If we play even 85% as well as we did last week, we'll win. I truly believe if both teams play at or near their peaks, we're the better team since so much of what the 49ers do offensively is dependent on scheme and confusing defenses into biting on action that leaves targets running wide open in space.
Keys to the game:
-Discipline on defense, this means staying in gaps vs. the run, not over pursuing and not biting on all the play action/misdirection in the passing game. Pattern matching and maintaining proper spacing in zone is critical.
-Similar to the Tampa game, buying Dak an extra second vs. the rush, if the OL can do that there are plays to be made downfield.
-Showing their defense new looks/variants of looks they've seen to keep them off balance. They don't do a whole lot that's exotic defensively so we have to keep them off balance and not just run the simplistic bullshit in the run game that Moore loves to call half the time.
-Never leaving Bosa 1-on-1 with a TE either in the run game or pass protection, they have to be aware of where he is on every snap.
-Always have an eye on where Hufanga is lining up, he's the guy they do the most exotic stuff with/move around the most. Also look to attack him in the passing game since he's basically an extra LB.
-More touches for Pollard than Elliott, he just doesn't have the balance/juice anymore to maneuver in tight quarters anymore, he's a pure sledgehammer and that's it.
-Much like last week, making Purdy uncomfortable is more important than pure sacks, they scheme it up to get the ball out of his hands quick and the more he feels the walls closing in, the more jittery he'll get.
Cowboys 23
49ers 20
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.