Game review

OFFENSE

In start,his firstC.J. BeathardNFL led a herkyjerky attack that managed 290 yards and scored zero touchdowns in the first 53 minutes. It wasn’t all his fault: He was sacked five times and lost two fumbles when blasted from the blindside. RB Carlos Hyde (14 carries, 68 yards) ran decisively and effectively.

DEFENSE

Thatthe whoof horrendous2016set lookedall 49ers, sortslike defensiveallowed 501 records. yards, They27 first downs, 7.2 yards per play and 6.2 per rush. They had no answer for RB Ezekiel Elliott (219 total yards, 3 TD) and QB Dak Prescott threw three TDs. NaVorro Bowman wasn’t in their future, but their first game without him was their worst of 2017.

SPECIAL TEAMS

the Trent tone Taylorby set fumbling a punt return that set up a 20-yard TD drive early in the first quarter, and Rakeem Mostert didn’t make an impact on four kickoff returns (15.8 yards). Punter Bradley Pinion (45.0 net) continued his strong season and kicker Robbie Gould made his only field-goal try, from 42 yards.

COACHING

Trailingin the third 20-3 quarter,early Kyle Shanahan’s decision to eschew a field-goal try on 4thand-4 at the 28-yard line was debatable. And his play call was even more questionable. Beathard’s primary target was undrafted rookie Kendrick Bourne, who had been inactive the previous five games and doesn’t have an NFL catch. Bourne fell down. Incomplete.

OVERALL

A capturedtalentIn playthe second disparity?that the quarter,an 18-yard PrescottTD to tight threw end Jason Witten. Safety Jaquiski Tartt had excellent coverage, but Witten made an effortless one-handed catch in the back of the end zone. The Cowboys were simply better. A lot better.