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We didn’t expect to see much if any of the Cowboys starters but were actually pleasantly surprised to get this notification before kickoff.
Only 45 minutes to kickoff of preseason opener @dallascowboys vs 49ers. Expect Dak and starting o-line and WRs to get a series or two (depending on how many plays they get in opening series). pic.twitter.com/FdZL2gW3ZL
— KristiCowboySideline (@KristiCowboy) August 10, 2018
It may only be a few snaps but at least we got a little bit!
We will see the Cowboys starting quarterback tonight folks! https://t.co/ObJYM9hBTx
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 10, 2018
⏳ game time#DALvsSF pic.twitter.com/qlEcSy9SI6
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 10, 2018
There were a group of guys for one reason or another that didn’t make the trip with the Cowboys, most notably Cole Beasley:
The following players did not make the trip to Santa Clara: Cole Beasley, Deonte Thompson, Chris Covington, Noah Brown, Maliek Collins. Beasley battling sore groin apparently.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 10, 2018
FIRST QUARTER
The Cowboys got their favorite wish granted...
49ers won toss and defer to second half. Cowboys will get their chance.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 10, 2018
Rod Smith got the starting nod...and he gashed them!
Rod Smith started at running back for the Cowboys and had an impressive first down on the second play. Ya ya.
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) August 10, 2018
Connor Williams asked for the mulligan early.
Prescott is sacked by Solomon Thomas and Bucker. Third and 10 for Dallas coming up.
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) August 10, 2018
It’s okay because Dak Prescott decided to lose his mind and take off getting the first down and more.
Our quarterback was off to good start and then all of a sudden his night was done after this topper! I believe we have seen enough, Mr. Prescott.
Michael Gallup's first catch (preseason) as a member of the Cowboys.
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 10, 2018
: @NFL pic.twitter.com/Ia2kILKRSh
Somebody go give @Dak a #Cowboys ballcap. 3-of-3 passing for 39 yards and a TD, plus 12 rushing yards. And endured a sack. Go siddown. pic.twitter.com/GImfIp60G5
— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) August 10, 2018
Michael Gallup is one savvy rookie receiver:
First game ✔️
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 10, 2018
First touchdown as a Cowboy ✔️@michael13gallup | #EarnTheStar pic.twitter.com/LsK2a4GZbV
[7-0 Cowboys]
The 49ers first team offense moved the ball on the Cowboys including two conversions on long third downs but the defense held them. The Cowboys defense blew up a run play for a huge loss and with help of the linebackers, they got off the field soon after.
The Cowboys next offensive possession wasn’t kind to Cooper Rush:
Not a good start here for the Cowboys' second-team offensive line. Cowboys will punt as Cooper Rush's unit goes 3-and-out.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 10, 2018
On the 49ers ensuing offensive possession, more pass rush from DT Jihad Ward forced a false start. Then, backup QB C.J. Beathard remembered what it was like when Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith sacked him last year. As Jaylon rushed again, Beathard got rid of it for a three and out:
Through 12 minutes of this game, it's hard to ignore just how different Jaylon Smith looks.
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 10, 2018
Jaylon Smith looks like a completely different player today than he did last season. He's moving like he did at Notre Dame. Looks like the gamble the #Cowboys took is about to pay off.
— Jordan Ross (@CHQ_Jordan) August 10, 2018
Cooper Rush got another chance but outside of turning a high snap into a wonky connection with Terrance Williams and a nice slant and run by Allen Hurns, the Cowboys were forced to punt again.
It may be preseason. But that was a very 'Dallas' first quarter.
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) August 10, 2018
TOP: 9:40-5:20
Total yardage: 98-52
Score: 7-0
SECOND QUARTER
On the next defensive series for the Cowboys, a couple of rookies were looking good. Too bad Anthony Brown had to hold...oh well, it was almost great!
Dorance Armstrong flashing on the pass rush, flushing Beatherd and then giving chase to the sideline. And sure enough, it's Leighton Vander Esch hauling in the near interception on the sideline. #Cowboys
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) August 10, 2018
It’s okay because after two plays...Kavon Frazier tipped it and Joe Thomas snagged the ball for the defense. INTERCEPTION!
Kavon Frazier with the tip, Joe Thomas with the interception!
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 10, 2018
: @NFL pic.twitter.com/Fvoue2q3Lw
Unfortunately, the Cowboys would trade punts but thankfully that defense kept the 49ers in check. Cooper Rush decided it was a perfect time for Bo Scarbrough:
BO (SCARBROUGH) KNOWS. #DALvsSF pic.twitter.com/TKIXqTHbmE
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2018
The football gods agreed that it was indeed time for Bo. Tight end Blake Jarwin got them to the one on a run-and-catch. Bo punched it in:
Bullish rookie Touchdown, Bo Scarbrough #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/pHeMxRJKv8
— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) August 10, 2018
Michael Gallup scored the first touchdown for the Cowboys. He wears #13.
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) August 10, 2018
Bo Scarbrough scored the second touchdown for the Cowboys. He wears #36.
13 + 36 = 49
The Cowboys are playing the 49ers. Coincidence? I think not.
[Cowboys 14, 49ers 0]
The Cowboys would have had a first half shutout but Anthony Brown had to mess that up too. It was a rough couple of series for #30:
Anthony Brown with the PI.#DALvsSF
— Joe Trahan (@JoeTrahan) August 10, 2018
With seconds left in the half, the 49ers were able to punch one in to cut into the Cowboys lead.
