Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys vs 49ers: Week 4 Grades and Analysis for San Francisco

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

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The San Francisco 49ers came out strong Sunday afternoon, racking up a 14-0 lead against the Dallas Cowboys. Then everything went south, finally ending in a 24-17 loss.

October 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the football past San Francisco 49ers safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers of the first quarter looked almost as if they had resolved their problems. Blaine Gabbert was throwing both deeper and more accurately, the defense kept the Dallas Cowboys in check, and San Francisco opened up a 14-0 lead.

Then the offense stalled and holes opened up in the defense — both figuratively and literally as NaVorro Bowman was carted off the field with a left leg injury in the third quarter.

The Cowboys subsequently scored the go-ahead touchdown to make it 21-17. It looked as if the Cowboys would put the game out of reach late in the fourth as they reached the goal-line. A 49ers defensive stand kept the deficit to one touchdown, 24-17.

Despite moving the ball more effectively than in previous weeks, the 49ers third down woes yet again doomed them, as they failed to convert a third and fourth down in Cowboys territory with less than two minutes remaining.

While Gabbert played well enough, especially in the first half, to keep his starting job, this was far from a “good” game by the once-proud 49ers.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after running in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Grades

Quarterback: B-

Blaine Gabbert played a much better game than he had the past two weeks. His first half by itself would likely have earned an “A” or “A-.” Unfortunately, his offense could not find the end zone after scoring on their first two possessions.

One awful interception aside, Gabbert’s accuracy improved substantially this week. He completed 16 passes on 23 attempts (69.6%) for 196 yards and a touchdown. His quarterback rating was a respectable, if not exceptional, 91.9.

Part of this improvement may have been due to a different game plan this week. The 49ers came out swinging, not afraid to take shots down the field. This clearly had success, as demonstrated by Jeremy Kerley‘s 33 yard touchdown grab on the Niners’ first possession. The 49ers seemed to shy away from this later, and Gabbert’s success wained. This falls more on the coaches than Gabbert.

Despite only managing 17 points, Gabbert should have done enough this week to quiet doubters. At least for now.

Running Back: C+

Carlos Hyde‘s played well, to be sure: 15 carries for 74 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Shaun Draughn, meanwhile, was virtually non-existent.

This is a low number of carries for Hyde. This is partially due to the implementation of the read-option this week, as Gabbert carried the ball 12 times, most of these on designed carries.

Hyde is a very good back and the 49ers need to make sure he gets his carries. Even the best back, however, can do little if the passing game isn’t opening up the defense.

Wide Receiver: C-

Jeremy Kerley, as usual, was the one receiver who seemed to get open. He was the only receiver to record more than one reception and had 6 for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Gabbert could really use more options on offense. When your leading receiver wasn’t even in training camp, something is wrong with your offense.

Tight End: B+

With Vance McDonald out for Sunday’s game, Garrett Celek made a statement that he should be considered for more reps this season. Celek had a very good game, making 5 grabs for 79 yards. He also caught every pass thrown his way. While McDonald has improved over the years, he still struggles with periodic drops.

Don’t be surprised if Celek gets more action or, potentially, wins the starting tight end job.

Offensive Line: D

The offensive line struggled to get a push on several running plays. And while Gabbert was only sacked once, he found himself under pressure way too often. Surprisingly, Joe Staley was the culprit more than once, including the most critical play of the game.

On fourth down with the game on the line, the left side of the line crumbled, forcing Gabbert to role left. Faced with the choices of throwing the ball away, getting sacked, throwing up a prayer, or hitting Torrey Smith and hoping for the best, Gabbert made the best decision. He simply had no other options.

Even so, that was the game.

October 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Grades

Defensive Line: D

The 49ers defense started out fairly strong before collapsing. Dak Prescott carved out 245 yards passing before the day was over and Ezekial Elliott seemed to have no trouble racking up 138 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.0 yards per carry in the process.

This, of course, falls on more than the defensive line, but the D-Line needed to play better down the stretch.

Linebacker: C-

The linebacking corps wasn’t having its best day, and then NaVorro Bowman went down with a non-contact left leg injury. It appears that the injury may have been related to his ankle. It does not appear to be related to his knee, which forced him to sit out a season after an awful injury a couple years ago.

The same reasons for criticism applied to the defensive line can also be put on the linebacking corps. Hopefully Bowman will be alright. Losing him would really hurt this defense. Aaron Lynch‘s return next week could be a boon to the pass rush.

Defensive Back: C

The secondary played well at some points and not so well at others. Jimmie Ward‘s absence sure didn’t help matters. The 49ers simply gave up too many big plays down the stretch. A turnover sure would’ve been nice too — Eric Reid dropped what should have been an interception early on.

October 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly watches against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams & Coaching Grades

Special Teams: B

Phil Dawson made his field goal and Bradley Pinion was alright, if not great, with his punts.

Coaching: C

I really liked the coaching coming out of the gate. Chip Kelly finally opened up the passing game for Blaine Gabbert, resulting in significant improvement. The 49ers should not have shied away from this after opening up a 14-0 lead.

Defensively, the 49ers simply seemed outmatched and out-prepared, particularly in the second half. Jim O’Neil had better figure some things out if he wants to keep his job next season.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; The Dallas Cowboys celebrate stopping a first down conversion by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (left) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Cumulative 49ers Grade for Week 4: C

The San Francisco 49ers played a much-improved game compared to the nightmares of Weeks 2 and 3. Nevertheless, it was not enough.

The 49ers need to be able to maintain consistency for a full 60 minutes. Against the Panthers they had some good moments, but it wasn’t enough. After a brilliant first two drives, the 49ers offense stalled and the defense opened up. That is not a recipe for success.

The 49ers have a short week before facing the Arizona Cardinals, their fellow cellar-dwellers in the NFC West, on the NFL‘s Thursday Night Football.