49ers game grades from statement domination over Cowboys on Sunday night

49ers Defensive Grades

The 49ers defense has been solid but not spectacular over the course of the season, but they put together their most complete game against a talented Cowboys offense, forcing four turnovers and allowing only 10 points.

49ers Rushing Defense

Last year in the playoffs, Tony Pollard's injury took away a primary element of Dallas' success.

There were no such caveats Sunday night.

Pollard was healthy, the Cowboys had their entire offensive line healthy, and yet they finished with 57 yards on the ground (and that includes garbage-time yards from the depths of their roster).

The Niners held Pollard to only 29 yards on only eight carries, as the Cowboys eventually had to abandon the run like most teams have against San Francisco.

It was a consistent effort from the 49ers defensive line and linebackers that kept the Cowboys one-dimensional.

Grade: A+

49ers Passing Defense

Dak Prescott finished with 153 yards on 24 attempts with three interceptions. The 49ers sacked Prescott three times and Cooper Rush one time, and beyond one drive that ended in a touchdown to KaVontae Turpin and one pass to Ceedee Lamb, the Cowboys got nothing going down the field.

What was most exciting from the 49ers' perspective was their propensity to force turnovers. That was missing from their defense in the last couple of weeks, but they were able to change momentum on a dime, and near the end, it was the 49ers defense that shut the door on the game, led by Fred Warner.

Grade: A+