49ers vs cowboys memes 2023

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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24-02-2025

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The 2023 NFL Wild Card game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys was a clash of titans, a battle for the ages, and, most importantly, a meme-generating machine. The game, filled with incredible plays, controversial calls, and plenty of drama, provided endless fodder for the internet's comedic geniuses. Let's dive into the best memes that emerged from this thrilling matchup.

The Brock Purdy Injury and the QB Carousel

The biggest storyline, and arguably the biggest meme generator, was the injury to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. His elbow injury early in the game sparked a whirlwind of quarterback changes, with Josh Johnson stepping in only to suffer his own injury. This led to the unforgettable sight of Mr. Irrelevant, seventh-round pick Brock Purdy, watching from the sidelines with an injured arm, as the 49ers' season rested on the shoulders of their third-string QB.

• Meme Highlight: Images of Purdy's pained expression alongside various memes about the 49ers' QB depth chart quickly went viral. Many joked about the team's injury luck and the sheer chaos of the situation. One popular meme showed a revolving door with Purdy, Johnson, and even coach Kyle Shanahan labeled as potential quarterbacks.

Dak Prescott's Performance

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a mixed bag of a game. While he had some impressive moments, he also had a few crucial mistakes that fueled the meme machine.

• Meme Highlight: Images of Prescott's facial expressions during both good and bad plays were heavily memed. His intense focus, combined with the high stakes of the game, provided endless meme potential. One popular meme juxtaposed a picture of him looking determined with a picture of him looking less than thrilled after a turnover.

The Controversial Calls

Officiating was a major talking point throughout the game, with several controversial calls impacting the flow of the game. These calls became a rich source of meme material.

• Meme Highlight: Many memes depicted the referees as confused or incompetent, highlighting the frustration felt by fans of both teams. Images of the key controversial plays were often paired with humorous captions expressing disbelief or outrage. One particularly popular meme showed a referee looking bewildered while surrounded by angry fans.

The Overall Chaos and Unpredictability

Beyond specific players and plays, the entire game was characterized by its unpredictable nature and sheer drama. This provided a vast canvas for meme creators.

• Meme Highlight: Memes reflecting the overall craziness of the game were widespread. Many used the format of popular meme templates to encapsulate the twists and turns of the game. "Drakeposting" memes were particularly effective in portraying the emotional roller coaster of the game for fans of both teams.

The Aftermath: Memes That Lingered

Even after the final whistle, the memes continued to flow. The unexpected loss for the 49ers and the Cowboys' advancement to the Divisional Round provided even more meme-worthy moments.

• Meme Highlight: "Crying Jordan" memes became prominent, especially amongst 49ers fans lamenting the injury-riddled season and the shocking loss. Meanwhile, Cowboys fans celebrated their victory with memes highlighting their team's resilience and the 49ers' misfortune.

The 49ers vs. Cowboys game provided a perfect storm of meme-worthy moments. From devastating injuries to controversial calls, the game was a captivating spectacle both on and off the field. The resulting memes serve as a testament to the enduring power of sports, humor, and the internet's collective creativity.