Position battleground (defense): Cowboys vs 49ers head-to-head breakdown

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The Cowboys or the 49ers, which defense is better?

Previously we broke down the offense for this week’s upcoming game for the Dallas Cowboys. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how the defensive positions and special teams stack up against each other.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Cowboys find themselves grappling with a critical vulnerability —the defensive line. Initially regarded as a potential trouble spot in preseason, it has since morphed into a glaring liability, particularly with recent injuries testing the roster’s depth. Perhaps the most concerning absence is that of Micah Parsons, the dynamic game-changer whose explosive presence has been sorely missed. With Parsons sidelined, the defensive line now faces an uphill battle against one of the NFL’s premier offensive lines.

Known for their formidable run-blocking capabilities, the San Francisco 49ers boast a unit that excels at creating lanes and mauling opposing front sevens. The looming matchup only adds to the concerns about the foundation of the Cowboys’ defense, which could find itself overwhelmed in the trenches.

The Dallas defensive line is struggling under the weight of staggering statistics, allowing an alarming sixth-most rushing yards per game. Paired with the nightmarish figure of a 47% first-down percentage allowed on the ground, one can practically hear the gulp of anxiety echoing throughout Cowboys Nation. Jerry Jones revealed to reporters Parsons’ status is shrouded in uncertainty, with whispers of “day-to-day” being mentioned, so keep an eye on his practice status this week.

Of all the position groups on both offense and defense this one is the furthest apart in terms of quality between these two teams. At the forefront of this discussion stands Nick Bosa. His imposing presence on the field cranks up the intensity for an already formidable 49ers defense, which prides itself on suffocating offenses and snuffing out their momentum. Statistically, the 49ers are making their mark by allowing the tenth-fewest first downs per game—an impressive feat that underscores their containment abilities. Similarly, they’re showing remarkable prowess against the run, permitting the ninth-lowest rushing yards per attempt.

So how does Nick Bosa fit into all this? Apart from possessing a chilling ability to continually disrupt plays before they even develop, he has tallied six tackles for loss this season, ranking him sixth among all defensive players. Moreover, his 25 total tackles place him sixth among all defensive ends, an achievement reflective of his relentless pursuit of the ball.

Leonard Floyd ranks second on the team with three sacks. His relentless pursuit and tenacity have made him a crucial asset on the field. But the story doesn’t end with Floyd. In a twist of fate, he shares the spotlight with an old friend, Maliek Collins, who also boasts three sacks this season.
Win: 49ers

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LINEBACKER

Eric Kendricks could be back this week. There will be some bad blood between Kendricks and the 49ers after he agreed terms in the offseason only to heel turn at the last second and join Dallas. Keep an eye on his practice designation through the week. Damone Clark had one of his better outings against the Lions and hopefully we get to see more his production this week. Marist Liufau continues to show he’s a solid coverage linebacker, but his lack of experience shows against the run. DeMarvion Overshown is now second on the team in tackles with 41.

Fred Warner is showing no signs of slowing down and is one of the best linebackers in the league. His 58 total tackles is ninth-most in the league and he’s even registered a sack this year. He’s a physical presence in the box and his instincts for the position are both next level. De’Vondre Campbell has the second-most tackles among the linebackers. The veteran linebacker came from Green Bay last year to help assist Warner and so far he’s done a good job.

Conclusion:
Kendricks is really important to have back this week to help direct the defense to stop the run. He’s vital for what the Cowboys will need to do to stop this running attack from the 49ers. The issue for this linebacker unit is the lack of support it gets from the defensive line, something the 49ers counterparts can say they do have.
Win: 49ers

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DEFENSIVE BACKS

There’s a chance Parsons comes back this week, a chance Kendricks comes back, but also Cowboys fans could be in luck and see DaRon Bland back and finally get to see this secondary with both Trevon Diggs and Bland playing together. The 49ers wide receiver corps is completely decimated at this point and they could be looking at a rookie wide receiver, who was a victim of a shooting incident in the offseason, to play as a starting wide receiver. Keep a close watch on not just the 49ers wide receivers practice designations this week, but also George Kittle as he deals with a foot injury that could leave him sidelined.

The 49ers are allowing 205 passing yards per game, which is ten yards less than Dallas, and has allowed one less passing touchdown. Where this secondary is winning though is with interceptions where they rank fourth with a total of eight interceptions. Charvarius Ward is the team’s primary cornerback and he missed time in Week 6. He’s allowed a 53% completion rate and a passer rating of 90.2 so far this season. Isaac Yiadom was on the opposite side but recently the team have been putting rookie Renardo Green in over Yiadom and against the Chiefs the snap difference between the two was massive, with Green playing over 40 snaps and Yiadom only five. When CeeDee Lamb gets to the slot he will face Deommodore Lenoir who allowed a passer rating of just 47.9 against him last year.

Conclusion:
You have to take not just the quality of backs both teams have, but also the competition both sides face. Dallas’ secondary has a way easier group of pass catchers to defend than San Francisco, and that goes along way here.
Win: Cowboys

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Brandon Aubrey, yep he’s the man alright. He scored the only points for the team against the Lions and it’s clear this “Aubrey Coast” offense is in full swing. The team is extremely lucky to have his talents and he currently ranks twelfth among kickers with a 90% field goal accuracy. He’s second in the league with most field goals made, and field goals made for attempts of 50 yards or more, Aubrey is right up there in second place.

San Francisco did have Jake Moody as their place kicker but he won’t suit up this week against Dallas after sustaining an ankle injury. They have Anders Carlson to take over kicking duties and he made two field goals from two attempts last week.

KaVontae Turpin is third in the league in average punt return yards and he now has two other players that join him in punt returns for a touchdown. Against the Lions he had a great 79-yard kickoff return, hopefully we get some more of his electrifying plays.

Jacob Cowing does the majority of punt return work for San Francisco and he averages six yards per return.
Win: Cowboys