5 Reasons the Dallas Cowboys Will Beat the San Francisco 49ers

I had it, I almost had it. Dallas made me look wonderful against the Jets for the first three quarters and then that disastrous fourth quarter occurred, making my article about why the ‘Boys were a lock to beat the Jets for naught.

Close, but no cigar on that one.

But here we are for another week of NFL football and Dallas has new life and a weaker opponent. Well at least on paper the Niners are weaker.

Dallas travels to San Francisco to face the 49ers for an afternoon game that’s sure to have Cowboys fans on the edges of their seats. Reason being is because the team does not want to come out of the gate 0-2. It will also look bad if Dallas can’t bounce back against a supposed inferior team in the 49ers.

The Cowboys will have some concerns on offense and defense and Dez Bryant and Mike Jenkins missed practice today and may not play on Sunday. Of course the Cowboys can win without either player but it makes the task arduous. 

With all of that, let's take a look at seven reasons why the ‘Boys will knock the 49ers into the loss column.

Tony Romo

Tony will have a bounce back game against the Niners, I guarantee it. Romo has over 340 passing yards against the Jets defense which has been labeled one of the games best. If he can’t shred San Fran, a team still making adjustments to their defensive depth chart in the secondary, then maybe it’s time for Dallas to move on from him.

But Romo has heard the criticism and he understands the expectations heading in Sunday’s ball game and because of that, he will perform well.

If the Cowboys running game fails to kick start then I fully expect Romo to pass for over 300 yards again leading the Cowboys to victory.

Cowboys Defense

49ers quarterback Alex Smith had just 124 passing yards against the Seahawks last week. I think that’s great news for a banged up Cowboys secondary. Terence Newman has been ruled out and Mike Jenkins may be doubtful.

If the team ends up starting Orlando Scandrick and Alan Ball, it will help if they face a mediocre passing attack. The Niners will give a lot of screens and short passes but may test Scandrick and Ball deep as well.

What’s really working in the Cowboys favor is that their linebackers and defensive front should give San Fran a migraine type of headache. Under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan the Cowboys never give the same look twice and will look to confuse Smith at the line of scrimmage.

Felix Jones

Jones struggled a little against the Jets but it wasn’t because he was unprepared. He faced one of the league’s top defenses and did a great job considering that fact.

Jones should have a better day against the Niners on Sunday. Garrett will more than likely utilize the screen pass with him more and we could possibly see over 20 carries for Jones.

The Cowboys are a better team when he’s an intricate part of the offensive game plan and San Fran will see plenty of Jones on Sunday afternoon.

Cowboys Special Teams

Matt McBriar is one of the best, if not the best, punter in the NFL. He has the ability to pin teams deep and place the Cowboys defense in a great position.

Dallas also has enough speed from their return guys to make it up past the 20-yard-line. That may sound simplistic but if Dallas is able to gain great field position from that speed, they will have a better chance at scoring as a result.

I’m sure there will be a renewed emphasis on special teams due to the breakdown in communication last week against the Jets on the block so look for Dallas to try and stop San Fran deep in their own territory.

Cowboys Urgency

Here’s why I say urgency. Dallas does not want to have a repeat of last season by stumbling out of the gate. Dallas needs to win this game to even their record and to keep pace in the NFC East.

I understand that it’s just the second week of a young NFL season but to start 0-2 with games remaining against the Patriots, Giants, Eagles, and a better Redskins team would be damning to the Cowboys playoff hopes.

I think there is a slight sense, albeit a very slight sense, of urgency for Dallas to come out strong and swinging against an inferior 49ers team. Well, on paper they are inferior but you get the picture.

Dallas needs to win this game.