The last two matchups between the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers were close; unfortunately, we all know close isn't good enough.
In the divisional round last season, the Cowboys placed a strong roster on the field, but apparent deficiencies stood out to the naked eye, at least at the wide receiver position.
Fast forward to this season, Dallas is dealing with red zone issues that can be fixed but may dictate the outcome of the ball game.
Nevertheless, this team presents differences that San Francisco must adjust to make it three wins in a row.
Let's take some time to walk through each one of them.
Michael Gallup appears to be healthy in this matchup
As I watched Michael Gallup versus the Arizona Cardinals, the burst and explosion appeared to return.
In fairness, it may have been there this whole time, but Dallas finally called his number to showcase his re-emergence.
Michael tore his ACL in Week 17 of 2021 against the Arizona Cardinals. He didn't suit against the 49ers in that 2021 matchup.
In 2022, it was the same.
He was less than 15 months removed from his significant injury and should not have been someone the team relied on.
But he was, and the outcome wasn't pretty.
Now, the San Francisco 49ers need to prepare for a healthy Gallup.
They were too content with bracketing CeeDee Lamb last season, daring anyone else to make a difference in the game.
Michael Gallup is looking more and more like the “Robin” to Lamb's “Batman” that most fans expected to see.
In the first two games, his production consisted of 4 targets, equating to two receptions.
Michael Gallup had the 2nd-best rate of separation of any #Cowboys receiver vs. Patriots (4.4), behind only KaVontae Turpin (4.7) — per Next Gen Stats.
He also had 44 yards after the catch.
He's now had two strong showings (in a row) in the Texas Coast offense. Just saying …
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 2, 2023
In the last two games, it's been much different with 11 receptions on 13 targets.
San Francisco trying to put a man-to-man with Gallup may be a matchup worth exploiting and could work in the Cowboys' favor.
Tyler Smith and Zack Martin on the interior should keep Dak's lap clean
Last year, the Dallas Cowboys put some tape and glue on the offensive line and trotted out a decent lineup.
They lost Terrence Steele and temporarily placed Tyron on the right side.
To date, the team still has not announced if Tyron will be back for Sunday Night Football, but if he is, this will be the most effective starting five the 49ers have faced.
The interior will be even more impressive starting this go around, beginning with Tyler Smith.
Since his return, Tyler has been one of the best guards in the NFL.
Having two potential studs at guard will be a massive difference for the 49ers.
"Tyler Smith has looked like one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL since he came back from injury. Dominant football player. In a re-draft of the 2022 NFL Draft, he goes #1 overall." pic.twitter.com/rE9uWael5u
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) October 3, 2023
According to Pro Football Focus, he is sporting a 92.7 run block grade, which should translate to opening holes for Tony Pollard and the running back group.
If you remember, Connor McGovern did well last season, but the two have a substantial power difference.
The game plan has typically been to place their top defensive tackle away from Zack to the weaker left side.
That is not going to be a suitable plan this time around.
On the 49ers defensive front, Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave, and Javon Kinlaw will give Dallas everything they want.
Keeping the pressure from impacting Dak Prescott up the middle may not transform him into Patrick Mahomes, but it may give him enough time to make accurate throws to his playmakers.
Markquese Bell has been a nice replacement for DeMarvion Overshown
I know DeMarvion Overshown became an afterthought, at least for this season, once he tore his ACL in the preseason.
This article is not about the rookie from Texas, even though he would have been a perfect subject for someone the 49ers would have needed to prepare for.
For Dallas, Dan Quinn took lemons and made lemonade.
It also became a second-year player's chance to make the active roster again.
Markquese Bell has taken advantage of his opportunity when he has been able to get on the field.
I think the only thing that makes me mad from last week was the fact Markquese bell was given 9 snaps, he was given more yesterday and the film shows that kinda impact he can bring when he plays
— _dc4lsports_ (@_dc4lsports_) October 2, 2023
His hybrid ability may cause trouble for San Francisco that wasn't there prior.
There was a reason Quinn wanted someone like Overshown. He wanted a linebacker to keep on the field in both run and pass downs.
Jabril Cox didn't pan out the way Dallas expected him to.
I wrote a piece that highlighted the safety group and the task at hand with Christian McCaffery.
Some will say that what Bell brings in versatility, he gives up in size. And that's true to a degree.
It's worth noting that Bell has a higher run defense grade than Damone Clark (63.8 vs. 58.9) and a higher coverage grade than Leighton Vander Esch (71.8 vs. 68.1).
Long story short, he's the counterpunch to some of the scheme mismatching Kyle Shanahan will conjure up.
Although he has only played 84 snaps, Bell could provide a unique look they are unfamiliar with.
