The Dallas Cowboys defense has been in a world of hurt. Besides their obvious injury destruction, they’ve also struggled to stop the run game. In the upcoming game on October 27, 2024, at the San Francisco 49ers, they’ll have a lot to worry about. But then again, maybe not since both teams are licking their wounds right now.
Dallas Cowboys Defense: How They Stack Up Against a Bruised 49ers Team
The Injuries for the 49ers
Although they shouldn’t, it’s likely the Cowboys defense will go into the game against the 49ers with their heads held a little high. They face off against a very roughed-up offensive front.
Jauan Jennings has been ruled out for the game due to a hip injury. Jennings leads the team with receiving yards. There’s a possibility the 49ers will be without George Kittle (foot) and Deebo Samuels Sr. (wrist and illness). Both finished the week with limited participation in practice. Even Jordan Mason marched his way onto the injury list, facing a shoulder issue. Although he was a full participant on Friday, he was limited on Wednesday and Thursday so anything could happen there too. Due to Christian McCaffrey’s injury, Mason has paved the way for the offense to still maintain excellent rushing yards. Mason falls second in the league, right after Derrick Henry.
Very few teams in the NFL are as beaten down as this 49ers team. They’ve continued to put up a great effort though. Brock Purdy still gives every game his all, third in the league in passing yards with 1,841 so far. Airing it out so heavily has led to a few mistakes. In the past 7 games, Purdy averaged 7 interceptions, which equates to an interception every game. Not great work and something this Cowboys team can be hopeful for.
Where the Dallas Cowboys Defense Can Capitalize Amid Their Injuries
It isn’t like this Cowboys team is perfectly healthy. They’re coming into the game without Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland. There were hopes that these two would be back after the BYE but they haven’t fared well in recovery, and neither one practicing this week. However, there’s a good chance that Caelen Carson, the rookie fifth-round pick, will return to the fold. He was a full participant every day this week.
Having a young team has been both a benefit and a curse for this Dallas Cowboys defense. Most of the injuries resulted in several untested players stepping up with their first opportunities to prove themselves. Against the Lions, that went disastrously. However, against the Steelers, there were glimmers of improvement on the horizon. The goal is for the defense to channel that same energy entering into a game where the 49ers could be without any of their passing targets, as Brandon Aiyuk also ended up on IR after the Chiefs game.
However, the biggest concern is on the ground. If Jordan Mason is cleared to play in Sunday night’s game, there could easily be a repeat of prior issues for this defense. A rushing attack as good as Mason’s will be troubling for the Cowboys, who have shown that any good back can take over on the football field. The Cowboys must prove that they’ve actually worked on run-stopping over the BYE, or they could face disaster.
The History Between The Dallas Cowboys Defense and Brock Purdy
Since Purdy entered the league, the Cowboys have never beaten the 49ers. The last two matchups specifically have been blowouts, with the Cowboys allowing 42 points in 2023 but only 19 points in 2022. The only saving grace for the team could be that they’ve won their last 4 away games, going back to the previous season. If the streak continues, then winning against San Francisco could be a possibility.
Purdy has dominated the Cowboys, but that was when he had multiple, reliable options at his disposal. He’s weakened and now is the perfect time for the Cowboys to steal an upset and turn their season around. After all, it can’t be much worse than it is now for them. Other defensive players will return and then the Cowboys will be back in great shape, and hopefully play like it too.
Main Photo: [Brad Penner] – USA Today Sports
