The San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboy played their first preseason match, in which the home team defeated the guests from Texas 17-9.
Though it was an exhibition, the two sides put a lot of effort into it. We saw several injuries, which showed just how high was the intensity of the battles on the field.
The 49ers had three injuries in the first period alone. Shon Coleman tackle, Running back Raheem Mostert, and defensive tackle DJ Jones all had to go out, CJ Beathard the QB left the field later. For one preseason and a friendly game that is a lot. Especially when we know the recent history of San Francisco and its injuries. Before the game, the team issued a statement saying that Trent Taylor underwent surgery and that he won’t be able to play for the next four to six weeks.
What is the only positive thing for the 49ers is the projected return of their starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whose comeback is targeted for the next week.
Cowboys took the lead after the opening drive. It was Dak Prescott who led the Cowboys offense completing all of his 4 passes for 23 yards and setting up a position for a field goal. Brett Maher used that, and he repeated the same until the end of the first quarter, putting the guests ahead. In fact, he was the only guy who brought points for the Cowboys in this clash.
“We came out pretty clean, in and out of the huddle. We set the tempo we wanted to. Obviously, we wanted to get in the end zone,” said Cowboys QB about his first drive of the season.
But as time went by, the 49ers were feeling more and more comfortable. Especially their QBs, Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard. Although they did throw one interception each, they added one TD pass too. Mullens was 11 of 17 for 105 yards, while Beathard threw 141 yards, completing 13 of 17 passes.
Their target for both touchdowns was Jalen Hurd, the 67th overall pick from this year’s draft. The wide receiver from Baylor had only three receptions for 31 yards throughout the game but managed to turn this contest upside down. On both scoring occasions, he was very confident and attractive.
“I can do different things,” Hurd said. “We’ll just see what they do with me. I’m just trying to seize the opportunity to make a play.”
Another rookie, Deebo Samuel, caught two passes for 61 yards. It appears that the scouting service of the 49ers did their job well last year, and that head coach Kyle Shanahan got two very talented guys.
Following Hurd’s two TDs, Robbie Gould sealed the game with a 53-yard field goal.
Dallas didn’t have Ezekiel Elliot, who isn’t willing to come back until Jerry Jones offers him a new deal. The fantastic running back stated that his holdout could last for a very long time.
Up next, the 49ers are going to Denver, while Dallas travels to Honolulu to meet with the Los Angeles Rams.
