Cowboys at 49ers
THE STORY: Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett insists that error-prone quarterback Tony Romo is resilient. The Cowboys certainly hope that’s the case. Romo will try to rebound from a historic meltdown Sunday when the banged-up Cowboys visit the San Francisco 49ers. Romo committed two critical turnovers that led to Dallas squandering a 14-point fourth-quarter lead for the first time in franchise history last Sunday against the New York Jets. The 49ers are seeking their first 2-0 start since 2007 after opening the Jim Harbaugh Era with a 33-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
TV: FOX, 4:05 pm. ET. LINE: Cowboys -3 O/U 42.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-0): Harbaugh’s arrival has marked the return of the West Coast offense to its place of origin - and it seems like a good fit for the much-maligned Alex Smith. Smith completed 15 of 20 passes for 124 yards, but best of all, he didn’t turn the ball over. Smith also showed grit with a 1-yard touchdown run in which he spun into the end zone. The offense is still a work in progress, though. San Francisco totaled just 209 yards and went 1-for-12 on third down conversions.
ABOUT THE COWBOYS (0-1): Romo threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns against perhaps the best secondary in football, but also had a critical fumble in the red zone and an inexplicable interception that set up the game-winning field goal. First-year coordinator Rob Ryan’s defense was impressive against New York until injuries hit. CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle) is out two to four weeks and CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder, neck) was in-and-out of the game. WR Dez Bryant (quad) also was banged up, but is expected to play. CB Terence Newman (groin) missed the opener and his status is still in question.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. “One thing I’ve known about him is he has a great resiliency about him.” – Garrett on Romo.
2. Ted Ginn Jr. became the 12th player in NFL history to return a kickoff and punt for touchdowns in the same game.
3. Dallas had been 246-0-1 when leading by 14 points or more in the fourth quarter.