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As we gear up for Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to silence many folks who still doubt them despite a 3-1 start.
They ride into San Clara to take on the team many consider the best in football, the 49ers.
A lot will be needed to win this game, but it's time for us to start talking about why the Cowboys should increase the workload of rookie Hunter Luepke.
It sounds like Rico Dowdle will be able to play Sunday without any restrictions after his injury against the Patriots, but I still think this leaves the door open for Luepke to see his first expended time this season.
Let's be honest.
The defensive line of the 49ers is just too strong and powerful for Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis.
Hunter Luepke with the nasty lead block for Rico to get that first down.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 1, 2023
Luepke is 6'1, and around 240 pounds, the biggest back on the team.
How might he be used?
If given the chance, Luepke might help Terence Steele try and contain Nick Bosa coming off the edge when Tony Pollard is not in the game.
I would also get him involved in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Hunter Luepke's first career TD
@HunterLuepke
: #NEvsDAL on FOX⁰
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/p5AQcegsHI
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
This team from 20-20 is the best offense in football.
They just can't punch it in for 7. Most of the time. At least the drives are ending in points.
Luckily, even with three or by the defense, they have been scoring enough that they don't need them.
Sunday, they are going to need seven.
The 49ers are going to score with Christian McCaffery.
We have yet to see enough of Davis this year to trust him.
Do you really expect the smaller player on the team to try and pass block against the best defense in football?
Vaughn was beat up last week trying to do so against the Pats; he just isn't ready for that right now.
Luepke may not be the most skilled runner or even catching the football. Does anyone remember what he did against the Raiders in the preseason?
Yes, I don't care if it was the preseason.
He was able to rack up over 110 total yards and a touchdown on 15 carries with five catches.
So, this is the perfect time to give him the chance.
The funny thing is that Dowdle and Luepke have played the same amount of snaps, 44.
It may not look like it simply because we see more of Rico early in the game.
Honestly, I was shocked that they have played the same amount of snaps.
Some other great news that we found out on Thursday is that for the first time since 2021, the entire starting offensive line is in line to start on Sunday!
Tyler and Tryon Smith, Zack Martin, Tyler Biadasz, and Terence Steele.
Update: Cowboys expect to have their starting offensive line together for first time Sunday since the 2021 season. They are preparing to face 49ers with combination of LT Tyron Smith, LG Tyler Smith, C Tyler Biadasz, RG Zack Martin and RT Terence Steele. https://t.co/7XVRo2lyPa
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 5, 2023
This could not have come at a more perfect time.
The biggest game of the year thus far, and one that they are going to need every single one of these boys for!
Against the 49ers defensive line, but this is the best news we have gotten all week.
It's almost game time, let's go boys.
More must-reads:
- AFC's hottest seats: Which veterans face the most intense scrutiny?
- Titans put Treylon Burks on notice with latest free-agent addition
- The 'NFL MVP runners-up' quiz
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