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Like two heavyweight fighters in the prime of their careers, the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers are on a collision course as the next chapter in this storied rivalry unfolds.
The 49ers have been the NFL's version of a schoolyard bully when it comes to playing Dallas and has sent the Cowboys home from the postseason in consecutive years.
With both teams having suffocating defenses along with offenses that can put up points, something has to give on Sunday, and for Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, whichever team takes care of the football better will ultimately decide the game.
“We know that ball security will play a huge impact on the outcome of this game,” Schottenheimer said. “Doesn’t mean you worry about it or stress about it ... but our guys are very comfortable handling the football. Dak’s made great decisions. I do think that the team that protects the ball the best will probably win this game.”
After Dak Prescott led the NFL in interceptions (15) last season, there has been a concerted effort to reel in that total. Through four games, Dak has just one interception, which is one more than 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
Mike McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense'' has been a big reason Prescott has a 71.3 completion percentage across the opening month as quick, easy throws that move the chains has been the offense's main course.
But Dak hasn't faced a defense like San Francisco yet (although to begin the season, the New York Jets defense was lauded as one of the best and he shredded them). Luckily for Prescott, he has been going against the likes of Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler, Dorance Armstrong and Stephon Gilmore all offseason.
With the 49ers defense forcing five turnovers in five games along with only allowing, on average, just 6.8 plays and 29.9 yards per drive, the Cowboys offense will have its work cut out.
But that kind of defensive pressure is something that they have some familiarity with, as Dan Quinn's defense is loaded with talent as well.
“It’s cool because we go against a loaded defense in practice,” Schottenheimer said. “This is a very talented group we are going up against this week. I haven’t been here for the last three years, but I do know them very well. You live for those opportunities, it's another game, it’s a big game, two really good football teams going against each other. Our guys will be excited about this opportunity to go up against a really good defense. It should be a helluva game.”
This clash has a big unstoppable force meets immovable object feel to it, and with a lot of emphasis on protecting the football, any turnover from either offense could result in the knockout punch that decides the game.
Niners QB Brock Purdy's TD to interception ratio this year is 5-to-0. Prescott has avoided turnover issues in this first month of 2022 ... but he has infamously thrown three interceptions in his last two games vs. the 49ers. If he does give the ball away on Sunday, it might be the "America's Team'' laying on the canvas, struggling to make the 10-count on national television.
If not? The heavyweight Cowboys might find themselves with their fist in the air at game's end.
More must-reads:
- AFC East check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft
- Three best landing spots for former Jaguars WR Zay Jones
- The 'Most career passing touchdowns' quiz
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