Even in the darkest times, San Francisco 49ers fans can find joy in the fact they don't root for the Dallas Cowboys. The rivalry between the two franchises dates back decades, although it hasn't been too closely contested in recent years. San Francisco has established itself as a consistent contender, while Dallas has fallen short of expectations time and time again.
The NFL trade deadline offered one reason for the difference in success.
The 49ers targeted capable veterans to fill their biggest areas of need, while the Cowboys did... nothing. At 4-5, Dallas wasn't expected to be a major buyer, but it still has a chance to win the NFC East. With glaring holes in his defense, Jerry Jones chose to sit the deadline out.
The Niners can make that decision look foolish when they face off with the Cowboys in Week 10.
49ers can take advantage of Cowboys' quiet trade deadline in Week 10
Jones wasn't idle because of a lack of roster needs. The Cowboys defense has been among the worst in the NFL this season and could clearly use upgrades at linebacker, edge rusher, cornerback, and safety. Any deal for a veteran difference-maker could have at least pulled the unit into some level of competence.
But with a subpar group still in place, the 49ers can make Jones pay for his inaction.
San Francisco's offense is the best in the league at the moment and can roll through below-average defenses. The Niners rank first in both EPA per play and success rate by wide margins.
Even with a depleted group of receivers, Brock Purdy has played at an MVP level. He had one of his best games of the year against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9 and should continue to hum through the schedule against the Cowboys.
The talent level of Dallas' defense just doesn't come close to matching that of San Francisco's offense, especially after the trade deadline.
49ers' improved roster could quickly turn Cowboys' season into a disaster
After adding DeForest Buckner earlier in the season, the only move that the 49ers made at the actual trade deadline was adding Keenan Allen to their banged-up receiver room. While he gives Kyle Shanahan another competent receiver to work with, he doesn't significantly lift the ceiling of San Francisco's roster.
Still, the Niners are far more talented than Brian Schottenheimer's Cowboys. Purdy is a legitimate MVP candidate, and Fred Warner could win Defensive Player of the Year. If we're going star for star on the two rosters, there's no debating who comes out on top.
Assuming the talent discrepancy holds true, this Week 10 game could quickly get out of hand. The Cowboys offense is explosive enough to make things interesting, but their defense isn't going to hold up in a shootout.
If the Niners hand the Cowboys their sixth loss of the season, it could be catastrophic for Dallas. Schottenheimer has already been put on the hot seat, and if he can't turn things around quickly, Jones might look to start from scratch.
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