The Dallas Cowboys picked up a much-needed win on Sunday afternoon, dominating the San Francisco 49ers 40-10 in their first game coming off of a bye week. Dallas started strong and never looked back, controlling the 49ers in all aspects of the game and taking care of business like they were expected to on Sunday. Here are four takeaways from Sunday’s win in the Bay Area.
Ezekiel Elliott Shines
Photo: Sergio Estrada/USA Today Sports
The headlines surrounding Ezekiel Elliott in recent weeks have centered around his status as to whether or not he’ll have to serve his six-game suspension. On Sunday, Elliott played to make sure the focus was on the field. The second-year running back finished with 219 yards of total offense and scored two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter.
He later caught a Dak Prescott pass that went for a 72-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the third quarter to put the game away. Elliott is the best playmaker for the Cowboys and he showed exactly why on this day.
Defense Dominates
Photo: Sergio Estrada/USA Today Sports
Having Sean Lee back in the lineup certainly helped the cause but the rest of the defense gave starting quarterback C.J. Beathard a rude awakening. The defense had five sacks and forced two fumbles and put together their best performance since their season opener against the New York Giants.
They’ll have to be more consistent moving forward. That said, considering the up-and-down performances in recent weeks, this was an encouraging performance.
Injury Concerns With Dan Bailey
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Dan Bailey left the game with a pulled groin during the game, forcing former high school kicker Jeff Heath into action the rest of the way. Heath made two of three extra points and he did a good job of holding it down against the 49ers.
However, Bailey is a difference maker in the kicking game and that injury will be something worth keeping an eye on.
Getting Right For Key Stretch
Photo: Sergio Estrada/USA Today Sports
Sunday’s game was one that the Cowboys were expected to win and take care of business. They did so in impressive fashion, even with brief moments of inconsistency. With the Cowboys now back at 3-3, they head into a crucial three-game stretch with games at Washington, home against Kansas City and at Atlanta.
If the Cowboys want to think about the playoffs, that stretch will go a long way into determining their fate. It was important to get back in a good frame of mind after losing close calls in their previous two games and they’ll head into Sunday’s game with the Redskins with exactly that.
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