Niner Noise
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Cowboys vs. 49ers: 5 Matchups to Watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

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Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: 49ers Run Defense vs. RB Ezekiel Elliott

One of the primary areas of concern for San Francisco has been its run defense. Through three weeks of NFL action, the Niners rank 23rd against the run and have given up an average of 4.0 yards per rush.

That’s the magic number which allows opposing ground games to simply hand the ball off nearly every snap.

So stopping rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott has to be a top priority. Elliott finally broke out in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears and posted 140 yards on 30 carries.

For the 49ers defense, this means setting the edge while also not allowing interior gaps to open up within the Niners’ front-seven unit. Plays like this, in which Seattle Seahawks tailback Christine Michael gashed San Francisco for an opening-drive touchdown a week ago:

This is important, because a quarterback like Dak Prescott thrives off play action. If Dallas establishes the run early, the Niners will have their hands full respecting Prescott’s ability to deliver the ball through the air with continued accuracy.

Prescott is currently completing two of every three passing attempts and has yet to be picked off.

The Niners are hoping that changes too.