The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 19-12 in a hard-fought divisional round playoff game on Sunday. The 49ers’ defense was the key to the win, forcing two interceptions by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and turning them into field goals. With this win, the 49ers will advance to the NFC Championship Game for the fourth year in a row.
Historical Result for Rookie Quarterback
The game was a historical result for 49ers’ rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who became the fourth quarterback drafted in the 6th round or later, or undrafted, to reach a Conference Championship in his 1st season as a starter. Purdy joins Dieter Brock (1985), Kurt Warner (1999), and Tom Brady (2001) in this elite group of quarterbacks.
Cowboys’ Playoff Drought Continues
On the other hand, the Cowboys’ playoff drought continues, having not reached the conference title game in 12 years, which is the longest streak of playoff appearances in NFL history without a conference title game appearance.
The game was a back-and-forth struggle for all 60 minutes, lacking the beauty of the playoff showdowns between the Cowboys and 49ers in the 80’s and 90’s that featured Joe Montana, Steve Young, Roger Craig, and Jerry Rice on one side and Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin on the other.
Defense Key to Victory
The 49ers’ defense was the key to the win, forcing two interceptions by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and turning them into field goals. The defense also limited the Cowboys to just 64 yards rushing and sacked Prescott four times.
Two Interceptions by Prescott Proves Costly
Prescott was looking for Michael Gallup on a comeback route on third-and-long, but 49ers’ Deommodore Lenoir jumped the route and picked it off. The interception by the 49ers set them up with good field position at the Dallas 21-yard line, but the Cowboys defense put pressure on Brock Purdy throughout the drive and was able to hold the 49ers to a field goal. After the 49ers scored, Dallas responded by marching down the field on a 14-play drive, covering 74 yards and scoring a touchdown, with tight end Dalton Schultz catching a play-action pass from Dak Prescott in the end zone. However, Cowboys kicker Brett Maher had his extra point blocked, which proved to be costly.
Mistake by Cowboys Safety Turns Tide
A crucial error by Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson allowed the 49ers to take the lead. Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch had combined to sack Purdy on a crucial 3rd and 8 on the Dallas 20 yard line, but Wilson’s interference on 49ers tight end George Kittle nullified the sack and three plays later 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey scored the go-ahead touchdown. This mistake nullified the sack and three plays later, San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey was in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. This marked eight consecutive games for McCaffrey with a touchdown, which is the longest streak of the Pro Bowler’s career. He has 12 touchdowns in 12 games as the 49ers’ starting running back since Week 8, all wins for the 49ers.
49ers Add Another Field Goal
The 49ers tacked on another field goal later in the fourth quarter to secure the 19-12 win. The Cowboys’ offense couldn’t get anything going in the second half and the 49ers’ defense continued to make plays and keep the Cowboys out of the end zone.
49ers to Face Winner of Packers vs Saints
The 49ers will now face the winner of the game between the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers will look to continue their impressive defensive play and continue to ride the hot hand of McCaffrey in order to advance to the Super Bowl.
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 19-12 in a hard-fought divisional round playoff game, thanks to the great performance of their defense and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy. With this win, the 49ers will advance to the NFC Championship Game for the fourth year in a row and will face the winner of the game between the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys’ playoff drought continues, having not reached the conference title game in 12 years, which is the longest streak of playoff appearances in NFL history without a conference title game appearance.
