The Dallas Cowboys, fresh off a bye, head to California for a crucial Week 8 matchup against a familiar nemesis: the San Francisco 49ers. Having lost their last three meetings, including back-to-back playoff exits, Dallas finds itself in a must-win situation. With a 3-3 record, they face a stiff challenge in the NFC East, trailing the Washington Commanders (5-2) and Philadelphia Eagles (4-2).
The rivalry between these two iconic franchises stretches back to 1960, with San Francisco holding a slight all-time edge at 20-19-1. However, when it comes to the NFC Championship, Dallas boasts a 4-2 advantage. As both teams prepare to clash, injuries play a significant role in shaping the game.
The Cowboys will once again be without Pro Bowl defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. However, there’s hope that All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland and linebacker Micah Parsons might return. For the 49ers, the injury list is extensive. Christian McCaffrey and Dre Greenlaw are questionable, while wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season after tearing his ACL in a Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle is day-to-day with a foot sprain, and kicker Jake Moody is nursing a high ankle sprain.
Despite these challenges, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones isn’t taking the 49ers lightly.
“Injuries are a part of that,” Jones said during an interview on Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan. “You have to have the depth to overcome those injuries or at least be competitive… But in general, that’s San Francisco out there, they’ve put it on us the last several times.”
Here are three keys for the Cowboys to secure a victory and climb back over .500:
1. Limit Explosive Plays
San Francisco’s offense, despite injuries, continues to thrive by creating big plays. The 49ers lead the league with 26 plays of 20 or more yards and are second in the NFL with six plays of 40+ yards. Dallas’ defense, which is allowing 356.5 yards per game, must tighten up to avoid being gashed by these explosive plays.
2. Stop Jordan Mason
With McCaffrey sidelined, Jordan Mason has emerged as a productive replacement. In his third season, Mason has racked up 667 rushing yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 30 first downs—ranking fourth in the league. Dallas has struggled to stop the run, allowing 143.2 rushing yards per game (sixth most in the NFL) and 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Containing Mason will be crucial for the Cowboys’ defense.
3. Dominate the Trenches
The Cowboys’ offensive line will face another tough test against All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa. Head coach Mike McCarthy has made key adjustments, such as starting rookie Tyler Guyton at left tackle. Developing consistency in the offensive line is essential, especially with Parsons expected to return and pressure San Francisco’s offensive line.
On the other side, the 49ers’ offensive line impressed in their loss to Kansas City, allowing no sacks and just seven pressures on 37 passing plays. According to Pro Football Focus, they had a pass-blocking efficiency rating of 90.5, the seventh highest in Week 7.
As both teams battle injuries, the trenches will determine which team comes out on top. Dallas must seize the opportunity to disrupt San Francisco’s flow and take control of the game.
