The San Francisco 49ers moved to 4-4, downing the Dallas Cowboys 30-24 in their Week 8 showdown. Playing solid defense for 3 out of 4 quarters was not enough for the Cowboys as the 49ers exploded for 21 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter.

The game started with the Cowboys taking an early lead, aided by a touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott, setting a physical tone early on. However, the 49ers managed to keep things close, trailing only 10-6 going into halftime. The third quarter was won by the 49ers, where they unleashed a 21-point offensive explosion. Brock Purdy was instrumental, running for a go-ahead touchdown and then later connecting with George Kittle for another 3rd quarter touchdown.

The 49ers had a commanding 27-10 lead in the 4th quarter when Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb rallied the Cowboys back connecting for two touchdowns bringing the Cowboys to within 6 points. Prescott had a chance to complete the comeback, but threw four straight incomplete passes after getting the ball back with 3:05 left. Prescott threw two interceptions for a third straight game — the first Cowboys quarterback to do that in 32 years.

• Key Game Statistics:
• Brock Purdy: Completed 18 out of 26 passes for 260 yards with one touchdown pass and a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
• Isaac Guerendo: 85 yards on 14 carries.
• George Kittle: 128 yards receiving with 1 touchdown.
• Dak Prescott: 243 yards passing with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
• CeeDee Lamb: 146 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.
• Total Yards: The 49ers had 469 total yards compared to the Cowboys’ 292. The 49ers amassed 223 yards of that on the ground.
• Yards per Play: The 49ers’ 7.3 yards per play against the Cowboys’ 4.9.
• Game Impact: This victory was crucial for the 49ers, bringing them to a 4-4 record, keeping them in the playoff race with an upcoming bye week to regroup and recover key players. The Cowboys, now 3-4, find themselves suddenly on the outside looking in at the playoff race post bye-week.

Coming off a bye-week the Cowboys looked to correct issues with rush defense, pass protection, the running game, and offensive production. We saw none of those (outside of CeeDee Lamb’s 4th quarter) corrected Sunday night.

Up next for the 3-4 Cowboys, they travel Atlanta on Sunday. The Falcons are 5-3 coming off a huge divisional win over Tampa Bay. The 49ers enjoy a bye week and then head to Tampa Bay Nov. 10.

Photos courtesy of AP, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, NBC, and Dallas Morning News. 

“Cowboy Regg” – Co-Host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. The podcast is available on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. 

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