49ers hold off Cowboys: Rapid reactions

The San Francisco 49ers entered the fourth quarter of Sunday night's game with a double-digit lead. What could possibly go wrong? Right?

The 49ers were down at the half but dominated the third quarter and took a big lead into the fourth quarter. Then they started getting sloppy like they were in the first half, and almost let the Dallas Cowboys pull off a big comeback win. Fortunately, the 49ers held on and won the game 30-24.


Here are my rapid reactions to Sunday's game. Keep in mind that these are my live observations as the game unfolded. That's why you may read contradictory statements, such as "The 49ers look terrible" and later, "The 49ers look amazing." It's organic.

And the 49ers were both terrible and amazing last night. Let's take a look.

• 49ers defense with a great first series. I'm not sure what Dallas was thinking running the fullback on 3rd and 5. But I'm glad they did.
• Jacob Cowing is fearless. There was no fair catch on his first punt return, even with a guy in his face. He should play on offense more.
• Deebo Samuel seems to be ok. Huge catch and run on the first drive.
• Penalties are already a problem for the 49ers offense. Kristin Juszczyk's husband (Kyle) was one of the culprits. Although, that may have been a bad call.
• Anders Carlson can hit those 50-yard field goals. The question is, can he make his PATs, too?
• Someone tell Carlson to stop kicking the ball to Kavontae Turpin. That guy is really good—and fast.
• Nick Bosa with the pressure and Ji'Ayir Brown with the pick. I'll take it.

• Jordan Mason is hurt and the 49ers are dangerously thin at running back. You may have heard that running backs get hurt a lot.
• Brock Purdy is off. Some of his throws are way off.
• Evan Anderson, wearing that guardian cap, makes me think of Techmo Super Bowl. Or better yet, Super Mario Brothers.
• Fred Warner was a beast in the first quarter. That's not anything new.
• Third down continues to be a problem for the 49ers—on both sides of the ball.
• At least Bosa came to play.

• There are still too many missed tackles.
• What happened to Charvarius Ward? He has not been good this season.
• I know Nick Sorensen is new at this, but he should consider having someone guard CeeDee Lamb.
• Eric Saubert is my new least favorite 49ers player. Ronnie Bell should be happy about that. Saubert's holding penalty took away a huge Samuel touchdown.

• Ricky Pearsall is having a nice first half.

• Purdy still isn't right. I'm not sure what's going on with him. He's not usually this inaccurate.
• Malik Mustapha can play. I feel like I write this every week. One play after breaking up a pass in the end zone, he makes a big tackle on third down.
• Isaac Guerendo is dangerous in the open field. And he keeps getting better.

• The 49ers offense is so sloppy. From bad throws to penalties to dropped passes. They can't get out of their way.
• The defense is keeping them in the game. Good thing because the offense can't do anything.
• Pearsall needs to work on his blocking. But considering what he's been through, we can be patient with him.
• Can we get Cowing on the field with the offense? He can't be any worse than Chris Conley.
• Nice to see Guerendo score his first touchdown. And even nicer to see the offense get on track.

• George Kittle set up that touchdown. Happy National Tight End's Day.
• Brown is punishing people out there.
• Deommodre Lenoir is elite. I may have said this a few other times. What a play on that pick.

• Special teams has been better tonight. For once, they didn't cost the 49ers the game.
• The defense is fired up right now. Finally, so life and some fury with this team.
• 500 career catches for Kittle. He's amazing!

• Purdy is starting to look like himself.

• Samuel just isn't breaking tackles this season like he normally does.
• Purdy is one of the top rushers in this game. That wasn't the plan, but as long as they win and he survives, it works.
• Sam Okuayinonu has been a great pickup for the 49ers.

• Pearsall was moving on that big run. I'm so happy for him.

• Can no one cover Lamb?
• The 49ers clearly let off the gas. They almost blew another fourth-quarter lead. But this time, they held on.

Next up for the 49ers is the bye week. It's time for the 49ers to rest, recover, and regroup. If they can get back Christian McCaffrey, Dre Greenlaw, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Talanoa Hufanga, they have a chance to make a run.

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