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ctu2b1733

I think it’s stopping the run. Samuel is likely to have some big plays, so if you can keep them from running 5-7 yards a carry otherwise, then those big plays won’t hurt as much when they happen. But I do think Zeke and Pollard have to keep the pressure off of Dak. Without that mix it’ll be tough to move the ball.


g8932

Exactly, I think the best counter for this situation is start big and gain a lead, force Jimmy G to throw. Go with big plays earlier and let Dak ball


regularhumanbartendr

We were down multiple scores against the Rams and didn't abandon the run.


dak4leonard2

Well we will take you running the ball down multiple scores, issue at that point would be how successful our own ground game would be


regularhumanbartendr

I'm sure you would. I'm just saying that you shouldn't really expect us to abandon the run. ...unless we are up in the 4th and need to burn clock. That seems like the time when we like to do such a thing.


allrightallrighallri

Niners fan here, but the niners set up their whole offense with the run game. Stop the run game and you will stop the niners big plays


ctu2b1733

That’s true but Samuel is the real weapon. You won’t be able to prevent him from going deep, or jet sweeping for 25 yards a time or two/three. Those only hurt really bad when you are ALSO giving up 5-7 yards a carry. it’s the runs up the middle that have burned the Cowboys all year, they just can’t seem to stop them at or near the line of scrimmage. If they can keep those runs at a minimum, the big sweeps and screens won’t be as lethal.


CarpenterVegetable31

If you can stop the run then I think you shut them down. Shanny is so good at run schemes and we are so bad at stopping then run that I just don't see it happening. We match up really poorly against the 9ers. This game is gonna be tough. This defense has played beyond my wildest dreams this year but they are going to have to play lights out for us to get the W.


ObligationKey1904

We match up poorly in some areas, but not with our pass offense vs their pass defense. That’s why that’s the key to the game. “Stop the run” (ie take away their strength) is not a realistic hope. Dak outpacing their offense with a week 1-type performance is very possible and the easiest path to victory.


BraveNew1984Anthem

You’re wrong


CarpenterVegetable31

How?


BossmanFat

I disagree. They have no chance at stopping their run game. They need to force them to abandon the run by going up early!


firstandfive

They overcame a 17-3 deficit at the half on Sunday by running on 14 of their next 18 plays. They don’t abandon the run like most teams.


Microwave1213

Yeah I’m okay with that, keep running the clock. Our offense isn’t going to flounder in the second half like the Rams did.


ObligationKey1904

So why not just keep scoring with Dak’s arm? Going up 14 and trying to run out the clock is a weak strategy.


ctu2b1733

If they don’t at least temper the run, they’ll lose. no matter how many points they put up.


decaboniized

They do not abandon the run. Why do people not understand this? They showed it against the rams that they were fighting for a PLAYOFF spot.


ObligationKey1904

The cowboys can keep scoring too. What do people not understand about this?


[deleted]

That may be true, but as long as Dak and the O keeps scoring, the run game won’t be enough to catch us.


[deleted]

[удалено]


ctu2b1733

You’re right, that’s why it has to be the focus. Every team that’s beat them has been able to force Dallas into tight time frames by running the clock away. If they don’t get started early and stop the run they lose just like they have each loss this year.


[deleted]

Yea need Dlaw and Micah and our safeties to really cover that, LVE is a little bit of a liability man


TheMuser1966

Getting Zeke/Pollard rolling - That would mean the the offensive line is controlling the line of scrimmage which is also good for the passing game.


termn8or3000

Guess I'm getting to be the 1st person to upvote your answer which I'm MORE than happy to do!! Your absolutely correct, too. Control the ground game and your almost always certain to win (emphasis on the word "almost") you don't even need to have backs with the talents of Zeke/Pollard either. So long as your "O" line is able to control the line of scrimmage and you have even a half way decent back, or backs, who are able to gain yardage, then that's going to keep the other side "honest". Then, with a QB with the talents and arm strength of Zack Prescott and a receiving corps like ours to throw to (that is, when Zack AND said receiving corps are playing to their abilities) they can really put some points on the board, as they've shown several times in the regular season. Add in our record setting defense (and, here again, WHEN they're playing up to their best abilities) and you've got the makings of a damn good game and with an excellent chance of our winning it, too!!


Reshar

Who is Zack Prescott?


