Golden Nuggets: The Road Starts At Big D

It's finally upon us. With all the controversies, injuries, and other news out there, this Sunday marks the start of the 49ers regular season. And starting it in Dallas couldn't be a better place. The road to the Super Bowl starts at Jerry Jones' home.

The game on Sunday has many storylines for the Niners and most start on the defensive side of the ball. The defense will be without Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman. But will they also be without Ray McDonald? This decision would most likely come from the team rather than the league. The NFL will probably wait to find out exact details of the incident at McDonald's house before making the suspension. Based on what Jim Harbaugh has said, I believe Ray McDonald will play this weekend. He wants the legal system to do its job to find out what happened. If he is out this weekend, the defense will have a different look compared to the unit last year. And they will face a stiff test from Romo and the potent Dallas offense.

While I think the defense could hold Dallas for awhile, the offense will have to put up touchdowns against this terrible Dallas defense. The Cowboys defense from last year was last in most major categories. Even with a bad preseason from the starting Niners offense, I expect them to score 24+ points this Sunday. Dallas could not stop any offense last year and the Niners offense has talent across the board. The running game should have a field day and Kap couldn't pick a better team to catch a rhythm against than this Dallas secondary.

The journey begins. Let it be a great one.

49ers Links

I'm excited to see if Ellington or LMJ is actually returning Sunday | Ellington: Unofficial Returner (Maiocco)

Niners/Cowboys Preview (49ers Video)

Victim Had Visible Injuries: SJ Police (Maiocco)

This team could start a new legacy for Levi's. Make it a great one | New Stadium, New Legacy (Kawakami)

Vernon: "I didn't see anything" (Maiocco)

Do Fans Enable Niners' Bad Behavior? (Purdy)

Would be nice to see, but it may be too soon | Boone Believes He Can Play Opener (Maiocco)

Ellington, Skuta Listed As Starters (Inman)

Niners Have Been In Contact With The NFL (Maiocco)

Remember everyone: Innocent till proven guilty. Sometimes we forget | Baalke: There's Due Process (Biderman)

Players Saying Nothing About What Happened At Ray's House (Barrows)

The 1st 2 games are against potent offenses. Big tests | Biggest Test For Niners Defense (Williams)

A Number Of Players Were At McDonald's Party (Gutierrez)

New Identity (Biderman)

All eyes are on him. Football and non-football fans want to see what happens | Worst Time For Ray McDonald (Ratto)

Roles Still Up In The Air (Maiocco)

I say he plays. But pressure may force the Niners to sit him | McDonald's Status For Sunday Unknown (Inman)

Team Restructed McDonald's Contract Before Arrest (Maiocco)

Why Is Ray McDonald Practicing? (Lynch)

Locker Room Observations (49ers Staff)

The way it should be. It should never be tolerated | Harbaugh: Domestic Violence Will Not Be Tolerated (Maiocco)

Boone Hopes To Play In Dallas (Kroichick)

Power Ranking: #4 (Gutierrez)

Good to see a veteran special team player back on the team | Team Signs Osgood, Place Dorsey On IR (Maiocco)

Bethea: Cowboy's Passing Game (49ers Video)