Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys at 49ers: 3 Things We Learned

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys improved to 3-1 after a win over the San Francisco 49ers, here are three things we learned.

The Dallas Cowboys traveled to Levi Stadium and defeated the San Francisco 49ers with a 24-17 victory. It wasn’t quite the feel of the Cowboys and 49ers games of the 1990s, but Sunday’s game was undoubtedly entertaining.

San Francisco started off playing inspiring football, but later faltered as the game turned around for them in the second half. Dallas got a breakout game from rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott. The former Ohio State Buckeye ran for his second consecutive 100-yard game and scored his third touchdown of the season. On defense, a timely interception by Morris Claiborne help aided the victory for the Cowboys.

So what did we pick up from two of the most historic franchises in the NFL?

1. Ezekiel Elliott is the next great Cowboys RB

The rookie running back had his best game as a pro as he ran for 138 yards, a touchdown, on 23 carries. Of course, the yards are eye-popping, but his yards per carry at 6.0 show his progress as a runner. With only seven preseason carries, Zeke had to learn on the fly during his first few games, but it’s safe to say that the Cowboys have found their franchise running back in Elliott.

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2. Head Coach Chip Kelly may have to switch quarterbacks

For most of the game, Blaine Gabbert did a solid job playing the role of a game-manager. As the running game stalled, the 49ers were in need of big plays through the air. To no surprise, Gabbert failed to deliver. His shortcomings squandered the chance to win the game. In the second half, he threw several errant passes including a key interception that gave Dallas the momentum. As a whole Gabbert didn’t play bad, but the 49ers need someone who can keep defenses vexed. As the controversial backup quarterback, Colin Kaepernick continues to sit on the bench, it’s time for him to seize the quarterback position if the 49ers want to make a run in the perplexing NFC West.

3. Jason Garrett deserves some credit

The Cowboys are riddled with injuries, and they keep churning out victories. With Dez Bryant, La’el Collins, Tyron Smith, Orlando Scandrick, and Tony Romo nursing injuries, the Cowboys are off to an impressive 3-1 start. Over the years, Garrett has faced his fair share of criticism, but he deserves high praise for his coaching effort in the first four games of the NFL season.