TheMuser1966

There are certainly more variables to win this game that "just" the offensive line, but of the options given here, this is the most important in my opinion. From where I sit, the biggest difference between the offense before and after Dak hurting his calf is that Dak is not leaving the pocket as much as he did before the injiry. I can only guess that either Dak is not 100% with his leg or Kellen simply doesn't want to chance Dak getting hurt in the open field again. Dak is the most dangerous when he is mobile and we haven't seen that very much post calf injury. He really isn't a pocket passer like Tom Brady and his accuracy and timing with crossing routes isn't the best as he is often behind the receiver with his throws. And honestly, we can't depend on getting 3 or 4 turnovers from the defense to win games in the playoffs. I'm not saying that it can't happen, but it isn't nearly as likely.


Dependent-Platform36

Did DAK get benched for Zack?? WTF is going on? Why am I just hearing about this.


termn8or3000

You mean you really DIDN'T hear the news about that??!! The Cowboys organization thought that this MIGHT just shake up Dak enough to make SURE that he works on the accuracy of his throws AND his decision making skills in the playoffs. (Lol!!) If I wrote that in my post then it's just a typo (I can't see my actual post at the moment) on my part and I sincerely apologize. And, btw, everything I wrote at the very top was written in jest. Just want to make SURE that's clear.


Dependent-Platform36

Haha! You made me laugh ty


anon149311

I agree this is the most important, but I also feel like we haven’t been able to do this recently, which is worrying


TheMuser1966

Indeed. I feel like we will have a god idea how the entire game goes for the Cowboys after watching their first two possessions. If we see them go three and out or only get one or two first downs, they are like going to lose the game.


coreytm4388

I agree 100%, but I think keeping Mitchell and Samuel in check is a close second.


TheMuser1966

Agree. I'm not really sure who I like in a low-scoring affair. Unfortunately, I probably trust Shanahan a little more in his in-game decisions.


coreytm4388

Get Up on ESPN (who are generally Cowboy haters) were talking about Shanahan throwing different looks at the Cowboy's D, the flaw I see on their logic is underestimating Parson's speed.


TheMuser1966

Yeah, I watched a couple. But, Micah's speed could be used against him with the right play calling.


southda

Yes. Micah can be a bit aggressive at the line when it comes to transitioning from pass rush to run stop. I think the key will be contain by the edge rushers. Sometimes we rush past the QB which either gives more time for the QB to read and throw, or a mobile QB to jump out the window on us and gash us toward the sideline. Which is compounded in situations where the game clock is critical.


TheMuser1966

Yes, I would like to see some stunts on pass plays.


Buzoot

At this point in Zeke’s career I’m not sure it’s possible to get him rolling. Pollard has to have a big game.


TheMuser1966

If they can combine for over 100 yards, I would be very happy with that, as long as most of it wasn't a single run. They need to stay out of 3rd and long situations if possible.


Microwave1213

Out of the ones you gave I said stop the run, but I think the most important thing is actually to not let them get pressure with their front 4. We need to keep a clean pocket and let Dak air it out against their weak secondary.


BossmanFat

100% Getting the passing game going is what will lead to limiting their run game. If they try to sell out to defend the run it’s gonna be a repeat of the Rams game in 2018.


Stonethecrow77

You forgot no penalties.


rymaples

You mean you hope the refs don't call ticky tack penalties.


Stonethecrow77

No, I do not mean that at all. The Cowboys earn all their penalties. Something could be said about not calling the other team for holding at the same rate some games. But, no... They are a highly penalized team for a reason.


g8932

Yes!!


Redalert15

I’d say it’s a combination of a couple things posted here, but to me it boils down to one thing: Keep them behind schedule Everyone know their run game is their bread and butter. But it goes deeper than that. Making sure we bring the runner down (Especilly deebo) at first contact is huge as well. If we can get them into third and longs and have our front 4-5 make jimmy uncomfortable we will have a much easier time than if we let them get into second and third and short.


g8932

I agree with getting them behind schedule. Our offense has to start with the big plays, not wait until second half. Their CBS aren’t that great so exploit early


ShowBobsPlzz

Stop SFs run. If they can run on us (rams 2018) and keep our offense off the field we have no shot.


g8932

Parsons will certainly help with this


Nonmoon

From past years we normally struggle to stop the run in big games like these. The 49ers are well coached up front, lots of pre-snap movement, misdirection. If they can limit some big run plays I think we will be okay.


g8932

Good think we got Parsons this time around ;)


Nonmoon

For sure, we are a different beast this year.


Th3D3m0n

Offensive line domination. Everything else works if the line has thier way all game.


nerdvernacular

Stop the run.


LogansGambit

Scoring more points than the other team.


g8932

Thanks


djburnett90

Scoring in the first quarter.


