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Cowboys vs. 49ers: What’s the Game Plan for San Francisco

By Rich Madrid

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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1. THIRD DOWN DEFENSE

Number one on that list is getting off the field on third down. Per Pro Football Reference play finder, the Seahawks converted four of five third downs when the situation was 10 yards to gain or more with pass plays of 59, 40, 18 and 12 yards.

On at least three of those conversions, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson seemingly had all day to throw the ball due to a lack of a 49ers pass rush.

First Play: 8:10 first quarter, 3rd and 15 from the Seattle 45

Seattle spreads out the 49ers defense with a five wide and an empty backfield. Tight end Jimmy Graham is lined up as the number three receiver to the right.

The 49ers rush four and drop seven into coverage. Safety Eric Reid lines up 20+ yards deep and back pedals at the snap. Wilson completes the pass to Graham for an 18 yard gain.

Second Play: 8:48 second quarter, 3rd and 14 from the Seattle 23

Seattle again motions the running back out of the back field and moves to an empty set with five wide, three in a bunch formation to Wilson’s left. The 49ers counter with a three-man front and receiver cushions of at least 10-15 yards.

Four pass rushers did not work last time, so the 49ers send three this time, and the result is the same. Wilson has all day to throw and hits wide receiver Doug Baldwin for a 59 yard gain after he runs right by cornerback Tremaine Brock.

Third Play: 2:40 second quarter, 3rd and 17 from the Seattle 36

Seattle lines up with a 3×1 bunch set with the bunch to the right of Wilson. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks jumps offsides and Seattle takes advantage of the free play by sending all receivers on go-routes.

Once again, the 49ers, despite jumping offisde and sending six rushers this time (two on delayed blitz), still manage to get zero pressure on Wilson. Wilson throws a jump ball up to Graham and completes the pass for 40 yards.