By Scooter_McG
There really is nothing better than a playoff game between two old rivals. Last weekend we got to see the 49ers dismantle the hated Seahawks in the second half of their Wild Card Weekend matchup, and it was truly delightful. This weekend we'll be getting to see the 49ers host the Cowboys in the Divisional Round, sparking memories of what was one of the greatest feuds during the 80s and early 90s.
The matchup has added spice given how the 49ers were able to upset the Cowboys in the first round of last years playoffs. Listening to some of the Cowboys players this week and it is clear that last year's loss has haunted them and they see this one as a personal redemption game. The 49ers should expect a lot of emotion out of the Cowboys in this game, which can be a funny thing - focused emotion can either lead a team to great heights but let it get the better of you and it will bring ill discipline and mistakes.
For the 49ers, on the other hand, the focus has appeared to be less on the opponent and more on taking care of their own business. From all reports practices have been laser focused and the players have been making statements about the intensity and energy they need to bring to this game to come away with the win. Matching the energy and emotion of the Cowboys early will be a key aspect of this game and if they are able to force the Cowboys into some mistakes early could lead to the Cowboys emotions boiling over and giving the 49ers a big advantage.
Both teams go into the game with a mostly healthy squad, though the Cowboys will be without LT Jason Peters. That could be a big loss for the Cowboys as it will pit their rookie OL Tyler Smith against Nick Bosa. Smith is ranked 62 out of 64 in ESPN's pass block win rate and leads the NFL in holding penalties called this season. After being held without a QB hit last week, this feels like it is ripe for a Nick Bosa master class.
That spells trouble for Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who has been turnover prone this year, though that isn't all his fault as his receivers haven't helped him out. But with the 49ers leading the league in turnover differential, the propensity of the Cowboys to turn the ball over this season and the loss of Peters at LT are factors to pay attention to and in a battle of two talented teams could well be the difference.
A key area the 49ers defense will need to be wary is stopping the Cowboys dynamic RB Tony Pollard, while also making sure Prescott doesn't hurt them with his legs. The Seahawks gave the 49ers defense some trouble in the first half last week as they were able to establish the run, though the 49ers defense did a better job in the second half. I am sure DeMeco Ryans has made this a point of emphasis this week. I am also sure he has made tying the pass rush and coverage together on 3rd downs a point of emphasis as this was another area of concern in the first half last week, and the Cowboys ranked 5th in the NFL this season in third down conversions.
One of the most intriguing matchups in this game for the 49ers will be seeing how Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense holds up against the Cowboys #2 ranked defense (based on DVOA). This will easily be the most talented and best defense Purdy has faced. The Cowboys pass rush in particular is very dangerous and will put a lot of pressure on the 49ers OL to hold up and give Purdy sufficient time to get comfortable in the game. The strength of the Cowboys defense is their pass defense; against the run however they ranked 22nd in the NFL in terms of rush yards allowed. The 49ers will likely look to stress the Cowboys on the ground with multiple ball carriers and looks, and help Purdy get comfortable through play action.
This promises to be an exciting game and one that both sets of fans can make sound arguments why their team can win. Hopefully come Sunday evening it will be 49ers fans that are celebrating!
Enjoyable read, Scooter. I like Armstead and Aiyuk big in this game. 34-20 Niners
ReplyDeleteTyler Smith has been called for 13 penalties this season, T-2nd most of any offensive lineman. Nine of them were holding penalties.
ReplyDeleteAll 8 QB's in the divisional round are under the age of 30.
ReplyDeleteSurely the news that Ryans will be interviewing for the Cardinals HC job Sunday morning can't be real. The morning of the game. Surely not. If so, this is 100% strategic on the Cardinals part to try and disrupt a rival.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of that yet. I doubt very seriously that would happen. Would they want to hire a HC that is willing to be distracted the morning of his biggest game of his career?
DeleteIf true, I suspect they don't really have great interest in Ryans and are more looking to mess with the 49ers while meeting the Rooney requirements.
DeleteI just saw a tweet that the Cowboys defense faced 21 personnel on just 27 snaps all season. I can't verify if that is true, but if so, that's insane. And it means the 49ers will present something of a unique challenge for them.
ReplyDeleteThose remaining interviews will occur on the same day as the 49ers' playoff game. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Ryans will speak with the Cardinals and Colts on Sunday morning before kick-off.
ReplyDeleteReally?
If I were KS I would tell Ryans to reschedule those meetings. If those teams are really interested in Ryans they will reschedule.
DeleteYeah, agreed. It's ludicrous to be having a job interview the day of the game.
DeleteHonestly, the entire process needs to be amended. All coaching hires should only occur once the NFL season is finished. Coaches on playoff teams shouldn't have to interview while still trying to focus on the playoffs and also need the same opportunities as coaches that aren't in the playoffs.
False report
DeleteI was hoping/thinking so. Seems out of character.
DeleteGood to hear.
DeleteCan somebody explain the purpose of that timeout. In a close game like this it doesn’t seem like a smart move.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great game. Hard hitting old school football.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't matter how you win, just so long as you win. Got the job done. Nice.
ReplyDelete49ers now been to three of the past four NFCCGs. Pretty impressive.
ReplyDeletevery impressive
DeleteI'm glad that Purdy faced one of the toughest defenses. It won't be a picnic next week and he needed the experience.
ReplyDeleteYep. Eagles will be another big challenge. That pass rush is the best in the NFL.
DeleteWhat happened to the game day post? Did it get inundated by Mr Unreasonable?
ReplyDeleteIt was getting that way.
DeleteUnfortunately I wasn't able to follow the game much so couldn't delete his posts like usual.
DeleteHad to delete, Scooter. Too busy watching the game to fiddle with the infant.
DeleteI get it.
DeleteYeah, understood, Razor. I don't understand this guy. He was respectful over on Jack's blog and even complemented KS on his second half play calling and management of the game.
DeleteHe is the ultimate prisoner of the moment. A play goes wrong and it is "fire everyone!". Score a TD next drive and its "best coach/ team in the world!".
DeleteIf only the comments were that brief, though.
Great W... 49ers open + 1.5.... just too bad Minn screwed everything up as I think Dallas would have had a very good chance to knock off Philly. Hoping Mitchell goes for 100 next week.......... Ryans may have gotten a step closer to sealing the TX job- which begs the question, who becomes DC? Fangio maybe 1, but do they promote Kocurek or bring someone in? Ejiro, Boyer, etc.....
ReplyDeleteRegardless of what happens in the two CGs, come the Super Bowl we are now going to see whether overall team talent can trump QB talent.
ReplyDeleteNFCCG has the two most talented teams in the NFL overall facing off. AFCCG has two of the best young QBs in the NFL facing off.
The AFC has a huge quarterback talent advantage over the NFC. I suspect Shanny might not be as conservative if he had to give the ball back to a Mahomes or a Burrow.
DeleteAFC sure does. Yet, come the Super Bowl, I think either of the 49ers or Eagles can win. Despite not having an elite QB, their offenses are still very potent while they both have far superior defenses to the two remaining AFC teams.
DeleteEvery playoff win is great and this was no exception. However, it was a gritty win. Gould was the MVP today. Seems like there was no injuries and Niners can move on to Philly in full strength. The offensive line will have to play better next Sunday. Defense will have to focus on its Achilles heel -- the quarterback run up the middle.
ReplyDeleteMe ^
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