The San Francisco 49ers’ defense stood tall in their game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, forcing two turnovers and holding the Cowboys under 300 yards of total offense. The 49ers’ defense harassed Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott all game, recording 17 combined pressures between Samson Ebukam, Nick Bosa, and Arik Armstead. Each accounted for a turnover caused by pressure, and Ebukam was responsible for San Francisco’s lone sack. Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans are attracting a lot of attention for head coaching openings, and it’s easy to see why with the way the defense has been playing.
The 49ers turned to zone coverage almost exclusively Sunday, relying on it on 94.7% of coverage snaps and recording two interceptions in zone coverage. The two picks pushed their total to 21 in zone coverage this season (including playoffs), the most in the NFL. The 49ers’ defense has been a key factor in their 12-game winning streak, the longest active win streak in the NFL, and ties the longest win streak in a season in 49ers franchise history, set in 1984.
George Kittle put on an incredible show!
The San Francisco 49ers’ tight end, George Kittle, put on a show during the team’s game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Kittle made an incredible catch on a pass from rookie quarterback Nick Purdy, requiring him to pull off a juggling act fit for a three-ring circus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdzic5I8D8Y&t=11s
Purdy, who wasn’t great but avoided significant mistakes and made a few splash plays, was able to survive a relentless Dallas pass rush that made many passers look bad throughout the season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan deserves credit for putting Purdy in good positions to succeed and Purdy deserves appreciation for staying within himself and not allowing the moment to consume him.
Kittle’s catch was a highlight of the game, and with a premier defense supporting Purdy on the other side of the line of scrimmage and a stable of playmakers, the 49ers have a great chance of making it to the Super Bowl. The team will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game, and Kittle’s playmaking ability will be crucial if the 49ers hope to secure a spot in the Super Bowl.
