Kyle Shanahan: Cowboys’ speed on defense makes them a huge challenge

The game of the week for Week 5 happens on Sunday night. Beyond renewing one of the great rivalries of the past 40 years, Cowboys-49ers puts two of the best teams in the NFL on the field. The outcome could decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC.On Monday, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was asked to explain what makes the Cowboys such a big challenge."Just how their pass rush - how fast they play," Shanahan told reporters. "[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. 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."Shanahan is fully aware of the significance of the game. He embraces it."I'm a fan of football first, growing up and everything and still am now,"...