Cowboys 2024 opponent preview: X-factors for the San Francisco 49ers

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The 49ers are going to present a lot of problems when the Cowboys face them.

Pro wrestling Hall of Famer Ric Flair once said, “To be the man, you have to beat the man.” The Dallas Cowboys have fallen short against the San Francisco 49ers in that sentiment. The 49ers have been one of the main adversaries standing in the way of the Cowboys getting over the hump in the NFC and into the Super Bowl, much like in the 1990s. However, unlike the 1990s, it’s the 49ers who have come close to winning a Super Bowl, having played in three since the Cowboys last in 1996. In their recent head-to-head matchups against the 49ers, Dallas has been embarrassed by San Francisco.

The 49ers have won the previous three matchups, including a defeat of two postseason losses, and last season’s 42-10 rout on national television. 49ers players have mocked the team and its players, describing the “rivalry” among both teams as one-sided, with the Cowboys having more interest in San Francisco than the other way around. With the results we’ve seen, it’s hard to argue. Nevertheless, the Cowboys have got to solve the difficulty that is besting the San Francisco 49ers. Beating them in their regular season matchup this season won’t weigh as heavily as their postseason losses, but it will do wonders for the team’s psyche and beyond. Here are the X factors the Cowboys must prepare for in the Week 8 matchup this season.

Opponent: San Francisco 49ers

2023 record: 12-5, 1^st place in the NFC West

Date(s) on the schedule: Week 7, Oct 27th

Jauan Jennings, Wide receiver

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The 49ers roster is loaded throughout with a blend of star power and depth. With that in mind, it’s easy to forget some of their less notable talents. Such is the case for Jauan Jennings. The former seventh-round pick has worked himself into the team’s receiving rotation and benefits from isolated matchups. His numbers won’t wow anyone, but what he is is consistent. For his career, he averages 12.3 yards per reception, with a career-high of 13.9 last season. Last season, Jennings had the third-highest number of snaps among the 49ers’ receivers. Out of his 410 snaps, 68% of them were from the slot. At 6’3”, 217 lbs., he’s a big receiver working in the middle of the field who will likely match up with Jourdan Lewis.

Additionally, Jennings will be in a battle with first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall for playing time, but his experience should give him the edge for a portion of the season. Also, Brandon Aiyuk is still in a contract stalemate with the 49ers. Should something happen with Aiyuk in the trade market, expect Jennings to step up in Aiyuk’s place in a larger capacity. Whether it be Lewis, DaRon Bland, or Trevon Diggs, do not overlook Jennings lined up inside the slot or split out wide.

Dre Greenlaw, linebacker

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As stated, the 49ers roster is stacked, especially on defense, with elite defenders like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. Much like Jennings above, Dre Greenlaw is a player who can get lost and become a face in the crowd. But Greenlaw will be a true x-factor for this game because it is unclear if he will even be available. Greenlaw suffered an Achilles injury during the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, and is rehabbing in hopes of playing this season.

Part of the reason the 49ers pursued Eric Kendricks before Dallas stole him was to have a veteran ready to play if Greenlaw’s recovery is slow. If Greenlaw can’t go, the 49ers will be missing a lot for their defense. As a linebacker, he is a physical, in-your-face type of guy, but he’s also a fluid athlete for the position. He’s relentless in his pursuit of the ballcarrier, chasing down outside runs to prevent the running back from capturing the edge and once he gets there, he hits like a tank. He can also drop in zone coverage to disrupt passing lanes underneath.

Talanoa Hufanga, Safety

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If you were to watch film of the 49ers defense, and the players didn’t have names or numbers on their jerseys, and someone asked you who stood out the most on the 49ers defense, a large handful would probably say Talanoa Hufanga. He’s a player that flashes at every level of the defense. Whether it be in run support, underneath coverage and sometimes down the field, Hufanga is everywhere at once. He’s drawn comparisons to fellow USC Trojan and NFL Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu, whom he trains with, and it’s easy to see how. Taken 180th overall in 2021, Hufanga made a tremendous leap in his second season, being named an All-Pro and Pro Bowler after posting 97 tackles, four interceptions, nine passes defended, two sacks and one touchdown.

Hufanga has such a tremendous feel for the game as he is routinely in the right place at the right time. He’ll be playing for his third defensive coordinator in just four NFL seasons with the promotion of first-time defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. It will be a dream scenario for Sorensen as Hufanga is an unpredictable chess piece that can be moved anywhere on the defense. Hufanga is coming off an ACL injury suffered in week 11 of last season but should make a full recovery and be available for this Week 8 clash with Dallas.

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Previous x-factor profiles:

Week 1, Cleveland Browns

Week 2, New Orleans Saints

Week 3, Baltimore Ravens

Week 4, New York Giants

Week 5, Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 6, Detroit Lions