October 28th 2024.
The San Francisco 49ers have been anything but consistent this season, and their game against the Dallas Cowboys was no exception. Despite a dominant third quarter where they blew the doors off the Cowboys, they still managed to let their opponent back into the game. In the end, they narrowly escaped with a 30-24 victory, bringing their record to an even 4-4 as they head into their bye week. Let's take a closer look at the standout performances and disappointments from this exciting matchup.
Let's start with the studs. Tight end George Kittle proved once again why he's one of the best in the league, especially on this special day known as National Tight Ends Day. He racked up 128 receiving yards and a touchdown, making it clear that he thrives when the spotlight is on him. The Cowboys tried to cover him with man-to-man defense, but Kittle made it look easy as he consistently beat his defenders.
Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo was a pleasant surprise for the 49ers, stepping up when he was needed most. He took over as the lead back after Jordan Mason's injury and made a huge impact, rushing for 85 yards and catching three passes for 17 yards. It's worth noting that the Niners haven't utilized their running backs in the passing game much this season, but Guerendo showed that he's capable of being a versatile threat on offense.
Speaking of check-down options, quarterback Brock Purdy seemed to play much better with the addition of rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Pearsall made some impressive plays, repeatedly beating his man in coverage and even pulling off a 39-yard run on an end-around play. He showed why the 49ers drafted him in the first round and gave a glimpse of what he can bring to the team in the future.
On the defensive side, Deommodore Lenoir made a game-changing play with his interception in the third quarter. It shifted the momentum in the 49ers' favor and helped secure their victory. Lenoir has been a standout defender for the team and is making a strong case for being their best player on that side of the ball. And let's not forget about Ji'Ayir Brown, who stepped up in a big way when the Cowboys tried to spread out the defense. He shut down their attempts and even intercepted quarterback Dak Prescott.
Rookie cornerback Renardo Green also deserves recognition for his performance. He's taken over as the team's second outside cornerback and has excelled in that role. The Cowboys tried to challenge him by throwing to Ceedee Lamb, but Green shut him down and made it clear that he's a force to be reckoned with. And lastly, defensive end Sam Okuayinonu has been a crucial addition for the 49ers. They wouldn't be sitting at 4-4 without him, as he continues to make big plays on defense.
Now, on to the duds. Quarterback Brock Purdy had a rough game, to say the least. He struggled to make plays and even took a hard hit on a critical second down due to a missed blitz pickup by rookie running back Isaac Guerendo. It's clear that Purdy needs to bounce back and play like an MVP if the 49ers want to salvage their season.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan's play-calling also left something to be desired. He seemed to play it safe, trying not to lose the game instead of going for the win. This conservative approach ultimately backfired, and the 49ers suffered as a result. Additionally, the interior defensive linemen had a tough game, as they were easily neutralized by the Cowboys' offensive line. And veteran defensive end Leonard Floyd was given a favorable matchup against a struggling rookie left tackle, but he failed to make much of an impact.
Lastly, tight end Eric Saubert's costly holding penalty took a 66-yard touchdown off the board, which could have been a game-changer. These duds serve as a reminder that even in a victory, there's always room for improvement. The 49ers will need to address these issues and come back even stronger after their bye week if they want to keep their season alive.
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