49ers vs. Cowboys 2nd Quarter Topic: The defense came to play tonight

The San Francisco 49ers were always going for every bag of tricks from the Cowboys on their bye week, and they faced one before the first play of the scrimmage. The Cowboys opened the game by cheating on the opening kickoff return. There was a penalty kick in play.

Dallas got a first down before Fred Warner stopped the Cowboys on third-and-5. Whenever you get a hat-trick to start the game, confidence levels go through the roof.

Ricky Pearsall caught the first pass of the game for the Niners, then was fouled for an illegal holding penalty on third down. That set up third-and-six, and Kyle Shanahan made a crucial call. Deebo Samuel lined up in the backfield, pointed at linebacker Eric Kendricks, and ran right past him for a 47-yard touchdown.

However, a blocked penalty on Kyle Goscheck prevented the offense from reaching the red zone, meaning Anders Karlsson made a field goal. Carlson’s kick was good from 50 yards out, giving the Niners a 3-0 lead.

The defense did not force a penalty on the next two possessions. After allowing two first downs, Nick Bosa hit Dak Prescott as he was throwing, and Jair Brown sent the punt in as if it were a penalty for the interception.

The 49ers took over, backing up in their own territory, but Jordan Mason was hit on first down. According to the broadcast, Mason said: “I’m fine,” so the hope was that the injury was not serious.

After a first down throw to George Kittle, Purdy fouled Jacob Cowing on third down which resulted in a punt.

On Dallas’ third drive, the 49ers ran two holding calls on one play. Fred Warner forced a fumble on third-and-10, but the Cowboys recovered it. A 12-yard run moved the chains to Dallas.