This Cowboys stat proves path to victory over 49ers will be difficult
Although the Dallas Cowboys ended the season leading the NFL in both total yards (6,919) and yards per game (407.0), there is no denying that the run game has had issues since the middle of the season. Even though Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have both dealt with injuries and have a baked-in excuse, the pair hasn’t been producing the way they were at the beginning of the season.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys have continued to emphasize the importance of the run game en route to the playoffs. The problem is that their first-round opponent in the San Francisco 49ers has one of the best rushing defenses in the league. The Niners are seventh-best in total yards allowed.
The bigger problem is that San Francisco’s swarming run D has gotten better towards the end of the season. The 49ers’ average rushing yards per game allowed in 2021 is 103.5. But, in the last three games, the average was 80.0 yards, and against the Rams specifically, it was just 64.0 yards.
That doesn’t bode well for a Cowboys team trying to figure out the run. And, this specific stat doesn’t help. Dallas is 9-0 this season when the team has at least 30 rushing attempts. When they rush less than 30 times, they are 3-5.
Cowboys keep emphasizing importance of run game in playoffs.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 10, 2022
Their wildcard opponent, the 49ers, have allowed 100 rushing yards just once in last 9 games.
Cowboys rushing game stat may prove troublesome against a strong 49ers run defense
So, what does all of this mean? It means that the Cowboys can’t solely rely on Dak Prescott and his arm, even if San Francisco stays staunch early.
Keyword: solely.
Yes, Prescott should take advantage of a struggling 49ers’ secondary to get some deep shots or high-up touchdown grabs. However, if the run game can’t find a rhythm and the team is only relying on Prescott’s arm, the numbers show it won’t go well for America’s Team.
If the Cowboys’ offense can have versatility by creating success on the ground and in the air, San Francisco will have a lot of trouble. If Dallas goes out there and tries to only rush or only throw, it’s not going to end well — and San Francisco is certainly hell-bent on making Dallas one-dimensional. A strong, eclectic game plan from Kellen Moore in the face of this challenge is imperative.
Thankfully, Pollard had some extra rest in Week 18, which should mean he and his foot are ready to go. Elliott also told the press that his knee “feels solid” and isn’t stiff anymore, which is also a great sign. Both of these rushers need to have stellar games in order to allow for the run game to work.
Getting all parts of the offense working is clearly a crucial key to Cowboys victories. Will they be able to execute it all on Sunday?
