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Cowboys vs. 49ers: How San Francisco’s Defense Can Slow Down QB Dak Prescott

By Peter Panacy

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a play in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls a play in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Pressuring Prescott in Spite of Dallas’ Strong Offensive Line

Entering 2016, the Cowboys had the No. 1-ranked offensive line, according to Pro Football Focus.

Indeed, only right tackle Doug Free has a PFF grade below 70 along the line (49.1).

So this likely means the 49ers won’t be able to generate much of a pass rush in standard, four-rushing packages. San Francisco will likely have to scheme up blitzes in order to get pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott.

And this could take away from coverage within the secondary.

All four of the sacks against Prescott came in Week 2 against the Washington Redskins, who showed what pressure can do against the rookie signal-caller.

The Redskins go with a seven-man rush, but notice Free being forced to make a decision on who to block. The unblocked defender gets to Prescott.

Last week against the Bears, Prescott’s passer rating dropped from 103.4 to 67.7, per PFF, when facing pressure.

Edge pressure will be nice. But it also potentially opens up lanes through the middle of a defense. Like this:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/777967764925325312

So the Niners might want to employ a spy defender assigned solely to Prescott, while hoping their defensive backs can win the one-on-one matchups.

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As is so often the case with defensive scheming, one has to give up something in order to create something elsewhere. Through three weeks, the 49ers haven’t been able to generate much of a pass rush in standard non-blitzing packages.

But they do have a solid turnover differential and rank No. 3 in the NFL with eight takeaways.

Maybe Prescott’s zero-interception streak comes to an end in Week 4. San Francisco hopes it will, and pressure will need to be a part of it.

Next: DeForest Bucker Already Leading 49ers Defense

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.