49ers vs. Cowboys Preview

Returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 season, the Dallas Cowboys will be hosting the San Francisco 49ers. This is the first time these two franchises have met in the postseason since the NFC Championship in 1995, where Steve Young led the 9ers to a 38-28 victory enroute to an eventual Lombardi Trophy. This time, we hope the result is different.

Both teams enter this playoff matchup with momentum following victories against divisional rivals. In Week 18, San Francisco was able to claw their way back from a 17-0 deficit to come out victorious against the Los Angeles Rams in a 27-24 overtime victory. On the other hand, Dallas humiliated the Philadelphia Eagles, displaying the potential of their high-powered offense in a 51-26 victory. The 49ers ended the regular season with a 10-7 record, while the Cowboys ended up at 12-5, their first 12 win season since 2014.

San Francisco is one of the best running teams in football, a philosophy that their head coach Kyle Shannahan believes strongly in. The 49ers ran a staggering 499 rushes during the regular season, which ranks them for the fifth most in the entire NFL. Part of this is due to Shanhan’s love for his outside zone running scheme. However, it’s also an attempt by the coach to hide the team’s number one deficiency: their quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo is a very mediocre signal caller, and he happens to be the true weak spot on this 49er offense.

The biggest difference between these two franchises, and what I believe will be the biggest difference in this Wild Card matchup, is at quarterback. Jimmy G finished the season with 3,810 passing yards, while throwing 20 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions. These numbers on their own are not terrible, resulting in a 98.7 passer rating. However, they don’t highlight his obvious deficiencies, which include attacking the middle and deep parts of the field. Additionally, when comparing Garoppolo to Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott, the 49ers seem to be at a huge disadvantage. Dak recovered from the brutal ankle injury he suffered in 2020 and finished his 2021 season with impressive numbers, throwing for 4,449 yards and 37 touchdowns. He only threw 10 interceptions, giving him a strong passer rating of 104.2. When comparing the two quarterbacks, it’s very easy to see Dallas has a clear advantage, as Dak ranks near the top of the league in almost every relevant quarterback statistic.

Offensively, both teams are stacked with weapons. The 49ers trout out Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Elijah Mitchell at their skill positions. Samuel is one of the most talented players in the league, with flexibility to play both receiver and running back. He finished his 2021 season with over 1,400 receiving yards and 365 rushing yards. He posted a remarkable 18.2 yards per reception, showcasing how much of a big play threat he is. Aiyuk and Kittle can also give defenses fits due to their impressive athleticism and skill in the open field. Finally, Elijah Mitchell had nearly a 1,000 yard season on the ground, while only appearing in 11 contests.

For Dallas, they have surrounded their franchise quarterback with a plethora of options. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are a formidable duo at the running back position, while Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb make up one of the most talented duos at wide receiver. Dalton Schultz has had a breakout year for Dallas at tight end, recording career highs in receptions, yards, yards per catch, and touchdowns. The Cowboys have the talent to beat teams through both the ground game and airing the ball out, which was evident through their league leading offense in both yards and points scored.

While both teams possess massive amounts of talent on the offensive side of the ball, there are also a ton of studs on the defensive side. As has been the case for multiple years now, the 49ers are absolutely stacked with talent in their front seven. Nick Bosa is known to all football fans, and he delivered another splendid season in 2021, finishing with 15.5 sacks. Alongside him, the 9ers possess Arik Armstead, Samson Ebukam, and D.J. Jones. At linebacker, the duo of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw ranks up there with any other tandem in the league. The weakest spot of the San Fran defense is their secondary, as they have allowed over a 68% completion percentage and a 97 passer rating against them.

One of the biggest stories of the 2021 season has been the turnaround of the Dallas defense, initiated by the hiring of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Highlighted by rookie sensation Micah Parsons and league leading interception leader Trevon Diggs, the Dallas defense finished the regular season with 34 takeaways, earning the number one spot in the league in that category. On the defensive line, Dallas is able to rush the passer with a plethora of options that include DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Micah Parsons, Neville Gallimore, Trysten Hill, and Osa Odighizuwa. Outside of Trevon Diggs, the secondary is made up of Anthony Brown, Jourdan Lewis, Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, and Damontae Kazee. Quinn has used his safeties in the box a lot this season, playing next to former first round pick Leighton Vander-Esch at linebacker.

Both the 49ers and the Cowboys rank among the top of the league with talent on their respective rosters. This has the makings to be one of the best and most highly anticipated playoff games this weekend. It should be a great game with all the talent that will be on the field. I believe the difference at quarterback will be the deciding factor in this game, with my prediction of the Dallas Cowboys winning their Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE

The Best Cornerback in the League

Author: Jack Casabonne

After losing Byron Jones to free agency in 2020, the Cowboys have been looking for a true lockdown cornerback. They spent their 2020 second round draft pick on Trevon Diggs, a cornerback from Alabama. While Diggs did make some impressive plays as a rookie, highlighted by his three interceptions, he was also the victim of many splash plays against the Dallas defense. Pro Football Focus gave Diggs a grade of 62.7 for the 2020 season. They also recorded the former Crimson Tide player with giving up 45 receptions on 76 targets. Still, even with rookie growing pains, Diggs was by far the best cornerback on the Cowboys’ roster last season.

