Cowboys’ top three non-divisional games have revenge element
1. Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers
When: Week 5, Sunday 7:20pm kickoff
Key acquisitions: QB Sam Darnold, G Jon Feliciano, RT Colton McKivitz
Key losses: Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans
Last meeting: 2022 Playoffs Divisional round, Cowboys 12 49ers 19
This matchup between historical NFC powerhouses has to be the most anticipated matchup on the 2023 schedule.
The Cowboys and 49ers have had so many great games dating back to the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
From Dwight Clark’s catch, to Alvin Harper’s catch and run, to George Teague knocking Terrell Owens off of the star at midfield.
There never seems to be a dull moment in this rivalry.
This week 5 matchup will be a little spicier considering the 49ers have been the team to knock the Cowboys out of the playoffs the past two seasons.
Some say the two straight playoff exits at the hands of Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and now former Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans are the main reason Kellen Moore was allowed to leave Dallas for the same position in Los Angeles.
Moore’s offense sputtered vs the 49ers’ defense in the playoffs in successive seasons, averaging only 15.5 points per game in the two losses.
A far cry from the NFL high 29.3 points per game in the same two year span.
DeMeco Ryans accepted a head coach position with the Houston Texans, and has since been replaced by Steve Wilks.
The 49ers added former number one overall pick QB Sam Darnold into the fold to compete with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance.
If Shanahan has shown us anything, it’s that his offense can be successful no matter who is under center.
It also helps to have weapons like RBs Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, WRs Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and TE George Kittle.
How the Cowboys fare in this early season road game could be an indicator to how far the team has come, and how far they can go in the playoffs.
Get your popcorn ready.