TD for 49ers on run up the middle by Joe Williams to cut the Cowboys' lead to 14-7 just before halftime. It was set up by the Anthony Brown pass interference penalty down the left sideline.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 10, 2018
HALFTIME
[Cowboys 14, 49ers 7]
HALFTIME:#Cowboys lead the 49ers 14-7 at halftime.
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 10, 2018
- Cowboys receivers
- Dak Prescott
- Cowboys linebackers
- Bo Scarbrough
- Dorance Armstrong
- Antwaun Woods
- Taco Charlton
- Jihad Ward
Who so far has impressed you?
.@OchoLive: Cowboys Lead 49ers 14-7 At Halftime | Michael Gallup TD | Bo Knows https://t.co/OtVBhcpnZJ
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) August 10, 2018
THIRD QUARTER
second half is huge for players #60-#90. Let's see who stands out.
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 10, 2018
The 49ers got off to hot start too, these defensive backs have struggled in this first audition. On second down...53-yard completion...SMH!
Dante Pettis gets wide open down the field for a 53-yard reception from C.J. Beathard. The #49ers are inside the 10-yard line.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 10, 2018
Cowboys DBs haven't looked great so far in coach Kris Richard's debut game here. They have been impressive in first two weeks of training camp practices.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 10, 2018
Charles Tapper saved the day by forcing the quarterback to throw the incompletion.
#Niners drive for a FG on opening drive of 3rd Quarter. #Cowboys lead trimmed to 14-10. @NBCDFWSports @BlueStarBlog
— Paul Jones (@PaulJonesNBC5) August 10, 2018
[Cowboys 14, 49ers 10]
After getting pressured most of the game, Cooper Rush finally started getting protection. One could say he was “marching” with Marchie Murdock?
Rush to Murdock. Move the chains....
— Patrik Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 10, 2018
More Murdock. More first down gainnnnsssss....
— Patrik Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 10, 2018
Rush escapes and finds Murdock for a big play down the field. First down, #Cowboys in 49ers territory.
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) August 10, 2018
The Cowboys were then given a big break with the new helmet rule, it’s pretty lame even if it did work out for the Cowboys.
This helmet rule is stupid @NFL
— ✭ Lawrence (@Lfmjr22) August 10, 2018
That's where the new rule sucks. That shouldn't be a penalty.
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) August 10, 2018
Oh well, sorry not sorry because Mr. Camp Standout Lance Lenoir rewarded Cooper Rush with a toe-drag touchdown catch!
Touchdown, Lance Lenoir!
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 10, 2018
: @NFL pic.twitter.com/dOJYkNKBDp
TOUCHDOWN @dallascowboys! Dallas is now up 21-10 on the road.#NFLPreseason #DALvsSF
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 10, 2018
: NFL Network (or check your local listings) pic.twitter.com/l2VpYRd20B
Cooper Rush’s night will come to an end:
Cooper Rush is done for the night:
— ✭Cowboys News✭ (@DemBoyz_News) August 10, 2018
15/23, 145 yards, TD, 97.2 rating#DALvsSF pic.twitter.com/mxVWaFHRdf
[Cowboys 21, 49ers 10]
Charles Tapper was tired of blown coverages so he decided to recover a 49ers fumble.
1:20 in the Third Quarter- Mike White sighting!!!
Mike White. You're up, rook!!
— Patrik Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 10, 2018
In a few blinks White puts the ball in Darius Jackson’s hands as he takes us quickly to the final quarter. Three straight touches for Jackson.
Darius Jackson is fun. Now I remember why I was mad they cut him.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 10, 2018
FOURTH QUARTER
Mike White throws a near pick trying to connect with KD Cannon. Cowboys punt it back on 4th & 9.
On 2nd and 12...the 49ers were feeling generous as Nick Mullins gave Duke Thomas a gift:
Duke Thomas!!! pic.twitter.com/0Wm29k9gV2
— Rocky Osborn (@rockyknowsbest) August 10, 2018
Duke Thomas with a nice rebound for the Dallas DBs. That's three takeaways for the Cowboys tonight. #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 10, 2018
The offense was unable to take advantage and Brett Maher missed the field goal. Cowboys hold onto 21-10 lead.
Maher's 53-yard field goal attempt is no good. #Cowboys lead remains at 21-10.
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) August 10, 2018
The 49ers would put one more in the end zone but on the two-point try, despite a PI call, the Cowboys denied the 49ers, holding on to a 21-16 lead.
The 49ers don't convert on their two-point conversion attempt and Dallas still leads 21-16 with 4:24 left in the game. #CowboysNation #DALvsSF
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) August 10, 2018
Trey Williams bailed out Mike White to convert the third down and keep the clock running:
Go 'head, Trey Williams! forced a missed tackle to convert 3rd down late in the game to keep the clock churning
— KD Drummond (@KDDrummondNFL) August 10, 2018
The 49ers weren’t done though as Nick Mullins found complete lapses in coverage from the Cowboys reserves not to mention, flags on top of flags on the DB’s. Mullins picked on rookie Donovan Olumba, who wasn’t disciplined enough to hang in there. The 49ers scored a touchdown, two-point conversion and took the three-point victory 24-21.
After the first and second teams basically dominated the 49ers, the backups couldn’t close. The defensive backs are bound to have a tough week after so many mental mistakes to close this one out.
The best news is that the guys you depend on showed well and nobody got seriously injured. Cowboys have a final week in Oxnard before heading back to Dallas to take on the Bengals.