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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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49ers Gabbert Rams
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) passes against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Comparison: Blaine Gabbert vs. Dak Prescott

On one hand, Week 4 will feature an up-and-coming quarterback who might not see his role reduced when the guy he’s replacing comes back from injury.

And on the other side? Blaine Gabbert.

Gabbert’s 2016 has not gotten off to a good start. Through three games, he’s completing a measly 55.2 percent of his passes — frequently on short-yardage attempts — and boasts a mere 68.6 passer rating.

Calls are already being made by fans and media to make the QB switch to Colin Kaepernick.

And it might come sooner than later. Pro Football Focus currently ranks Gabbert No. 35 out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks on the season.

PFF ranks rookie quarterback Dak Prescott No. 4 in this same category. Completing 66.7 percent of his passes, and with zero interceptions thrown to date, Prescott is quickly becoming a signal-caller of note this season.

Are the 49ers capable of pressuring Prescott, against a tough Dallas offensive line, and at least making him uncomfortable in the pocket?

They’ll have to be in order to ensure any defensive success.