Kyle Shanahan says Cowboys defensive speed makes them a challenge

This week will see to NFC powers clash when the Dallas Cowboys take on the San Francisco 49ers in a classic rivalry game. For 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, a win would be huge in his attempt to lead San Francisco to home field advantage in the playoffs.

Going into that game, Shanahan pointed to Dallas’ speed on the defensive side of the ball as a huge part of what makes them tough to play.

“Just how their pass rush — how fast they play,” Kyle Shanahan said. “[Defensive coordinator] Dan Quinn is as good as anyone at the D-line. Just in general, I think one of the biggest tests for every team in the NFL is how much better you get each game because the lack of practice [that offensive linemen] get in the offseason compared to what it takes to be ready, it’s just not enough. No one’s ever there in Week 1, especially up front. Run blocking, pass blocking, you need a lot more reps of that to get better as a unit.”

Through four games this season, the Cowboys are only allowing 10.25 points per game. That includes a shout-out against the Giants and only allowing three points to the Patriots last week.

“That’s why it’s so important that in these games, the more games you can stay healthy and the more games you can play together, usually you get better throughout the year.”

Even this early in the season, Kyle Shanahan knows that there are huge implications attached to this game. Being a fan of the game only makes Shanahan love this type of game anymore.

“I’m a fan of football first, growing up and everything and still am now. So anytime there’s big matchups and stuff, especially for the night games, that’s what’s great for our league and there’s nothing more fun than being a part of it as a player or a coach. These are like kind of the games you live for and you enjoy,” Shanahan said.

“But it’s a whole week to get there, big preparation. It’s still going to be the same type of game as always, just starts a little bit later and it’s still just going to be as long. But I know people will be amped up. I love it when the rest of the league gets to watch you. When it’s on national TV, it’s great for all the fans and stuff, but it’s really cool that usually the players and everything and coaches are home by the end of the day and they get to see that game too. I know that’s what we enjoy the most.”

Despite how big of a game this is, and the fact that San Francisco had extra time to prepare for the game, Kyle Shanahan doesn’t like to try and prepare early.

“You get to see a little crossover, so some of that goes, but you never prepare,” Shanahan said. “I really never prepare the week before. It takes away from the week that you’re at and there’s always time to get it done. We just finished up with our players with Arizona and once I’m done with you guys, it’ll be a hundred percent committed to that until that game’s over.”

Dak Prescott thanks reporter for pi--ing him off ahead of rivalry game vs 49ers

Ahead of the Dallas Cowboys’ game against the San Francisco 49ers, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott thanked reporters for pi--ing him off ahead of the game. This came after he was asked about the team’s motivation.

“It’s obvious,” Prescott said. “I mean, we’re so far past that, to be honest with you, that’s obvious. You just want to pi-- me off going into this week, and I appreciate that. I do actually. I do. I appreciate that. I appreciate that.”