SF 49ers: 5 players with most to prove in Week 15 vs. Cowboys

No. 2: SF 49ers Safety Tarvarius Moore

Earlier this season, there were justifiable arguments the Niners needed to give third-year pro defensive back Tarvarius Moore more snaps. And when starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt was lost for the year with a turf-toe injury, Moore ended up getting his chance.

Sadly, the results haven’t exactly been great. Despite always being capable of a splash play here and there, Moore’s inconsistencies and issues in pass coverage have generally been a greater theme than any positive impact he’s had during game day. In Week 13, the Buffalo Bills exploited this with a long touchdown when Moore didn’t pick up his receiver from cornerback Richard Sherman.

He allowed two touchdowns in that game, per Pro Football Focus. And the worst part is opposing quarterbacks are owning a 158.3 passer rating when targeting him in coverage.

That number can’t possibly get any higher. It’s a perfect rating and not a good look for Moore.

Dallas’ passing attack is nowhere near as prolific without its starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, on the mend with an injury. And the Cowboys have had just two games over their last seven where they’ve reached 200-plus passing yards.

That bodes well for Moore, who could stand for a massive bounce-back performance after struggling earlier this season in pass coverage.