49ers rout Cowboys: Purdy shines, defense dominates

The San Francisco 49ers have won 15 regular season games in a row, after dominating the Dallas Cowboys 42-10 on Sunday night. The Cowboys' offense had been very efficient this season, and their defense was (allegedly) the best in the NFL. But the 49ers owned Dallas from the opening kickoff.

If there was any doubt about which team was the best in the NFL, the 49ers made their case as being among the cream of the NFL crop. It wasn't too long ago that this team was built on an outstanding defense that carried an inconsistent offense. But now, the offense is as good as the defense. And when both are humming, I'm not sure any team can beat them.

Here are my thoughts from the 49ers big win:

• Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense picked right up where they left off last week. Being dominant. They started early and didn't let up. I continue to be amazed by Purdy and this offense. Great game all the way around.
• Ambry Thomas has gone from making bad plays on defense to making bad plays on special teams. I will admit, though, that seeing Thomas on the field isn't as scary when you're up by 32.

• Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw should be illegal. They're so physical.

• Warner tried to win Defensive Player of the Year in this game alone. He was everywhere. The star linebacker had an interception, a forced fumble, a sack, and eight tackles.
• The defense started out strong and maintained their dominance even after the starters left the game—in the 3rd quarter.
• Jordan Mason's punishing style is back. He looked like he was playing against high school kids. He's really good. Elijah Mitchell better not stay out too long.
• Christian McCaffrey fumbled? I'm just not used to seeing him make a mistake.
• Spoiler alert: He would go on to make up for it.

• Kyle Shanahan went deep into his bag of tricks for that second touchdown. This offense is really fun to watch. People talk about how Shanahan makes Purdy look good. But you can also make the case that Purdy makes Shanahan look good. This is the best his offense has looked, and it's not just because of McCaffrey.

• Seeing those videos and images from "The Catch" game never gets old.
• George Kittle had been an afterthought this season, but he made his presence felt on Sunday night.

• Isaiah Oliver against fast receivers is terrifying. Oliver is physical, though, and he plays that way against bigger receivers. He had a good game, except for the touchdown he gave up.
• It seems like Brandon Aiyuk is always open. He's so smooth.
• I hope Aaron Banks doesn't miss much time. He's too valuable. That said, Jon Feliciano filled in admirably.
• Deebo Samuel bailed out Spencer Burford one play after the right guard was called for a holding penalty that negated a huge Aiyuk gain.

• Tashaun Gipson is playing at a really high level. Especially for a guy in his 70s.
• I was told the Dallas defense was the best in the NFL. I'm not sure if that's true, but whatever they are, Purdy dissected them, putting up 42 points.
• Deommodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward were really good in this game. Lenoir made the play on the ball that led to Warner's interception. Ward was with his man all night.
• The 49ers offense beat up the Cowboys defense. And the 49ers defense beat up the Cowboys offense. San Francisco is a bully on both sides of the ball, and it looked like the Cowboys quit.

• I was wrong about Oren Burks being just a special teamer. He's a legit linebacker.
• I guess Trey Lance didn't give his coaches the right intel.

• Ronnie Bell is a special teams star. And Mitch Wishnowsky isn't too bad, either.
• The two best things about the 49ers beating the Cowboys: First—improving to 5-0. Second—seeing Skip Bayless cry.

Next up for the 49ers is a trip to Cleveland. The Browns were off this week, so they should be rested and enjoy a slight advantage in having more time to prepare for the matchup with San Francisco.

The question is—will it matter?

• Marc Adams
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