The NFC Divisional Round between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys is almost here. There are a number of 49ers keys to success in a game expected to be very physical. The two teams have a heated history together in playoffs, and both are hungry for a win this weekend. San Francisco will host Dallas at Levis Stadium. The game is in high demand with ticket prices in the thousands. Here are three 49ers keys to success against the Dallas Cowboys.
49ers Keys to Success: Give Purdy Time
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has demonstrated his ability to run out of the pocket to give himself time to find a man open. This has been a great aspect of the 49ers offense, but he may not have enough time this weekend. Purdy is not faster than Micah Parsons, of the Dallas Cowboys defense. Giving Purdy enough time to find one of the many playmakers on the San Francisco offense is one of the important 49ers keys to success against Dallas.
Purdy had a slow start last weekend against the Seattle Seahawks but was able to overcome his mistakes and it paid off. Last weekend, Purdy completed 18 passes out of 30 attempts for 332 yards, according to ESPN. Despite not having the best completion percentage, he did pass for three touchdowns and even had one rushing touchdown.
Purdy has a number of targets to get the ball to that does exceptionally well in yards after the catch. Getting the ball to one of those playmakers is one of the 49ers keys to success in this divisional round of playoffs. Last weekend the Cowboys faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the Buccs being dominated, according to ESPN they still had 334 passing yards. Purdy has the ability to extend plays easier than Tampa Bay quarterback, Tom Brady. Purdy having time is one of the 49ers keys to success.
49ers Keys to Success: Put Pressure on Dak Prescott
It is no secret that Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott has thrown a number of interceptions in the regular season. Last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Prescott did not throw any interceptions. Putting pressure on Dak Prescott, and hopefully forcing him to throw interceptions, is one of the 49ers keys to success in the NFC Divisional Round.
According to the final Dallas Cowboys injury report, offensive tackle, Jason Peters is ruled out of the game. Taking Peter’s position will be Tyler Smith. More times than not, 49ers Defensive end, Nick Bosa is double-teamed. While this may potentially hold Bosa back, it also gives room for a very healthy 49ers defensive line to put pressure on Prescott.
Against the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers had a total of three sacks, including one strip sack that changed the game. If the 49ers can turn the ball over, due to pressure on Prescott, that can sway the game in favor of San Francisco. Putting consistant pressure on Prescott is one of the 49ers Keys to Success.
49ers Keys to Success: Stay Away from Avoidable Penalties
In a game that means this much, San Francisco needs to make sure they do not give up any easily avoidable penalties. Last weekend, Jimmie Ward had a late hit on Seahawks’ quarterback, Geno Smith. If Smith was not touched, it would have been the end of the half. Instead, Seattle moved into field goal position and led the game at halftime. While this was Ward’s only mistake like this last weekend, staying away from easily avoidable penalties is one of the top 49ers keys to success against the Cowboys.
Last weekend in the second half of the game, the Seattle Seahawks had multiple false starts that pushed them back. This gave a big edge to the 49ers. Given the fact that they have seen how it helps them, the team needs to make sure they avoid the penalties that can hurt them in a close game. Prescott will most likely take shots downfield and the 49ers cannot risk any pass interference calls for plays that would otherwise have been incomplete passes or even turnovers in favor of San Francisco.
The offensive line also will need to be sure they do not get caught with any holding calls. Going up against Micah Parsons, the offensive line may get called for some, which will hurt any momentum for the offense and their young quarterback. Staying away from easily avoidable penalties is one of the top 49ers keys to success against the Dallas Cowboys.
The game between the 49ers and the Cowboys will take place Sunday Night, and the winner will move on to the NFC Championship game.
For more NFL Content:
Check out the top 49ers players to watch ahead of the game. Be sure to look back on the history of the 49ers vs Cowboys in the playoffs here, ahead of their divisional game this weekend. Also, check out this article on where defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans will coach in the 2023 season.
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