Offense
-Dak and the offense has struggled against this scheme since that Denver blowout loss, it’s that Fangio shell zone coverage that takes away the middle of the field. The Cowboys have faced a similar scheme already twice this season with some success against the Jets and the Cardinals, they are going to also face the Eagles and Dolphins who play a similar scheme. How do you beat it? It’s that boring Jets game plan, take what is given, go on long time consuming drives that result in points. Run the football against light boxes and force their defense to make changes. Keep the 49er explosive offense off the field!!
-The Cowboys have struggled running the football against this front, but even if they aren’t getting early success, they must stay with it. Using the short passes as and extension of the run could also tire out a defense. If the 49ers make the Cowboy offense one dimensional, it will be very difficult consistently driving the football.
-Ball security is extremely important. Cannot give this team easy scores, force them to drive the entire field against our defense. Do not try long FG’s. Punting isn’t a bad thing over giving them great field position.
-Must take shots down the field to keep them from sitting on the shorter routes.
-Best front 7 in football, the new WCO should be able to hold up better, but still Dak has to have that internal clock and get the ball out quickly. Tackles are going to have their struggles, but they need their backs/TE;s to assist in protect, even if it is chipping the defender.
Defense
-The 49ers offensive scheme is all based off their running back McCaffrey. Must tackle well and handle the misdirection their HC loves to use. Lve and our linebackers must play discipline as Purdy loves to use play action and hit over the middle passes when the linebacker is out of position. This might be a game where you use Lewis like the Saints game a few years ago to cover Alvin Kamara. Muku might be better suited to play more slot this game due to the size of the receivers.
-49ers generate all their big plays with yac. They will try to bully you in space, have to match their physicality and tackle well. Purdy struggles with deep ball accuracy, take away the short passing game.
-Purdy is much better then many realize, he has won I think 13 straight regular season games. He makes excellent decisions where to go with the football, but sometimes he likes to thread the needle with tight passes. Aiyuk is actually his favorite target, especially with those back side throws. Kittles is more of the stick mover, Deebo will see some carries, wr screens and quick slants. Purdy does an excellent job buying time in the pocket and can use his legs to pick up 1st downs. Cowboy defense must not create big openings or they will get hurt with those QB runs that extend drives.
-The only weakness that I see on paper is their right side of their OL. They decided to let their RT go in fa, this is where the Cowboys lineman need to attack, stay away from Trent Williams on the other side, where many still think he is the best in the business.
-Stay away from the blitz, Giants tried to blitz him on almost every snap and they got killed in yards after catch. Force Purdy to drive the entire field and make multiple 1st downs.
Special Teams
-Just like last week, the 49ers drafted a kicker that we showed interest with in Moody, he has yet to miss a kick.
-Cowboys have to win the field possession battle this week as yards are going to be tough sledding.
