49ers hold off Cowboys: Quick reactions

The San Francisco 49ers entered the fourth quarter of Sunday night's game with a double-digit lead. What could go wrong? Right?

The 49ers trailed at halftime but dominated the third quarter and took a big lead in the fourth quarter. Then, like in the first half, they got sloppy and almost gave the Dallas Cowboys a big comeback win. Luckily, the 49ers held on and won the game 30-24.

Here are my quick reactions to Sunday's game. Keep in mind that these are my live observations as the game progresses. This is why you may read contradictory statements like “The 49ers look terrible” and later, “The 49ers look fantastic.” It's organic.

And the 49ers were both terrible and great last night. Let's take a look.

• 49ers defense having a great first series. I'm not sure what Dallas was thinking using the fullback on the 3rd and 5 position. But I'm glad they did.
• Jacob Cowing is fearless. There was no fair catch on his first punt return, even with a guy in his face. He should play more on offense.
• Deebo Samuel seems fine. Huge catch-and-run on the first drive.
• Penalties are already a problem for the 49ers offense. Kristin Juszczyk's husband (Kyle) was one of the perpetrators. Although maybe that was a bad decision.
• Anders Carlson can make those 50-yard field goals. The question is, can he do his PATs too?
• Someone tell Carlson to stop kicking the ball to Kavontae Turpin. The guy is really good – and fast.
• Nick Bosa with the pressure and Ji'Ayir Brown with the pick. I'll take it.

• Jordan Mason is injured and the 49ers are dangerously short at running back. You may have heard that running backs get injured a lot.
• Brock Purdy is gone. Some of his throws are way off.
• Evan Anderson wearing this Guardians hat reminds me of the Techmo Super Bowl. Or even better: Super Mario Brothers.
• Fred Warner was a beast in the first quarter. This is nothing new.
• Third down continues to be a problem for the 49ers – on both sides of the ball.
• At least Bosa got to play.

• There are still too many missed tackles.
• What happened to Charvarius Ward? He hasn't been good this season.
• I know Nick Sorensen is a newbie in this area, but he should consider having someone guard CeeDee Lamb.
• Eric Saubert is my new least favorite 49ers player. Ronnie Bell should be happy about that. Saubert's holding penalty negated a big touchdown for Samuel.

• Purdy is still not right. I'm not sure what's wrong with him. Normally he's not that inaccurate.
• Malik Mustapha can play. I feel like I write this every week. One play after breaking up a pass in the end zone, he makes a big tackle on third down.
• Isaac Guerendo is dangerous in the open field. And he's getting better and better.

• The 49ers offense is so sloppy. From missed throws to penalties to dropped passes. You can't avoid them.
• The defense keeps them in the game. Good thing, because the offensive can't achieve anything.
• Pearsall needs to work on his blocking. But considering what he's been through, we can be patient with him.
• Can we get Cowing on the field with the offense? He can't be worse than Chris Conley.
• Nice to see Guerendo score his first touchdown. And it's even nicer to see the offense getting on the right track.

• George Kittle set up this touchdown. Happy National Tight End Day.
• Brown is punishing people out there.
• Deommodre Lenoir is elite. I may have said this a few times. What a game with this choice.

• The special teams were better tonight. For once, they didn't cost the 49ers the game.
• The defense is in full swing right now. So finally life and some anger with this team.
• 500 career catches for Kittle. He is incredible!

• Purdy is starting to look like himself.

• Samuel just hasn't been able to break tackles like he normally does this season.
• Purdy is one of the best rushers in the game. That wasn't the plan, but as long as they win and he survives, it works.
• Sam Okuayinonu was a great reliever for the 49ers.

• Pearsall was on his way. I'm so happy for him.

• Can't anyone cover Lamb?
• The 49ers clearly let off the gas. They almost lost another lead in the fourth quarter. But this time they persevered.

Next up for the 49ers is the bye week. It's time for the 49ers to rest, recover and regroup. If they can get Christian McCaffrey, Dre Greenlaw, Yetur Gross-Matos and Talanoa Hufanga back, they have a chance at a breakthrough.