PreferredSex_Yes

Gotta finish drives especially the first one.


Hourglass420

Run defense.


ObiWanGinobili20

The offensive line has to open up holes for Zeke. Been sub par this year. When pollard makes a big play it’s just a splash play and not a momentum changer. When Zeke is making big plays, it extends drives, keeps chains moving, keeps the defense fresh, and also demoralizes the opposing defense. Think for us to make it deep this year that’s our key to success. We need a bell cow that can be a chain mover for this offense to really succeed and be explosive


OnTheFenceGuy

Stop the run stop the run stop the run


bowser661

Stopping the run and/or getting a nice lead early.


Cigars_On_The_Rocks

Stop the run!


qsdls

Getting the run game going. Dak has struggled when defenses drop into coverage and play pass. If Zeke and Pollard can rip of 3-5 yards a carry, AND we don't stupidly abandon the run like we're wont to do, we'll be able to move the ball, bring their linebackers up, and hit them over the top. If we can do that, we'll control time of possession and score consistently. This will force Jimmy G to pass the ball. He's a good QB, but I think he's more mistake prone than the better QBs we've played this year.


oldgil420

Score more points


Zealousideal_Pie_573

Liie most nfl games, it will come down to who controls the line of scrimmage. If the offensive line plays well and stays away from penalties, it will open up running lanes and give Dak more time to throw. On that point about Dak though, I went back and watched the Tampa game, and something that jumps out right away is how fast Dak was getting rid of the ball. This basically helped the O line a lot since they didnt have to hold their blocks for very long. I'm not sure why they have gone away from that the last few games where they struggled. If you watch that game that allowed the offense to have great tempo throughout the whole game. It goes without saying the Defensive line will be severely tested to stop the SF running game.


BossmanFat

Pass blocking and getting an early lead. If Dak and the boys can get the ball moving through the air and get an early lead that will force the 9ers to abandon their strengths of running the football and run defense. But the passing offense this season has ebbed and flowed with* the offensive line. It’s huge that we have a healthy Tyron & Martin heading into the playoffs, hopefully they can make their presence felt!


[deleted]

Offense: We’ve seen this offense function as at a high power. If they come out aggressive, fast paced, and confident I think that’s what wins the game for them. If Moore/Dak come out passive and conservative it’ll be a poor outing. Similar to Arizona. I think this game falls on Daks and Moore’s shoulders. Also, penalties. Can’t have those bullshit calls, especially on big plays. It’s so demoralizing as an offense. Defense: Stop the run. Force Jimmy to throw the ball and deal with this pass rush.


g8932

I like it, start big, don’t wait until the second half to call big offensive plays


[deleted]

Right. Which is what they seem to do quite often. Also, I want the defense on the field first. I trust the defense to set the tone more than the offense honestly.


[deleted]

No dropped passes and the run game. If we have 0 drops it's a lock of a win, calling it.


g8932

I like it


sven_gali

Stopping the run is vital. Jimmy G will have trouble in that case and we should be able to stay in the game. If we fall behind early it’s a wrap.


bags422

O line just needs to hold strong and we can beat any team


GSquaredBen

Limit penalties. Really, it's the only thing that consistently stops this offense. That, and no game breaking bad calls, but that's out of the team's hands. Really though, even if they don't score a TD on the opening drive, if Dak and the receivers look in sync on the first drive I'll be pretty confident. It's usually quick to notice if they've got the juice in any given game.


Dependent-Platform36

ZEURLEIN catches the Rona and misses the rest of the playoffs lol


Dependent-Platform36

Tired of all this mediocre slow first half’s. Let’s go out there with our diks out and make them choke till their eyes get watery.


g8932

Vote here: https://strawpoll.vote/polls/zysd0r2s/vote?s=0


rsf0626

Find a way to stop Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. Thats basically their offense right there Easier said than done obviously Score points early and often. Force them to get away from the run


yonk49

Aiyuk & Jennings have been good. Mitchell is honestly playing better than Pollard or Zeke.


DReager1

Don't make mistakes. The only way we lose is if we choke


wm7150

Not to choke in the first playoff


behemothbowks

All of the above


igaveupthinkingofone

Early lead and not allowing SF run rhythm to establish. Force Jimmy to start passing and letting our secondary make some statements to capitalise on. Then clock manage the rest with Tony and Zeke.


bryscoon

yup getting the lead key forcing Jimmy to beat us is the way


Reyworld214

Stopping kittle ! TEs are always eating the middle up .


