The Dallas Cowboys are set to face their nemesis, the San Francisco 49ers, in Week 8, hoping to jumpstart their season with a win at Levi’s Stadium.
In their last matchup, coach Kyle Shanahan’s team dominated Dallas, securing a decisive 42-10 victory.
The 49ers have consistently demonstrated their ability to overwhelm the Cowboys with their physical play, having defeated them in three straight games.
Dallas has struggled to withstand that pressure, often wilting under the 49ers’ physicality.
Naturally, the Cowboys will be looking for redemption after those losses, right?
“You’re always motivated each and every week,” said Dallas coach Mike McCarthy, downplaying the idea of any “extra motivation.”
He added, “Probably the best game for us to watch is last year’s game. I think there’s a lot of carryover from the game … (But) what happened last year, two years ago, it really is irrelevant.
We need to improve in a number of different areas. That’s what we’re working on, and that’s what it’ll come down to Sunday night.”
With Dallas sitting at 3-3 and facing a tough schedule over the next month, the team needs to start racking up wins to salvage the season.
And what better way to inject energy and confidence into the team and its fans than by defeating a 49ers squad that seems vulnerable?
Of course, the mental aspect of this matchup is significant.
Given the injuries to key players like Micah Parsons (who is unlikely to play), DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandin Cooks, the 49ers might not be too worried about the Cowboys. But is that true for Dallas?
McCarthy may insist there’s no extra motivation to win on Sunday night, but this game feels like a pivotal moment for the Cowboys.
Facing their bogeyman team on the road, with the season hanging in the balance, provides ample motivation to secure a much-needed victory.
Remember the “Bleep Dallas” T-shirt that George Kittle flaunted after the 49ers’ commanding win last season?
He even hinted at wearing it again. The 49ers have offered plenty of motivation, and while McCarthy wants to keep the team focused, maybe Dallas would be wise to embrace that extra edge.
