The San Francisco 49ers always went for all the Cowboys’ tricks during a bye week, and they faced one before the first play of the scrimmage. The Cowboys opened the game with cheating on the opening kickoff. A penalty followed on the play.

Dallas got one down first before Fred Warner stopped the Cowboys on 3rd and 5. Every time you get a three-and-out to start the game, the confidence level goes through the roof.

Ricky Pearsall caught the first pass of the game for the Niners and then was assessed an illegal procedure penalty on third down. That set up a 3rd and 6, and Kyle Shanahan made a gem of a call. Deebo Samuel lined up in the backfield, gestured to linebacker Eric Kendricks and ran right past him for a gain of 47 yards.

However, a holding penalty on Kyle Juszczyk prevented the offense from reaching the red zone, which meant an Anders Carlson field goal. Carlson’s kick was good from 50 yards out, giving the Niners a 3-0 lead.

The defense did not force a point on the ensuing possession. After they allowed two first downs, Nick Bosa hit Dak Prescott while he was throwing, and Ji’Ayir Brown executed the throw as if it was a punt for an interception.

The 49ers took over, leaning into their territory, but Jordan Mason was the first to get hurt. According to the broadcast, Mason said, “I’m fine,” so the hope was that the injury was not serious.

After a first down throw to George Kittle, Purdy missed Jacob Cowing on third down, leading to a punt.

On Dallas’ third drive, the 49ers drew two holding calls on one play. Fred Warner forced a fumble on 3rd and 10, but the Cowboys recovered it. A 12-yard run moved the chains to Dallas.