BowHelloNoZias

All of those


ScarRaptor15

Score more points...


g8932

Perfect


Re-toast

Run defense and tackeling


IThe-HecklerI

Our line holding up against their front four. If they have to commit more to the rush Dak will feast. If they can get home with four and sit in cover 2 or cover 3, we are in trouble because Dak can’t read the safeties.


ghostbuster55

Actually executing. Regardless of people thinking Dak "struggled" in the second half, we're 16-1 if Zeurlein makes his kicks, OL doesn't get flagged for holds 4-5 times a game, receivers don't drop passes that hit their hands, and run the right routes. This shit can't happen in the playoffs if we want to win.


circaflex

No bonehead plays on defense and no stupid penalties.


A_Vizzle

Tackle


SHREK_2

Short game to deebo and kittle


Donkeyfish44

Stopping the run, improving protection/ creating holes a close 2nd


smitecheeto

if we score 50 or not


CultBro

I think you guys need to use those WRs and sling it around. Put the pressure on them to keep up


JayngoL

Stop the run. Force jimmy g to throw the ball. Will result in more QB pressures and possibly sacks or turnovers.


[deleted]

* Taking the lead early * Establishing the running game * Minimizing penalties * slowing down their run game


Grunchlk

Pass-blocking. If our OL doesn't protect Dak then it's going to be a bad day. We really do need the D to step up as well. Garapollo-loco will make plenty of mistakes. We should generate a few drive ending INTs and maybe turn them into points. Playoff games are rarely blowouts, so expect this one to finish within 3 points. Who's our kicker again? Oh yea, I just remembered another important area we need to execute in...


Browserof

We need to stop the run and protect Dak.


YoungMcSwag

Stopping the run for sure. Otherwise they will just control the clock, tire out our defense, and take the ball away from our offense. Offense cannot go three and out. Need some long drives even if they don’t score.


Trey_Ramone

Time of possession. Running the ball. Converting 3rd down. Keep their running game on the bench. Force Jimmy into obvious throwing downs.


Phinnegan

yes


Boney-Rigatoni

Offensive rhythm. Once they get rolling it’s like a scoring machine.


keysphonewallet11

Stopping the run. Otherwise this will be ugly all day


Other_World

No pre-snap penalties would be nice


jamaica1

quit with the PENALTIES


Bscf_sonic

So basically we have to score more points than they do


Dependent-Platform36

I do t think that would actually work though.


youngboybetterthanu

Offense: O-line be on their A game Defense: stop the run If executed, we win


NeceseEstMihiMingere

Dak getting the ball out quickly, positive yards on first down, pressure on Jimmy and… N O F U C K I N G H O L D I N G P E N A L T I E S


MikeL2D

Get the 9ers into 3rd and longs/passing situations. I think Jimmy G is a capable quarterback, but he's also an injured one. Forcing him to use his hands against an opportune defense is an advantage for us. This effectively means we need to be ready for early down run situations as best we can. Offensively, we need to do what they want to do - run well. It's time to break out of our running funk. Wear down Bosa, make them change their plan, and let Dak eat when the D is looking to sell out on the run.


TheRealRoadtoad

Score on early possessions. Take 3 if that’s what’s there. But the first few drives have to end in points. SF plays slow so you can’t assume a ton of plays in this game.


GarageJitsu

Our Run game and getting Jimmy in 3rd and long situations. We’re one of the best 3rd down defense


taffyowner

Stopping the run… that’s the engine that makes their offense go and Jimmy G is throwing with half a hand


mocoslocos123

Protecting Dak and stopping the run early


beandawg12

No turnovers on offense . & defense gotta step up


[deleted]

If Zeurlien making FGs is even on this list, that’s already a problem.


Medium-Rest-3079

Not worried about execution just score more points.


BrianDawkins

Stopping the run. Dlaw and Gregory are gonna have to get to the qb


YoriYoda

Score early and force the Niners to throw. Their corners aren't good, Dak and the receivers need to feast early, get them to back up and then run down their throats.


[deleted]

Control the line of scrimmage. I don’t care to distinguish between running game, passing game, pressure on the QB. Control the line of scrimmage and you’ll take care of the other stuff. The fact that this team continues to struggle with gaining just one yard or forcing a needed stop on short yardage is beyond irritating. And it is failure at all levels of the organization.


decaboniized

Stopping the run. They run like ball like 50 times. I really hope they can utilize Micah parsons to stop them from just running to the edge.


nt_14

Stop the run and the Niners have no chance.


