4 toughest defenses facing Brock Purdy and the 49ers in 2024
By Scott Conrad
No. 3: Dallas Cowboys, Defense in the Big D
Viewed as one of the biggest threats to the 49ers' Super Bowl aspirations last season, the Dallas Cowboys also look to be a formidable foe in 2024.
San Francisco also also hosts Dallas during the regular season.
Last year, the Cowboys boasted the fifth-best defense in terms of yards allowed at just under 300 per contest. They also gave up the fifth-fewest points in 2023 with 18.5 per game. Dallas fielded a top-five passing defense with 187.4 yards allowed, and it also had 17 interceptions on the season in 2023.
Anytime when front-seven defenders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are on the field, Brock Purdy and the rest of the Niners offense have reasons to be weary. Parsons had a share of the seventh most sacks with 14 last season.
Additionally, cornerback Trevon Diggs was key for Dallas' secondary. The Cowboys had a plus-10 takeaway margin, placing them sixth overall in the league a year ago, and Diggs was a big reason why.
If San Francisco isn't careful, the aerial attack could be neutralized, making it difficult for the 49ers to win.