The San Francisco 49ers took care of business against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night with a 30-24 win, which at times was more exciting than it needed to be. The team is back at .500 and entering the bye week, hoping for reinforcements and a possible trade acquisition to help the team move forward.

Let’s give out two game balls for offense and defense, with someone on each side who flew under the radar.

Foul – George Kittle

This is an easy one and Kittle continues to dominate Dallas with another big game on Sunday night. In his last three meetings with Dallas, Kittle has 14 receptions, 290 yards and four touchdowns, including 95 yards on five receptions in the 2023 divisional round. When the lights are on, Kittle shines brightest, but his apparent disregard and respect for history of the 49ers/Cowboys forces him to succeed against Dallas.

Through eight weeks, Kittle is the overall offensive MVP. If his production continues, Kittle will be a first-team All-Pro in 2024. Keep in mind that Kittle has missed a game this season. At 31, there’s no slowing down for the tight end in the world. Six receptions and 128 yards were good for 21.3 yards per reception, and his season high in yards after setting his previous season high the week before. Nothing will stop Kittle this season. Throw him the ball more.

Under the radar attacking player – Ricky Pearsall

The 49ers’ first-round pick had his best day as a professional, with four catches for 38 yards and a rush for 39 yards. Pearsall will play a bigger role due to Brandon Aiyuk’s injury and can only benefit from the bye week and extra reps to acclimatize. With all the reinforcements returning, Pearsall’s development has slipped through the cracks when discussing the team’s chances and potential. The first returns were encouraging.

Defense – Deommodore Lenoir

Statistics should tell one piece of the story and confirm what you saw with your eyes. Example: Deommodore Lenoir gained 105 yards on 12 targets for seven receptions. Bad game, right? Not so fast. Lenoir is by far the team’s best cornerback in 2024, and Dak Prescott intercepted again on Sunday.

According to PFF, Lenoir ranks 20th in the NFL in coverage rating, ahead of Trent McDuffie. Lenoir has four PBUs, two interceptions and a 63.4 passer rating allowed on 291 coverage snaps. The player nicknamed “Hyena” lived up to that name and led this secondary with attitude and play on the field.

Under the radar defensive player – Sam Okuayinonu

Sammy O last played with the Tennesee Titans in 2022 and collected four total pressures, one sack and three QB hurries on 65 pass-rushing snaps. Fast forward to 2024, and it appears the 49ers have “found money” on Okuayinonu, as he has totaled 15 pressures, three sacks, three QB hits and nine hurries on 96 pass-rushing snaps.

Add in nine defensive stops and the 49ers have found a rotational defensive lineman who can disrupt games when given the opportunity. Another win for Kris Kocurek?