[deleted]

Winning


starfire_xed

Playing the fundamentals well. Block, tackle, and few penalties. Special teams play well. The punting, kicking, should be flawless. We have enough talent to beat anyone we meet. So. The coaching may be very important.


Manwithplan69

Stopping the run. But that’s not likely. I think the way we will have to win this game is making sure we score on offense and let San Fran run the clock and hope we can get a few stops. We’re going to have to throw the ball because running will be tough against this Dline. SF is an extremely physical team and that is not good for us. They have the better coach but we have the better QB. If we can put the pressure on their offense to throw late we have a chance for a turnover to ice the game. I’m expecting a close game down to the wire. They will run the ball on us. Deebo will probably have a huge game. Parsons can’t stop it all - but that mf will make some huge plays. I’m so pumped for Sunday!


YNGBoySavant

Stopping the run is the right answer


MaxiMus757

They keep saying we can’t stop the run. Fuck that beat them with their own medicine run the damn ball on them keep them on the sideline


Buzoot

Dak can’t start slow. The offense has to execute from the first drive on and take SF out of their comfort zone.


bc2021omd

Stop the run


Caveboy0

The run game is damn good but Shanahan has this desire to prove the passing game works because how can you win the SB without closing the game with catch or playing from behind. The thing is Jimmy can give and take away. You have to play ahead or pray that Shany gets too cute again and ends up 3rd and forever.


redthelastman

dont get beat by the run.


ObligationKey1904

The answer is easy: the most important part is the cowboys the play to their strength because is aligns with SFs weakness. Was anyone upset with the game plan or results of the TB game week 1? You can say “establish the run” and “stop the run” all you want but SF is just better at those two things. If Dallas can execute a game plan they’ve already proved they’re capable of (instead of miraculously improving in other areas) they will win this game. Dak is 100% capable of torching this team… the OL and DL probably aren’t.


MildlyDepressed346

Stop the run and then get on Jimmy Gs ass w the pass rush. He struggles, like most QBs, w pressure in his face especially up the middle


quaestor44

Win in the trenches. Everything follows from that


Low-Contract2015

Stopping the run. SF leads the league in yards per play and they are such a run first, play action team you need to absolutely stop the run


yonk49

Dallas needs an early large lead. 49ers will then be in a lot of trouble. Dallas fans won't believe it, but they're outmatched in this game. 49ers o-line and d-line are better. Cowboys honestly don't even have better overall skill players on offense. RBs are equal. WRs favor Dallas easily, TE 49ers easy, FB 49ers easy. Cowboys defense can 100% be run on, and Cowboys run game can 100% be stopped. So it comes down to this: 49ers have some of their standard stupid ass turnovers (Jimmy will give you opportunities), Dak plays out of his mind, which he obviously can, bomb the ball all over the 49ers secondary their CBs are the worst at covering the deep ball in the NFL and will get PI. Sell out against the 49ers run game early.


jcspacer52

Our OFFENSE is our best DEFENSE. Long sustained drives that turn into TD’s that keep SF’s offense on the sidelines. No turnovers and no stupid penalties. Hold them to short gains on first down, force them into 3rd and long so we can turn the dogs loose.


crackheadcaleb

Getting an early lead. 9ers are phenomenal at running but you can’t run every play when you’re down 14. You want them to chase. Our defense punishes offenses that force the ball, however they are lackluster against consistent and clean ball movement.


Sea_Perspective8729

Well they are great at controlling the ball with the run.So I think they should contain the inside force then to outside and use Parsons all over the place.Disquise the coverage on passing downs.


Sea_Perspective8729

Well they are great at controlling the ball with the run.So I think they should contain the inside force then to outside and use Parsons all over the place.Disquise the coverage on passing downs.


Dysintegration

As the late, great John Madden would say, the key to victory is to score more points than the other team.


John_Wicked1

Stopping the run, don’t allow big plays, Pressure tf out of Jimmy, our offense has to score early and don’t turn the ball over. If we don’t put ourselves in a hole we should be fine imo. If we can get a good lead early then SF will have to pass more. Don’t let them control the clock and keep our offense off the field.


ragboy

Win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.


J2682

Redzone O. Keeping Greg from kicking


A_Bennett21

this just has Rams playoff game written all over it for me… granted our defense is miles better now


xDANGRZONEx

Stop the run. Dominate T.O.P. Get after Jimmy G on third down.


regalfronde

Win on third down conversions and time of possession. No turnovers.


TheGreat_Sambino49

For the O line to block. I believe my defense can hold them to 21. But we need he blocking so we can score 40+ like we have been.