San Francisco 49ers (2) – Dallas Cowboys (5): 19-12
In a good and bodily match, it was the protection that flexed their muscle tissue and set the tempo for the opponents’ assaults. On this match, it was the very best protection of the season for the 49ers, which got here out victorious (19:12) by stealing two balls from the Cowboys. Ball losses that value the Cowboys factors and probably eventual victory.
Offensively, the 49ers hit the naked minimal to go yet another inning. Purdy’s dream continues.
The important thing second: the start of the second half
What if Dallas missed their probability early within the second half? As an offensive punt in his first sequence, Dallas is fortunate to see his particular crew and recuperate fumble. Even ranging from the opposition’s 20 yards, the Cowboys do not actually take benefit and are content material with a penalty kick that restores parity (9-9).
The guests then miss a terrific alternative to take management of the match. With out understanding it, they will not actually stand an opportunity till the ultimate whistle, operating after the rating every time.
A film that matches
Within the first act, each groups put up bodily and fierce resistance, particularly with two defenses that largely dominated the opposition’s offensive strains. The match began with three hits.
The fourth sequence stays on this defensive dynamic. Dak Prescott (23/37, 206 yds, 1TD, 2INT) is intercepted in his camp on 3to me try as a consequence of a nasty throw. The house crew begins from 21 opposing yards. However fixed strain from Dallas and Micah Parsons prevents Brock Purdy (19/29, 214 yds) from discovering a fault and his crew has to accept a 3-0 subject objective.
The Dallas offense is recovering effectively and persevering with the very best offensive streak of this primary half: 14 performs, 74 yards and almost 8 minutes of possession. A disc the place Dallas hits two three-pointersto me makes an attempt, and above all, a daring 4&1, whereas the crew was within the opponent’s 19 yards and will attempt to take 3 factors (in spite of everything, with Brett Maher …) with a bonus. Two performs later, Prescott finds a lone Dalton Schultz (5 rec, 27 yards) for a brief reception and first landing of the sport. However in comparison with Tampa, Brett Maher loses an additional level and Dallas leads “solely” 6 to three.
San Francisco begins to discover a rhythm in assault because of the looser Deebo Samuel. However the Texan protection leaves little room and is profitable in most of its assaults. As soon as once more, the Californians are restricted to a subject objective (6-6).
Simply earlier than the break, the Cowboys have the chance to take the lead and discover themselves on the gates 20 opposing yards. Dallas takes all of the dangers, pushed by the failures of his kicker, and performs a 4 particularlyto me trial. Regardless of the success, the guests misplaced the ball at a fast tempo after an interception by Fred Warner. A sequence of “nightmares” for Dallas the place he additionally loses Tony Pollard within the night.
The native assault didn’t miss this ammunition and entered the pitch in lower than a minute to place Robbie Gould in place to attain from 50 yards within the final second. Kyle Shanahan’s males lead on the break 9:6.
After resuming, Dallas sees fortune smile upon him. After some extent, a particular crew forces a fumble and lets you begin an assault from a distance of 20 yards of the opponent. If the 49ers’ protection proves its solidity, forcing the Cowboys to take only one objective from play, Dallas might nonetheless smile to see his kicker lastly achieve kicking (9-9).
After one other level change, the 49ers lastly go on the assault. Nicely assisted by a number of penalties in opposition to opponents, the locals pull again 91 yards and see Christian McCaffrey (10 rushes, 35 yards, 6 receptions, 22 yards) enter the tip zone on a brief run (16-9). San Francisco scores the primary landing of the sport early within the closing quarter!
Each groups proceed with one subject objective (19-12) earlier than the final three minutes of the sport.
As soon as once more, the 49ers have to defend by blocking three makes an attempt by their opponents. Mike McCarthy then decides to punt with simply over 2 minutes left on the clock. A dangerous alternative as San Francisco solely returns the ball one final time with 45 seconds left, 94 yards left and 0 time-outs for Dallas…
Inevitably, the mission is unimaginable in opposition to this protection, and with Dalton Schultz additionally multiplying small errors… Dallas bows once more earlier than the convention finals because the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan return there!
MVP: Fred Warner
Whereas the complete 49ers protection might be counseled for his or her efficiency, certainly one of their captains particularly stood out on this recreation.
With 9 tackles together with 1 for misplaced yards, 1 deflected cross and most notably an interception within the purple zone, Fred Warner was as soon as once more wonderful and above all decisive. His interception undoubtedly saved factors on the clock right now.
Bodily, quick and with an impeccable studying of the sport, he’ll proceed to be an asset subsequent week within the NFC Convention Finals.
Le flop: Dak Prescott
After being wonderful in opposition to the Buccaneers within the Wild Card, Dak Prescott went again to his dangerous habits tonight. If he isn’t the one one to fail on the Cowboys’ aspect, the purpose guard with two interceptions is essentially answerable for that failure.
Twice below strain, Prescott threw ill-matched passes that had been costly, with a penalty after the primary in his camp and a no-point clear for the opponent’s 20 yards along with his second…
In situation: 2
2, like 2 steals from Dak Prescott. In a recreation the place each groups had been shut offensively (30 yards conceded, almost the identical yard-per-action common, similar success within the purple zone, and so on.), it was no shock that the lack of balls made the distinction.
And now ?
With this setback and new disappointment, the Cowboys had been capable of expertise a busy low season on the sidelines. Dan Quinn and Kellen Moore are needed, Jerry Jones is in a nasty temper… Will Mike McCarthy nonetheless be there subsequent yr?
San Francisco will play within the convention finals in Philadelphia. A conflict that guarantees number one and quantity 2 NFC. But when the 49ers need the Tremendous Bowl again, they’ll little question have to supply extra in assault in opposition to a extra harmful Eagles crew than Dallas.