This season, however, Diggs is more than just the best cornerback on the Cowboys. He’s one of the best cornerbacks across the entire NFL. Through just three games this season he’s matched his interception total from 2020, including an incredible pick six against divisional rival Philadelphia. Earning an 87.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus means Diggs is tied for the number one spot in the entire league. It’s also not the result of an easy schedule, as he’s faced Tom Brady, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts at the helm. Additionally, he’s been tasked with covering the likes of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Devonta Smith.

Through the month of September, there has been no defensive player making an impact at the same level of Diggs. The NFL has noticed his play, as well, rewarding him with the NFC Defensive Player of the Month. In addition to his three interceptions, he’s also defended six passes and boasts a passer rating of 40.8 when quarterbacks target him. Finally, he’s the only player in the league to record an interception in every game, truly demonstrating what it means to be a ball hawk cornerback.

Diggs is one of the biggest pieces in this new and improved Dallas defense. Through the first three weeks, Dan Quinn’s defense leads the league with eight takeaways. To put this in perspective, the Dallas defense last season didn’t create their eighth turnover until Week 11, which was on November 22. Outside of statistics, it’s also a noticeably different defense due to their attitude. This season it’s evident the defense is playing with swagger and poise, displayed consistently by Diggs. He has gone from a rookie to a team leader in the matter of just one season.

Turning 24 years old in September, the ceiling for Diggs is through the roof. Just ask another Cowboy drafted in the 2020 class with him, CeeDee Lamb, “I always knew Trevon was a dog. … We attack each other just about every day. He wins some and I win some. … Tre looks phenomenal out there.” Cowboys fans have many reasons to be optimistic about this season and the future of this team. Diggs is one of the biggest reasons for this positivity, as he continues to look like a generational talent every week.

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Cowboys VS. Chargers Preview

Author: Jack Casabonne

Editor: Brian Symons

In Week 1, the Los Angeles Chargers did the Dallas Cowboys a favor and defeated their divisional rival. With a 20-16 win over the Washington Football Team, LA has started their season off on the right foot. Unfortunately for Dallas, they’re still searching for their first win after dropping a 31-29 nailbiter against the former Super Bowl champions. However, things won’t be easy in Week 2 for Dallas as they are expected to be without starters DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, La’el Collins, and Michael Gallup. Dallas will need to emphasize these three matchups against the Chargers in order to get into the win column for this season.

Terence Steele vs. Joey Bosa

As an undrafted rookie, Steele saw significant playing time last season as Dallas dealt with injuries to both Tyron Smith and La’el Collins. Unfortunately, Collins is going to miss time again this season, albeit to a suspension rather than an injury. While the Cowboys signed veteran swing tackle Ty Nsekhe this offseason, he will also be unavailable for Week 2, as he spent Thursday night in a hospital while being treated for a heat-related illness after practice. This means Steele will get the starting nod at right tackle, as Dallas is reluctant to slide Zack Martin over to tackle. Steele had many growing pains as a rookie, starting 14 games in 2020. This may be his hardest task yet, as Bosa is one of the elite pass rushers in the game. Bosa has been a stud since being selected 3rd overall in the 2016 Draft, just one pick before Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys need to keep Dak upright, and this responsibility will fall firmly on the shoulders of Steele.

Dorance Armstrong vs. Rashawn Slater

The Cowboys were one of only two teams in the league to not record a sack in Week 1. As has been the case for consecutive seasons, Dallas truly lacks any interior pass rush, allowing offensive lines to shift protection towards defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. However, now Dallas has to rush the quarterback without either of their starting defensive ends. Lawrence is projected to miss 6-8 weeks due to a broken foot, while Randy Gregory tested positive for Covid-19 this week and is unlikely to be cleared by gametime. This means Tarrell Basham and Dorance Armstrong are the likely starters against a Chargers’ offensive line that contained Washington’s feared defensive line in Week 1. Additionally, rookie Rashawn Slater completely shut down Chase Young, a premier pass rusher. Armstrong is in the final year of his rookie contract and is looking to take the next step forward following an impressive training camp and preseason. It’ll be crucial for Armstrong to pressure Justin Herbert, as he will be able to pick apart the secondary if he has ample time in the pocket.

Cedrick Wilson vs. Asante Samuel Jr.

With Michael Gallup being put on IR due to a calf injury, Cedrick Wilson is the next man up for Dallas. Wilson will probably line up in the slot for the majority of his snaps, where the former Boise State standout will be able to focus on his impressive route running. Wilson was able to put up 24 yards on 3 catches, including a first down, against Tampa’s secondary. However, this task could prove to be more of a challenge against Los Angeles due to the matchup. Rookie cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. looked extremely impressive against Washington. Playing in 47 snaps, the son of former NFL defensive back Asante Samuel absolutely locked down Washington’s receiving core. He was targeted 4 times, while only giving up 2 receptions for 15 yards. This resulted in a 59.4 passer rating when targeted, which is an elite metric. Dallas is going to need the passing game to thrive in order to put points on the board, and this matchup could prove to be the difference maker for the final score.

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