(Photo: Blogging The Boys)

NFC Game Of The Week

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers

Cowboys: They got off to a quick start. An impressive thumping of the New York Giants in week one that saw them sack Daniel Jones a total of seven times and the defense pretty much did everything for them and against the Jets in week two, they punched a depleted team in the mouth. Through two weeks, they were playing defense at the highest level and had allowed only ten points after two games. I find myself saying the same things about the Dallas Cowboys on a yearly basis and the facts are this. There is no in between with them. When they’re good, everything is clicking on all cylinders. They’re running the ball consistently, the Offensive Line is blocking up front and most importantly, Dak Prescott is playing within his box and staying in his lane. By now, we all know this is one of the best defenses in all of football. It’s a homegrown unit and Dan Quinn gets the best out of his men on a weekly basis. However, when they struggle, they struggle bad. Dak is throwing the football way too many times and the offense will get away from what got them the lead in the first place. I’ve been saying this on here and on every show I’m on from Monday Evening Quarterback to The Prime and Nerdzone. The downfall of this football team will be this offense and if you look up a few sentences, remember what I said about there being no in between with them? Look no further than the game against the Arizona Cardinals. Dak threw an interception, but he also threw the ball way too many times for my liking (40) which is a recipe for a loss. He can’t throw the ball no more than 30 times a game for them to have a shot at a victory. On Sunday night, they return back to where their season ended almost nine months ago.

49ers: This is the best team in the NFL right now and of course, I will explain why. First, their offense does more than enough to push the football up the field and they do it consistently. Let’s look at these weapons that they have because I sometimes feel they get overlooked. Brandon Aiyuk is the perfect fit for this offense because they cater to his skillset, George Kittle is still George Kittle and don’t forget Deebo Samuel either. I’ll never understand the Brock Purdy dislike. This is a good Quarterback who came in when they needed consistency at the most important position and he’s provided just that for them. One thing Brock doesn’t receive credit for is how accurate he is as a passer. Look at his numbers last weekend against the Arizona Cardinals. He completed 20 of his 21 pass attempts for 283 yards and a touchdown pass. That’s one incompletion!! Now, let me give some love to my namesake. Christian McCaffrey. Since he left Carolina, I’ve been saying he’s looked like a completely different football player and has rejuvenated his career. He’s been the best at his position this year and his pace of play so far reminds me of LaDainian Tomlinson’s 2006 season which is still the best season I’ve ever seen from a Running Back. Christian also reminds me of the Hall of Famer and their games are very similar to one another. Both can carry the ball out the backfield consistently, they can hurt defenses as receivers and if the opportunity presents itself, they can throw an occasional pass here and there. This 49ers group is balanced offensively and their defense is also a physical, all-around group. They rarely blitz because they can get home with four with a spy in the middle and the secondary playing coverage. This style of play travels well later into the season. I said the other day on the radio that I get a 2019 feel with watching this team, but this group is better. They’re back home on Sunday night for a showdown with the Cowboys.

Cowboys X-Factor: Michael Gallup– I’ve always felt he was an underrated part of the Cowboys offense. Michael is another security blanket for Dak. Michael never stops moving. He’s always quick on his feet and will continue to run even when the Quarterback is scrambling. I always see him making those tough catches in traffic or down the field. This is the guy the Cowboys target on third downs as well.

49ers X-Factor: Javon Hargrave– This name looks familiar, right? Before coming to the 49ers as a free agent, Javon played for the Philadelphia Eagles and he knows a thing or two about playing these Dallas Cowboys dating back to those days in the NFC East. Javon has been a strong asset for an already dominant defense. His approach is simple. Javon has a strong bullrush and he will push an Offensive Lineman into the backfield. It’s nothing but power and speed. He pushes that pocket and does just enough to pressure the Quarterback.

Three Things I’m Watching

1. Motivation– The 49ers have ended the Cowboys season in consecutive years in the playoffs. Dallas has won 12 games in back to back seasons. It all came to an end courtesy of these Niners. Many players on Dallas are saying that this isn’t just another game. They are motivated and I expect them to come into this game with a serious chip on their shoulder. This game is more important for Dallas in a way than it is the Niners and I say that because they need to show they can beat this team and they have that opportunity on Sunday night.

2. 2nd Time– This is an important thing I’m discussing. Only one team has seen Brock Purdy two times and that’s the Seattle Seahawks. The Dallas Cowboys will become just the second team to see the young Quarterback. How does Dan Quinn plan to attack number 13? Expect a lot of stunts and different looks on that defensive line to get after him and throw him off his spot. They played a tad bit too soft in that divisional round playoff game back in January in too much zone coverage. I expect that to change.

3. Challenge– The 49ers Offensive Line will receive a tough test against a Cowboys pass rush that gets home to the passer 60 percent of the time. This is the matchup that I feel will determine the outcome of this football game. Talk about some strength colliding with strength. I think the 49ers have one of the two best Offensive Lines in our league and the Dallas defensive front is strong and physical at the point of attack. I’ll enjoy this one.

Final Thoughts: What a game this should be. I’ve been waiting to reveal this preview and break down to you. When they met back in January, that had such a 1990s feel to the game because it was a hard hitting game and the final score was 19-12. Coming into the season, I remember saying there were only three teams in the NFC who stood out to me and that was the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. On Sunday night, two of the best in the league will do battle? One of the biggest keys for Dallas is for Dak to get rid of that ball quickly before the 9ers pass rush settles in and gets home. If he can stick with that strategy and most importantly, be patient, he could have sone success. I also need to see the Cowboys get Tony Pollard going as well. For the 49ers, forcing Dak into bad decisions along with keeping Parsons away from Purdy. Also, use Aiyuk and Deebo in space because the Cowboys have struggled to tackle in the passing game. I’m pumped up for this one and I see it being close throughout. I like the 49ers to win and keep rolling.

Prediction: 49ers 28, Cowboys 20