Dallas Cowboys over 49ers: Five Post-Game Takeaways

Following the Dallas Cowboys come from behind victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon, here are five of my post-game takeaways.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

On Sunday afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys come away with their third victory in a row, upping their season record to an impressive 3-1. Following their latest win, here are five of my takeaways from the game and the Cowboys season so far.

#1. Dak continues to impress

Fourth round rookie quarterback Dak Prescott appears to be the real deal. For those reserving judgement, Sundays’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers likely won you over.

Down 14 points in the first half, Prescott never appeared rattled. Instead, the 23-year old led the Cowboys down the field, like a seasoned veteran, tying the game by halftime. Dak’s poise continued into the second half, were Dallas was able to seal the game mostly on the ground.

Was Prescott perfect? No. At times he struggled with his accuracy, especially when he was forced out of the pocket. Throwing on the run is actually one of Dak’s best traits, but he was overthrowing receivers on Sunday. And there also seemed to be a couple miscommunications between him and running back Ezekiel Elliott.

But for the most part, Prescott was excellent. He completed 23 of his 32 throws for a career-high two touchdown passes through the air. Now, his biggest tests lay ahead as the Cowboys face the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers next.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates after making a first down conversion during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

#2. Ezekiel Elliott’s Comfort Level

It appears to me that Elliott is getting more and more comfortable running behind this Cowboys offensive line. He’s certainly running with more patience and moving with purpose. Those quiet whispers about Zeke not being special have all but disappeared after his last two performances.

Against the Chicago Bears, Elliott rushed for 140 yards averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Against the Niners on Sunday, he rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries. That’s a whopping 6.0 yards a carry. And honestly, we still haven’t seen a long, touchdown scoring run from the kid. The way Elliott has been growing from week-to-week, expect a monster game from him sometime soon.

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#3. Brice Butler is no Dez Bryant

With Bryant out due to injury, the 26-year old speedy receiver was tasked to fill his shoes. Although Butler did record five catches for 41 yards and a score, he made two mistakes that nearly cost the Cowboys the game.

Early in the fourth quarter, Butler made an impressive, leaping catch for a nine-yard game on first down at the Cowboys own 31-yard line. Instead of simply dropping the ball or handing it to an official, Brice flicked the ball while saying something to Niners cornerback Rashard Robinson.

That undisciplined, borderline arrogant action got Butler and the Cowboys a 15-yard taunting penalty. Two plays later, the back-up receiver would drop a pass on third down to end the drive. You simply expect more from a veteran who has been in the league for four years.

Then, late in the fourth quarter, Butler dropped a touchdown pass on third down and goal that could have put the game out of reach. Instead, Dallas had to settle for a field goal, which keep it a one-score game.

I think what this contest highlighted most for Butler is his lack of polish as a pro wide receiver. Although his physical tools are outstanding, he’s still has a lot of work to do before he can be relied upon consistently.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) intercepts the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

#4. When should I start to worry about Dan Bailey?

On Sunday, the Cowboys most consistent offensive weapon missed his second field goal of the relatively new season and very nearly missed an extra point. Last year, Bailey missed two field goals…all season! And he’s never missed a single extra point attempt in his entire six-year career.

Look, no one is hitting the panic button here. And the field at Levi’s Stadium is notoriously bad for kickers. Still, for the most consistent kicker in the NFL history to miss two fields (both from 47-yards each) in back-to-back games has to at least raise some eyebrows.

#5. Morris Claiborne looks like a different player

Likely healthy for the first time in his stint with the Dallas Cowboys, former first round draft bust Morris Claiborne is finally starting to live up to his 2012 draft status. On Sunday, Mo recorded seven total tackles and recorded his first interception in over two years! This following his best training camp ever. It appears the former LSU ballhawk has finally turned a corner (excuse the pun).

When the Cowboys refused to pick up the fifth-year option on Claiborne’s rookie contract last year, it caused the former sixth overall pick to become a free agent this offseason. Instead of testing the waters in the open market, the 26-year old corner decided to sign a one-year, $3 million deal to stay in Dallas. And that decisions has paid off for both parties, as Claiborne has been the Cowboys best cornerback, bar none, all year.

If Claiborne can continue this level of play and, most importantly, stay healthy all season long, he should be looking at a rather large payday at the end of the year.