The Dallas Cowboys versus San Francisco 49ers rivalry is one of the best in the history of the NFL, and it is also a deep source of nostalgia for many types of Cowboys fans.
Playoff battles in the 1980s and 1990s shaped the rivalry. From Dwight Clark’s catch in the 1981 NFC Championship Game to Alvin Harper’s catch and run in the same game in 1994, there have been some epic moments between the two franchises.
Even when the teams met during the regular season, there were moments to remember. George Teague sprinting to knock Terrell Owens off of The Star in Texas Stadium is one of my favorites.
The rivalry spent some time on the back burner during the 2010s, but has made a roaring return starting in the 2021 playoffs. Actually, the rivalry has been one-sided since then. Head coach and play caller, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have dominated the Cowboys in three matchups since.
In consecutive playoff matchups, the 49ers out-coached and out-played the Cowboys, leading to early exits in the Wildcard and Divisional round, respectively.
It culminated in a blowout victory last season during a Sunday Night Football matchup at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. George Kittle scored three touchdowns on three catches while wearing a shirt under his jersey reading “F*ck Dallas” to lead the 49ers to a 42-10 win.
The two teams meet again this season, albeit under different circumstances. Regardless of the circumstances, the Cowboys and their fans should still maintain a healthy level of fear for the 49ers.
Setting the Stage
Neither of the two teams are playing to their usual abilities, and it can mostly be blamed on injuries. So far this season, the Cowboys have had the following players miss time or have been ruled out for an extended period of time.
- DE Sam Williams
- DE Micah Parsons
- DE DeMarcus “Tank” Lawrence
- DE Marshawn Kneeland
- CB DaRon Bland
- CB Caelen Carson
- LB Eric Kendricks
- OT Tyler Guyton
The 49ers aren’t in much better shape. Here is a list of players they have missed:
- RB Christian McCaffrey
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- WR Brandon Aiyuk
- WR Deebo Samuel
- CB Ambry Thomas
- OL Jon Feliciano
- DT Javon Hargrave
- S Talanoa Hufanga
- LB Dre Greenlaw
In a weird twist of fate, the most impactful injuries for the Cowboys are on the defensive side of the ball, while the 49ers have suffered more on offense.
The 49ers have so many injuries on offense that it is giving the illusion to Cowboys Nation that the Cowboys are going into Santa Clara for an easy victory. Not so fast. I have two main reasons it won’t be that easy.
Kyle Shanahan
Despite the slew of injuries to his skill players, Kyle Shanahan has shown us that he can make things happen on offense just using schemes and play calling. Of course, the offense has taken a step back, but Jordan Mason is yet another obscure running back in Shanahan’s offense to look like an All-Pro.
Mason, a 2022 undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech University, ranks second in rushing yards (667) behind only the immortal Derrick Henry. Mason’s 5.2 yards per carry and eight BIG runs (runs of over 20 yards) both rank near the top of the league, as well.
Shanahan is a master at run blocking concepts designed to trap defenders and create running lanes for his backs. In another twist of fate, guess what the Cowboys are terrible at? You guessed it, stopping the run.
Dallas ranks dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and rush yards per attempt. Couple that with the fact that TE George Kittle (questionable) and WR Deebo Samuel (illness) might suit up, and the offense will be anything but easy to defend.
Fred Warner
My second reason to maintain a healthy fear for the 49ers is LB Fred Warner. The former 2nd round pick needs no introduction. Warner is the best linebacker in the NFL, hands down, and he and his teammates love making the Cowboys’ offense look silly.
Last year’s 42-10 win over Dak Prescott and the #1 ranked offense in the NFL was nothing short of spectacular. There is something about the 49ers’ zone scheme that limits the Cowboys’ big plays, and confuses Prescott into turnovers.
In the past three games against San Francisco, Prescott has only three touchdown passes compared to six interceptions. Most of the 49ers’ injuries are on the offensive side of the ball.
Before last season’s 42-10 debacle, the defense was never really the main issue for the Cowboys when they played San Francisco. The offense has had trouble moving the football and putting points on the board.
This year, the offense has not played up to the standard set by the previous three seasons, and it’s no secret. I didn’t even mention Nick Bosa is still there and ready to blow by our offensive line and get to Prescott.
I’m just here to put things in perspective. Yes, the 49ers aren’t the team they’ve been in the previous seasons, and mostly due to injury, but that’s no reason to overlook them and pencil in a victory this Sunday night.
The issues that have plagued the Cowboys in their losses versus the 49ers are still present, and this version of the Cowboys isn’t as talented as previous versions. Kyle Shanahan and Fred Warner might just find a way to send Dallas back home under .500 for the season, and all of you need to be prepared for that to happen.