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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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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talks to head coach Chip Kelly in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talks to head coach Chip Kelly in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco 49ers Notes 

Since day one of his hire, Chip Kelly has been chipping away at molding the Niners to fit his ideal image. Outside of the team’s 28-0 season opening win over the Rams, very little has been going in the favor of the Niners. Kelly anointed former Jacksonville first-rounder Blaine Gabbert as his starting quarterback and that decision has been met with mixed results. Gabbert has posted just 532 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. For the most part, the offense has rode the shoulders of running back Carlos Hyde and his 225 yards on the ground with four touchdowns.

The offense only averages 292 yards per game along with 24.3 points per contest and could really use a spark in their passing offense with Gabbert and his receivers. Offseason pickup Jeremy Kerley is the team leader in catches (12) and yards (114) and veteran Torrey Smith offers the deep threat for the team as he has posted 8 catches for 103 and the team’s only touchdown reception.

August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi
August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi /

The defense is led by a number of proven veterans. Middle linebacker NaVarro Bowman is a workhorse and is building off his impressive 2015 comeback from a nasty knee injury during the 2014 playoffs. Safeties Antoine Bethea and Eric Reid provide stability on the back end and are constantly around the ball.

The Niners have a pair of run-stuffing defensive linemen in Arik Armstead and rookie DeForest Buckner who will get a huge test with the rugged Dallas offensive line. The unit also finds themselves fifth in the league in interceptions and tied for first in fumble recoveries. An emphasis made by a defense that doesn’t have much capability to routinely stop offenses. The next best way is to create more turnovers.

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