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NFL Week Four Preview: Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers

By Eric Robinson

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett speaks with outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett speaks with outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Cowboys Notes

As if the 2015 season was enough, the 2016 season for the Dallas Cowboys have produced similar vibes. The injury list is woefully long and key players are either out for the the season for currently suspended. What was expected was the return of starting quarterback Tony Romo and wide out Dez Bryant, as both were getting healthy prior to the season.

Instead, the team is depending on fourth-round rookie Dak Prescott to guide the team and so far, he hasn’t been bad at all. The passer out of Mississippi State has completed 66.7% of his passes for 697 yards and a touchdown on the season while also rushing for another two touchdowns. While the rookie QB has been steady for the most part, another rookie graces the backfield as well as first-round pick Ezekiel Elliott leads the team in rushing yards with 274 and two touchdowns as well. Behind the rookies and a still stout offensive line, Dallas has produced an offense that is eighth overall and 11th in scoring.

A hairline fracture to his right knee for Bryant will likely have the All-Pro receiver out for for quite some time. Bryant has posted 11 catches on the season for 150 yards and the only receiving touchdown on the season but it has been Cole Beasley who leads the team in catches and yards.

While the offense has been treading water, the defense has been somewhat worrisome, especially in the last two games, in which the unit gave up 432 yards to Washington and 390 to Chicago. Of course the team is relying heavily on key veterans such as linebacker Sean Lee (12 tackles), cornerback Brandon Carr (10 tackles, three pass breakups, one INT), as well as free safety Byron Jones (nine tackles, two pass breakups, one forced fumble). It also seems that a light bulb has cut on for cornerback Morris Claiborne and his ability to stick to the opposing receivers hip pocket.

Ranking 22nd overall leaves a lot to be desired but for a unit that is gutted by suspensions and injuries, the group only allows 38% of third down conversions and only 20 points per game.

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