Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The 49ers have to be mostly happy with their performance through the first quarter of their game against the Cowboys. A few observations:
- The Cowboys still resemble a front-running team. The 49ers hit 'em in the mouth early and the Cowboys didn't seem into the game.
- Vernon Davis continues to emerge in a positive way for San Francisco. The 49ers found him deep for a 47-yard reception. This is a hugely positive development for the 49ers. Davis entered this game having caught scoring passes in consecutive games. He is now relevant as a receiver.
- Referee Mike Carey and crew appeared to miss a routine pass-interference call near the goal line, forcing the 49ers to settle for a field goal when a touchdown would have meant so much more. This wasn't one of those tough calls officials might miss from time to time. Unless the ball was tipped and I missed it, this was about as blatant as pass interference can get.
- Tony Romo gives the Cowboys a chance to overcome a rough start. The way he bought time before finding Terrell Owens for the long touchdown reception showed what Romo offers the offense. Having Romo in the game for Dallas reduces the 49ers' margin for error. Owens did run into Nate Clements partway through the route, a key to getting open, but the contact seemed incidental.
The 49ers are still hanging tough in this game but the Cowboys have regained their balance. I don't see San Francisco's pass protection holding up if the 49ers have to play from behind.
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
