The Dallas Cowboys were humbled lower than ever in an embarrassing 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
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A Sloppy First Half Led to the Cowboys’ Downfall
The Cowboys couldn’t find their footing in the first half of the game, digging themselves into a hole they could not get out of.
The 49ers defense held the Cowboys offense to only 21 rushing yards and 95 receiving yards. Dak Prescott was sacked three times during the first half alone.
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The issues boiled down to even more self-inflicted wounds that took momentum away when it was built up.
In the first half, the team had five penalties for 45 yards. Two of the biggest were from Jayron Kearse on crucial third downs.
The Cowboys’ Offense Struggled
Despite the team toning down the penalties and making efforts to adjust early on, things didn’t get better for the team in the second half.
The 49ers defense held the Cowboys’ offense to 57 rushing yards and 161 receiving yards.
San Francisco has one of the best defenses in the league. However, this was the worst showing the Cowboys have had this season and against the 49ers in recent history.
So, what exactly is the issue with the offense? All eyes are turning to Mike McCarthy’s play calling and whether the “Texas Coast” scheme works for Dak Prescott and the offense.
Prescott didn’t have his best game, ending the game with a 51.6 quarterback rating. The week’s talk will be about his three interceptions during the game. However, the game was over well before those three interceptions.
Did the 49ers Figure Out Dan Quinn’s Scheme?
At the end of the day, the Cowboys were out-coached on both sides of the ball.
The defense kept the team in the game until they couldn’t anymore. They can only do so much when the offense isn’t scoring and keeping them off the field.
Although the run defense wasn’t horrible, they still allowed too many big plays early on.
The 49ers stood firm in their scheme and neutralized Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ edge rushers.
The 49ers didn’t allow the Cowboys’ pass rush to be established and allowed just one sack and no interceptions.
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Purdy had time in the pocket, allowing all his playmakers to get in place, and the Cowboys’ defense couldn’t keep up.
The biggest question now is if opposing teams, from now on, will use this game as tape to figure out Dan Quinn’s scheme.
Injury Updates
Not only was this a deflating loss for the Cowboys, but they kept taking blows as the injuries coming out of it kept stacking up.
Here is the latest on the injuries:
Dak Prescott
Prescott was seemingly dealing with a finger issue during the game. During the NBC broadcast, it was reported that the quarterback went to the sideline to get his right hand checked out and returned to the field with his middle finger taped on his throwing hand.
After the game, Prescott said his finger was stepped on during the game and said it didn’t “alter anything” during the game.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott said he had his finger stepped on during game. “That didn’t alter anything. Obviously, it was before the touchdown. Part of football.” pic.twitter.com/6npcMGy8rr
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 9, 2023
Leighton Vander Esch
According to the NBC broadcast, Vander Esch went straight to the X-ray room to check his neck after colliding with Micah Parsons and getting checked out on the field by the training staff.
The Dallas Morning News reported that Vander Esch’s X-rays were negative and the team will continue to evaluate him on Monday with an MRI.
Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch underwent X-rays on neck Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, and in good news, those returned negative, a person familiar with situation said. Team to take every precaution here. His evaluation continues Monday with MRI.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 9, 2023
KaVontae Turpin
The wide receiver was ruled out of the game before the second half with an ankle injury. There is no other update about the extent of the injury at this time. Turpin had the team’s only touchdown of the night.
Turp speed 😮💨 @KaVontaeTurpin
📺: NBC & NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/tR4nGBr3Mi
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 9, 2023
C.J. Goodwin
The special teams ace was also ruled out of the game before the second half but with a shoulder injury. This could be a massive blow for the team as he is a gunner who creates big plays and a locker room leader for the unit.
Donovan Wilson
The safety was helped off the field late in the fourth quarter after getting his ankle rolled over. Medical staff tended to Wilson and checked his right ankle on the NBC broadcast. He was eventually helped off the field by the medical staff as well. There is no further update on Wilson at the moment.