49ers extend Cowboys’ title drought

The 49ers did business as usual in each of their previous divisional round meetings and were a winning defensive machine. On Sunday against Dallas they continued their rise and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, winning by a score of 19-12.

It’s a historic result as rookie Brock Purdy will now become the fourth quarterback selected in the sixth round in the draft to win a Conference Championship in his first season as a starter, joining Dieter Brock (1985), Kurt Warner ( 1999) and Tom Brady (2001). On the other hand, the Cowboys have the longest streak of playoff appearances in NFL history without an appearance in the conference title game for the 12th time.

The reason the 49ers ended the Cowboys’ season on Sunday is because of their defense. San Francisco forced two interceptions from Dak Prescott, and their offense converted both to critical field goals in a game they won by just seven points. As the pressure mounted over no points to pull San Francisco significantly away, Prescott and the Cowboys ran out of time or comebacks.

Going 19 of 29 passing for 214 yards and no turnovers, San Francisco was just enough in scoring and total defense to fend off a depleted Cowboys offense.

The 49ers are looking to reach the Super Bowl for the second time in four seasons. To do that, they’ll have to beat Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, something that’s only happened once with Hurts in the lineup. The upcoming NFC Championship Game will be only the second playoff matchup between the two franchises all-time. The 49ers won the only previous meeting 14-0 in the 1996 wild card round with Hall of Famers Steve Young and Jerry Rice.

Once again, Dallas will start its offseason several weeks earlier than expected. Running back, tight end, linebacker and defense will all be key areas for the Cowboys to address with running back Tony Pollard, tight end Dalton Schultz, cornerback Anthony Brown and safety Donovan Wilson all set to become free agents.

deportes@eleconomista.mx