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Cowboys vs. 49ers: Previewing Week 4 for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage during the first quarter between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage during the first quarter between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Mike Purcell (64) runs with the football for a touchdown after an interception against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dustin Vaughan (10) 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 nose tackle Mike Purcell (64) runs with the football for a touchdown after an interception against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dustin Vaughan (10) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 4 by the Numbers

The 2016 49ers are looking a bit too much like the 2015 Niners, at least statistically.

San Francisco’s offense has been problematic over the last two weeks. This group has netted a total of just 876 offensive yards, which is fourth worst in the NFL. Despite having the league’s 14th-best scoring offense (73 points), the low yardage total suggests San Francisco is benefiting off turnovers and little else.

Indeed, the 49ers’ eight generated turnovers ranks No. 3 in the league. The aggressive nature is nice to see. But San Francisco’s No. 23 overall defensive ranking is a bit concerning.

On the flip side, Dallas enters Week 4 with 1,155 all-purpose yards, which ranks eighth this season. Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has been a pleasant surprise as he fills in for the injured Tony Romo (back). And the Cowboys’ first-round draft pick, running back Ezekiel Elliott, ripped off 140 rushing yards in Week 3 against the Bears.

The 49ers run defense, which was susceptible last week in Seattle, will be challenged to contain Elliott.

And yet the Niners offense will be a major question mark. The Cowboys don’t boast a defense as potent as the Seahawks or even Carolina Panthers. Through three weeks, Dallas is allowing 379.3 yards per game, which is 22nd in the league.

So can quarterback Blaine Gabbert and Co. take advantage at home in Week 4?