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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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4. GET CARLOS HYDE AND THE RUNNING GAME GOING EARLY

The 49ers running game has been stagnant since week one despite Carlos Hyde going for two touchdowns in garbage time last weekend. The 49ers are running 75% of their running plays to the left and center, and much the same as in years past, that appears to the 49ers strength.

Against the Cowboys defensive front, the 49ers should have no trouble running their bread and butter inside and outside zone running plays.

The weak link appears to be the right side of the offensive line, though guard Andrew Tiller has had a decent showing. That leaves Trent Brown (#77 in the gifs below), who I predicted before the season wouldn’t fare as well due to his size and athleticism.

He was drafted in the Jim Harbaugh era primarily to be a gap scheme (power, counter) run blocker. Per Pro Football Focus players grades, he’s currently graded as the 72nd worst offensive tackle in run blocking. It’s not hard to see why.

For the 49ers to have success, they will have to mix up their run directions despite the weakness on the right side.