The Dallas Cowboys look to end a six-game preseason losing streak when they visit the San Francisco 49ers for a game in Santa Clara on Sunday. The Cowboys haven’t won an exhibition game since Week 3 of the 2013 preseason, but their recent failures in games that don’t count hasn’t affected them in the games that do.
ODDS
Facing a team that hasn’t won a preseason game in its last six tries, the 49ers opened as a 3-point favorite in their 2015 home debut. The total surfaced at 40.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Injuries to several of the Cowboys offensive linemen may factor in to how long, or even if, Tony Romo plays. The cowboys were being cautious with three linemen who missed practice time this week before All-Pro guard Zack Martin sustained a neck stinger. “Not going to put Tony in there with the wrong guys,” vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said. Romo didn’t play last week, leaving the reps to Brandon Weeden, Dustin Vaughan and Jameill Showers. Given the uncertainty along the offensive line, Weeden, who completed 4 of 5 for 42 yards in his only series against the Chargers, likely won’t see a lot of action. Vaughan threw for 106 yards on 12 of 18 passing with Showers hitting on 5 of 11 attempts for 40 yards last week.
Colin Kaepernick will need more than the one series he played against Houston last week to familiarize himself with new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst’s offense. And he’ll get a few extra snaps this week. Backup Blaine Gabbert, who struggled much of last season, looked like a different quarterback, at least in his first preseason game. The former No. 1 pick of the Jaguars completed 8 of 11 for 86 yards and the only Niners touchdown last week. Gabbert has seemingly progressed faster than Kap in the new offense and though we’re not there yet, could there be a quarterback controversy in Santa Clara? Undrafted rookie Dylan Thompson mopped up last week.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Jason Garrett has to be concerned with the Cowboys ever expanding injury list that now includes four of his five top offensive linemen. But the list doesn’t end there. As many as 20 players sustained injuries during camp with several projected starters from the defensive side of the ball on that list as well. Because it’s the preseason and teams are not required to produce official injury reports, it can be difficult to gauge the extent of those injuries. But the Cowboys have put out a list and it’s extensive. The list will play a big part in how Garrett manages the game but it also gives him the opportunity to watch backups compete at positions on the offensive line, defensive line and at cornerback.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“You obviously want to make smart decisions, but Jarryd is fearless. That’s one characteristic it takes to be a great punt returner. It’s fun when you see a guy that can make the first guy miss and he’s not scared because he’s very comfortable fielding the ball. And when you have that fearlessness it definitely gives you an edge on your opponent.” – 49ers special teams coach Thomas McGaughey Jr. on return man Jarryd Hayne
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The competition at running back is a big storyline out of Cowboys camp. The three players battling for the job – Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar – didn’t play in last week’s preseason opener with various ailments. But all three may be healthy enough to play against the 49ers. The coaching staff will likely take it easy with each player coming off an injury and running behind an offensive line featuring several backups. Gus Johnson, who started last week in San Diego, is the fourth back. He’s likely to see plenty of action again as the others slowly work themselves into game shape.
INJURIES
Along with Martin, the Cowboys are also dealing with injuries to offensive linemen Tyron Smith, Ron Leary and Doug Free. Cornerbacks Brandon Carr, Byron Jones and Orlando Scandrick are also unlikely to play. Receiver Dez Bryant will also be held out of action.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
It would be nice for Jim Tomsula to get a win to validate his worth to the Niners organization, and this is the perfect opportunity. Taking on a beat up Cowboys team that’ll be playing a number of backups in starting roles should make the job easier. San Francisco’s starters are expected to see more action than they did last week while the Cowboys could sit Romo again behind a beat up offensive line. This is likely one of the few opportunities the Niners will have to win a game this season – pre or regular season – and they better take advantage.
San Francisco 24, Dallas 23
BookMaker opened the spread for this Sunday game at -3 in favor of the 49ers. The NFL odds total surfaced at 40.5. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
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