This weekend, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Dallas Cowboys for Sunday Night Football. The 49ers have knocked the Cowboys out of playoffs for the past two years, and now the two meet each other in the regular season. San Francisco is still undefeated, while the Cowboys have one loss. Here is a look at the San Francisco 49ers matchup mockup for week five.
San Francisco 49ers Defensive Backs
Last weekend, when the San Fransico 49ers faced the Arizona Cardinals, there was some criticism regarding the 49ers cornerbacks giving up big plays. Some fans felt that they were too loose in coverage. This season, cornerback Charvarius Ward has been targetted just 26 times and only allowed 16 receptions, according to Pro Football Focus. Ward has given up a couple of penalties this season but did clean that up against the Cardinals.
49ers CS Deommodore Lenoir – AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Fellow cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is having a slower start this season and has been targetted more than Ward. According to Pro Football Focus, Lenoir has been targetted 31 times, allowing 24 receptions. It would be great if Lenoir stepped up more this weekend, especially with the chance that he is matched up against CeeDee Lamb.
The Cowboys have had an average of 218.8 passing yards per game, according to ESPN. The 49ers have actually allowed an average of 218.3 per game, according to ESPN, and are still 4-0. This is something interesting to look at, considering the similarities. If the averages for both teams stick this week, while it may have worked for the Cowboys in the past, it may not this weekend. Both have also averaged around 31 points per game though, which could make it a close game.
San Francisco 49ers 49ers Defensive Line
The San Francisco 49ers defensive line has been doing well with putting the opposing teams’ quarterbacks under pressure. They only have nine sacks this season, but the pressure is there. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been sacked six times this season. Nick Bosa has just one sack this year, but the protection blocking him has been giving other players a chance, such as Javon Hargrave, who has three sacks already this season.
Prescott has only thrown one interception this season, but if the line can put pressure on him, the defense may be able to force one this weekend. It will be great for the 49ers if they can sack Prescott, but as long as they can keep the pressure rate high, it can force some inaccurate passes.
49ers DT Javon Hargrave (98) – Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
San Francisco 49ers Run Game
Christian McCaffrey is coming off a game where he scored four touchdowns, three of which were from rushing the ball. The Cowboys have a top defense, but it’s going to be difficult to stop McCaffrey. The Cowboys’ defense has allowed an average of 111.8 rushing yards per game. The 49ers have averaged rushing the ball for 153 yards per game.
If the 49ers can get their momentum going with the run game, they will try to run down that defense as much as possible. That does not mean that they will not pass the ball, but the 49ers will most likely play to their strength. As usually seen, once the run game gets going, it will open up the chances to pass as well.
No Diggs vs. 49ers’ Wide Receivers
While injury is never wished on a player, without Trevon Diggs, there is going to be a difference in the game. That does not mean that the 49ers offense will walk right through the Dallas defense. Cornerback DaRon Bland leads the team with three interceptions. As long as quarterback Brock Purdy plays smart the way he has been this season, he should be fine.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk vs. the Arizona Cardinals – Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
By Sunday night, both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel should be healthy and set for a big game. Aiyuk had himself a game against the Cardinals. He had six receptions for 148 yards, according to ESPN. His route running gave him the ability to get open down the field for Purdy to hit him. Aiyuk breaking free from defenders will be a big part of this weekend’s game. Purdy most likely will not have as much time to get set as he did against the Cardinals, but his offensive weapons have the ability to put Purdy in an easy spot.
The San Fransico 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys will face off this weekend for Sunday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium. This will be a crucial game for both teams despite it only being week five. While the 49ers will want to remain undefeated, the Cowboys will not want to fall too far behind the Eagles, who are still undefeated heading into week five.
