49ers will have to handle Dallas rookies Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott
2:26 PM CT
Nick Wagoner
ESPN Staff Writer
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Two of the NFL's crown-jewel franchises will meet Sunday when the Dallas Cowboys come to Levi's Stadium to meet the San Francisco 49ers.
Of course, things haven't gone well of late for either of the winningest franchises in NFL history, which takes some of the shine off a game that was once one of the best rivalries in the NFL.
Still, this week's meeting comes with plenty of intriguing matchups, including a pair of former Ohio State star running backs leading their respective rushing attacks.
For an early look at what six key Cowboys bring to the table, we turned to ESPN NFL Nation Cowboys reporter Todd Archer:
Offense
Dak Prescott: He is now up to 99 passes to open the season without an interception. Prescott's-decision making has been well ahead of his experience, and he is not simply checking it down. He will make some throws down the field. If receiver Dez Bryant is limited or can’t play, then maybe the dynamic changes, because defenses won’t have the threat of Bryant. Prescott has found a security blanket in Cole Beasley, but he does not lock in on one player.
Ezekiel Elliott: It took time for Elliott to look like the runner everybody thought would tear up the league from Day 1. He was limited in camp over the summer and played in just one preseason game. Last week against Chicago he found the right speed in this zone run scheme to let things develop, but not hit holes too slow or fast. That should only continue to improve as he plays more. Perhaps more importantly, he held on to the ball after fumbling twice in Week 2.
Jason Witten: In his 14th season, Witten is still one of the featured targets on the Cowboys offense. His role has changed in the past few years as the Cowboys have run the ball more, but he remains a valuable third-down weapon. He has a knack for finding soft spots in zones and understands route concepts and leverage better than anybody in the league.
Defense
Tyrone Crawford: With questions up front, the Cowboys have shifted Crawford from the under tackle spot to defensive end. He is probably better suited to play on the interior, but he has enough speed and quickness to work the edge. He can be a good run defender outside as well. Crawford is active, but he needs others to help him get to the passer. In a lot of ways, that’s the story of the entire defensive line.
Sean Lee: He remains a tackling machine. He has not made the impact plays yet, but he is the best playmaker the Cowboys have on defense. He can diagnose run plays incredibly quick. They will need that this week with 49ers running back Carlos Hyde coming off a 100-yard game and the Cowboys' run defense allowing 4.8 yards per carry. Lee can work the middle of the field in zone coverages. He is smart enough to defend tight ends. The Cowboys will line him up between the guard and center and threaten a blitz. He will come after the quarterback some, but not a lot.
Morris Claiborne: A first-round pick in 2012, he has finally started to play to the level the Cowboys hoped. With Orlando Scandrick battling a hamstring strain, Claiborne will work in the base defense. The Cowboys don’t like to match up their cornerbacks on specific receivers, but Claiborne’s length gives him an edge. He is aggressive, sometimes to a fault, which can lead to penalties. He is doing a better job being more physical as a tackler as well. The name of the game for a cornerback is to take the ball away, but he has not had an interception in his past 13 games.