Niner Noise
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49ers need to get running game going in Week 7 versus Cowboys

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL game at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFL game at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The San Francisco 49ers have had a number of offensive issues this season, but getting the ground game working behind running back Carlos Hyde is a key step to beating the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.

A betting person probably wouldn’t choose the winless San Francisco 49ers to upset the visiting Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.

But the 2-3 Cowboys don’t appear to have the same gusto that was on display a year ago, so maybe there’s a chance for an upset here — one that would grant head coach Kyle Shanahan his first victory of 2017.

And that chance would focus on getting the running game going.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Currently, the Niners rank 23rd in rush yards per game (94.8), and it’s been troubling to see No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde not used very much the last two weeks. Meanwhile, Dallas’ defense presents an opportunity for this offensive attack to get back on track while keeping the Cowboys offensive standouts, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, off the field.

The Cowboys are currently allowing 4.6 yards per carry — ranked 25th in the NFL.

Unlike previous seasons, the Niners are having some success running to the right side of the line this season. The maturation of right tackle Trent Brown is a big reason for this, and Dallas’ weak-side defense is considerably stronger against the run anyway.

Especially with EDGE Tyrone Crawford and WILL linebacker Sean Lee — two of the Cowboys’ highest-graded run defenders, per Pro Football Focus — patrolling that side of the field.

Finding the Mismatches for the 49ers

In Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers, Dallas’ defense gave up 160 total rushing yards, marking the third time in four games the Cowboys have allowed 160-plus yards on the ground.

Runs to the right were particularly problematic for Dallas against a so-so Packers ground game, so let’s take a look at an example.

On the play below, Green Bay had a 1st-and-10 from the Cowboys 16-yard line. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers handed the ball off to running back Aaron Jones, who will attack the B-gap between Cowboys defensive linemen Demarcus Lawrence and Maliek Collins:

Run1
Run1 /

The double team on Collins, paired with the effective block on Lawrence, opened up a nice hole for Jones, leaving a lone Cowboys linebacker (Jaylon Smith) to handle the running back.

Smith missed the tackle, though, forcing a combination of defenders to bring down Jones before he could reach the goal line:

Run2
Run2 /

Only after Jones picked up 13 yards.

Smith has only three missed tackles on the season, per PFF, so one probably shouldn’t assume this to be a regular occurrence. Regardless, the ability to pick up a sizable gain, thanks to great up-front blocking, is a good sign for San Francisco.

49ers’ Run-Blocking Abilities

Unlike last year, when the Niners had the worst run-blocking offensive lines in the NFL, San Francisco’s current efforts under Shanahan seem to be paying some dividends.

According to Football Outsiders, the 49ers’ O-line ranks No. 11 in run support, with an adjusted-line-yards metric of 4.29. This is up almost a full yard over the 3.46 mark the Niners had a year ago.

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It’s a little strange Shanahan hasn’t used Hyde as much in recent weeks considering this. Last week against the Washington Redskins, Hyde had just 13 carries, preceded by a mere eight the week before versus the Indianapolis Colts.

Considering the need to control the clock against a potent Cowboys offense, one might expect a shift in offensive philosophy.

On top of that, a more prolific rushing attack would help take the pressure of rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard, who took over from an ineffective Brian Hoyer last week. Like Hoyer, Beathard benefits from play action. And play action only works well if the running game is going.

Next: Things to watch between 49ers and Cowboys

While it’s unlikely the 49ers pull off their first victory against a still-dangerous Cowboys team, implementing a strong ground game could help put an edge in San Francisco’s favor.