The 1-0 Eagles are back in front of a packed Lincoln Financial Field to host the 1-0 San Francisco 49ers! Fans have been anticipating this moment for well over a year and it’s finally here. The Linc is going to be rocking especially given last week’s thrashing of Atlanta.
Offensive Outlook:
The Eagles are coming off a win in which they were very balanced and methodical. Nick Sirianni can’t get away from the run game, but if the Eagles have success on offense it will be through the air.
San Francisco is stout up front. Their defensive line possesses the likes of Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, and Javon Kinlaw. Fred Warner is also maybe the best linebacker in football. Those guys are going to make it very difficult to run the ball with success.
The 49ers lost their best cornerback, Jason Verrett last week and will also be without their second best Cornerback, Emmanuel Moseley. Their secondary was sub par to begin with but is now banged up as well. Jalen Hurts and company must take advantage of this. If the Eagles can indeed take charge with a high flying passing attack, that will open up the entire field. The second that the 49ers come out with an extra defensive back to help accommodate, then it’s time for the Birds to run the ball down their throats to keep the game plan balanced. It is important that they don’t start looking for the big play too often. Even if it might be there, they still need to run the ball and take what is given to them on shorter routes.
If played right, expect the Eagles to have another successful day on offense.
Defensive Outlook:
This is where the Eagles need to be concerned. San Francisco’s head coach, Kyle Shanahan has the best running scheme in the NFL. The Eagles run defense was very bad in the first half of last week’s game. The defensive line got better as the game progressed, but the linebackers still have yet to show that they can be trusted. This game largely depends on how well the 49ers run the ball – which will most likely be very well. Shanahan’s scheme is incredible, but their talent up front is no joke. Not only does their offensive line have big names like Trent Williams, Alex Mack, and Mike McGlinchey, but Kyle Juszczyk and George Kittle are two of the best blockers in the league at their respective positions. The Eagles defensive front is going to be put to the test today.
The pass defense will also be put to the test. There are questions about second year wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, but Deebo Samuel is one of the most underrated in the league. Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox will have their hands full with him today. Lastly, George Kittle. The man is a matchup nightmare and no one on this team can cover him. It will be interesting to see what Jonathan Gannon draws up to defend him, but odds are Kittle will have a big day.
Final Verdict:
The Eagles and 49ers are built very similarly to each other – Strong offensive lines, multiple talented running backs, dominant tight end groups, and stout front sevens with question marks in the secondary. Even Jalen Hurts and Jimmy Garoppolo have very similar games. Considering the talented offensive minds and injuries in the secondary that both teams have, there should be an offensive showdown at the Linc today. The Eagles will move the ball well, but San Francisco will likely have a better grasp on the game. Their success on the ground will keep Kyle Shanahan in control and George Kittle is an x-factor that will probably be too much for the Eagles to handle. However, this is anyone’s game. It will certainly be up for grabs and should be close until the final whistle.
Score Prediction:
Eagles 28, 49ers 34
Offensive Player of the Game Prediction:
Dallas Goedert
Defensive Player of the Game Prediction:
Brandon Graham
Philadelphia Sports Chronicle 