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Cowboys vs. 49ers: Full Week 7 preview for San Francisco

By Logan Stanley

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Offensive & Defensive X-factors for San Francisco

Establishing a passing connection

Despite the recent struggles from the 49ers running game, the team has failed to have an individual running back over 100 rushing yards since Week 2, I still have full confidence in the backfield. There’s been enough glimpses, in my eyes, from both running backs Carlos Hyde and Matt Breida to warrant this confidence.

That’s why I believe catalyzing the passing offense is more important this game. And also the fact that I believe San Francisco will be down for much of this game, as the Cowboys posses a potent offense, and passing will be the team’s only option to keep the score close. And also that this is C.J. Beathard’s first full game as the starter. And also that wide receiver Pierre Garçon has been just about the only pass catcher the 49ers can rely on.

Okay, so there’s a lot of reasons I value the passing offense in this game. Getting that chemistry down between the youngster Beathard and the slick veteran Garçon is a vital part for the development of the offense moving forward.

Don’t let Ezekiel Elliott dominate too much

The headline says it all. There’s no really stopping Elliott, as it’s an occasion that rarely occurs. And the last time San Francisco faced a top-tier running back with dual-threat ability, the defense got torched by Los Angeles’ Todd Gurley II. In Week 2, Gurley II had 28 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns, and five receptions for 36 yards and one touchdown.

I mean Indianapolis’ Marlon Mack nearly put up 100 yards on nine carries versus the 49ers in Week 5.

So yeah, it’s not if Elliott will dominate — it’s a question of how much will he dominate. Besides the matchup with Denver Broncos in Week 2, Elliott has reached at least 80 rushing yards in every game. Elliott has done more as a receiver out of the backfield this season, already notching 17 receptions for 134 yards (in 2016, he had 32 receptions for 363 yards).