many legendary players have suited up for. This year, the injury bug has truly decimated the 49ers and they are still looking to get back on track. Meanwhile, on the Dallas side, they are looking to get back into the win column on Sunday night. One key for the Cowboys in this game is to limit the explosive plays of the 49ers. Even with the injuries they have offensively, they have still been able to push the football up the field and they lead the league with an impressive stat of 26 plays of 20 yards or more. Next, limiting Jordan Mason is key. Stopping the run as I mentioned has been the glaring weakness of the Cowboys’ defense this year. Lastly, can the Cowboys dominate in the trenches? This is another week where they will face another elite EDGE guy in Nick Bosa. Dallas will also get a boost with Micah Parsons’ return. For the 49ers, protecting Purdy is key. This is a Dallas defense that will rush the passer and do so until you limit the rush. I’m also attacking Dallas with the slot receivers and as a defense, getting Dak in long-yardage situations. This is a game that can go either way in my honest opinion and both teams are so beat up. I like the 49ers to escape with a close win.
Prediction: 49ers 21, Cowboys 20
