Niner Noise
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Cowboys vs. 49ers: Week 7 San Francisco grades and analysis

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: A San Francisco 49ers fan sits in the stands with a bag over his head during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: A San Francisco 49ers fan sits in the stands with a bag over his head during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Special Teams

Whatever head coach Kyle Shanahan’s game plan was for beating the Cowboys, it didn’t work. Like, at all.

Granted, the 49ers didn’t get help from turning the ball over. And pass protection is something the Niners are going to have to deal with all season, as their offensive line is pretty bad. And as far as defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is concerned, well, he’d probably just rather forget Week 7.

Special Teams

San Francisco fumbled twice on returns during the game, one of which was lost. That crucial lost fumble by Trent Taylor on the 49ers’ first punt return was bad, pretty much setting the tone for the entire contest.

And with the Niners almost completely absent on offense, at least special teams didn’t have to suffer the woes of giving up major returns.

Dallas only had one punt return for zero yards.

At least kicker Robbie Gould was perfect, right?

Grade: D

Coaching

One might almost want to grade Shanahan and his staff off what happens from here. How will his team respond to the ugliest loss of the first-year head coach’s career? Will there be anger and frustrations, followed by finger-pointing? Or can Shanahan use these sentiments in a positive light, hopefully leading to something better?

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We noted Saleh’s defensive issues. While his scheme can be effective, it relies on having good cornerbacks. The 49ers lack those in a big way.

And without a pass rush, Saleh’s defense can’t muster up enough pressure.

The problem, though, is the Niners simply weren’t able to scheme around their roster shortcomings, which is going to remain a key issue.

On a positive note, San Francisco committed just two penalties. So there’s improvement there, right?

Grade: D

Next: Cowboys vs. 49ers: Live Week 7 thread for San Francisco

The 49ers visit the 5-1 Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, who play on Monday Night Football this week.