Cowboys vs 49ers comes right down to massive performs and clear tackles
For as a lot reward because the Cowboys protection has been getting this season, they’ve developed fairly the fame for giving up massive performs as of late. Even earlier than the horrific common season finale in Washington, Dallas’ massive play situation was turning into a pattern. As Bob Strum from the Athletic identified, their big-play allowance fee over the earlier three video games grew from 2.4 per sport to five.3.
A probable byproduct of their unrest at CB2, Dallas was going through the implications for his or her fixed testing of Anthony Brown replacements. Within the wild-card spherical towards Tampa Bay, they rolled out their answer.
Using heavy 2-high appears, the Cowboys capped the highest to stop receivers from beating them deep. Dallas additionally moved DaRon Bland, their second-most trusted cornerback, out to the boundary and inserted security Israel Mukuamu, a university cornerback, to play within the slot.
In opposition to the run-heavy 49ers, that very same coverage-focused defensive scheme will not be potential.
Clear tackles
One factor is evident, each groups need to deal with as a result of playmakers are in all places. One easy mistake or one missed deal with has the potential to tip the steadiness.
“I believe the tackling battle all through on either side goes to be actually essential, McCarthy mentioned. “These guys are getting yardage after contact and their numbers converse for themselves. They do an amazing job operating the soccer. Their first and second down offense is outstanding. They acquired playmakers at each place, you recognize, these guys break tackles.”
With Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, the 49ers have game-breakers at each stage. Each contact has the potential to be a home name if the Dallas protection can’t cleanly deal with on first contact.
The Cowboys have game-breakers themselves, Tony Pollard and CeeDee Lamb have been recognized to shake off first contact and create massive performs from nothing.
“We’re going to have to interrupt tackles additionally. Their protection is superb at tackling so I believe the tackling battle will probably be one of many premium focal factors for us.”
Can’t overcommit
The Cowboys’ gameplan towards Tampa Bay may not be repeatable, however the objective ought to nonetheless stay: don’t get beat deep.
San Francisco’s highly effective operating sport makes it inconceivable for Dallas to overcommit within the secondary. Quinn can’t run shells each play as a result of the entrance 4 will get eaten up. However they’ll’t overcommit up entrance both as a result of the 49ers aren’t scared to air it out if the numbers look proper.
Since December, the Cowboys have quietly constructed a top-5 run-stopping unit (in each success fee and anticipated factors). The harm sustained via the air over that very same timespan has far outweighed the harm surrendered on the bottom. Staying centered on that reality is paramount for Dan Quinn and his protection.