Niners Nation
A number of 49ers stars had strong performances in a must-win game over the Cowboys.
The San Francisco 49ers took care of business on Sunday Night against the Dallas Cowboys with a 30-24 win, which was more tense than it needed to be at times. The team is back to .500 and heading into their bye week, hoping for reinforcements and a possible trade acquisition to push the team down the stretch.
Let’s hand out two game balls on offense and defense with someone who flew under the radar on each side.
Offense - George Kittle
This is an easy one, and Kittle continues to dominate Dallas with another big game on Sunday night. In his last three meetings with Dallas, Kittle has 14 receptions, 290 yards, and four touchdowns, which includes 95 yards on five receptions in the divisional round of 2023. When the lights are on, Kittle shines the brightest, but his clear disdain and respect for the 49ers/Cowboys history pushes him to succeed against Dallas.
Through eight weeks, Kittle is the overall offensive MVP. If his production continues, Kittle will become a first-team All-Pro in 2024. Keep in mind that Kittle has missed a game this season. At 31, there is no slowing down for the all-world tight end. Six receptions and 128 yards were good for 21.3 yards per reception, and his season high in yards after setting his previous season high the week before. Nothing is stopping Kittle this season. Throw him the ball more.
Under the radar Offensive Player - Ricky Pearsall
The 49ers first-round pick had his best day as a professional, with four catches for 38 yards and a rush for 39 yards. Pearsall will step into an expanded role with the injury to Brandon Aiyuk and can only benefit from the bye week and additional reps to acclimate himself. With all the reinforcements returning, Pearsall’s development has slipped through the cracks when discussing the team’s chances and potential. Early returns have been encouraging.
Defense - Deommodore Lenoir
Statistics should tell one piece of the story, and confirm what you saw with your eyes. Case in point, Deommodore Lenoir was dinged with 105 yards on 12 targets for seven receptions. Bad game, right? Not so fast. Lenoir is by far the team’s best cornerback in 2024 and intercepted Dak Prescott again on Sunday.
Lenoir ranks 20th in the NFL, ahead of Trent McDuffie, in coverage grade, according to PFF. Lenoir has four PBUs, two interceptions, and has allowed a 63.4 passer rating on 291 coverage snaps. The player nicknamed the “hyena” has lived up to that name and led this secondary with attitude and play on the field.
Under the radar Defensive Player - Sam Okuayinonu
Sammy O last played with the Tennesee Titans in 2022 and amassed four total pressures, one sack, and three QB hurries on 65 pass-rushing snaps. Fast forward to 2024 and it appears the 49ers have “found money” with Okuayinonu as he’s totaled 15 total pressures, three...
