The Eagles (10-1) will host the 49ers (8-3) on Sunday afternoon in a rematch of the NFC Championship Game.
This matchup is all about the Philadelphia defense, and their ability to handle, and contain the San Francisco offense.
Dating back to Week 4, Haason Reddick is tied for fourth in the NFL with 15 QB hits, 46 pressures and he’s tied for sixth in the NFL with 8.5 sacks. Josh Sweat has produced the 4th-most pressures (59) in the league, behind Micah Parsons (71), Nick Bosa (66) and Josh Allen (65).
With kickoff fast approaching, here are several critical keys for the Eagles defense.
Have a plan for motion offense
The 49ers run pre-snap motion on an astounding 80.6 percent of their plays, which ranks second in the NFL.
Philadelphia struggled to adjust in the Super Bowl and you can expect Kyle Shanahan’s group to play on the move early and often.
According to NexGenStats, the 49ers have gained 5,304 yards on the ground when they use motion, which is 848 yards more than the second-place team in the league, the Baltimore Ravens.
According to Next Gen Stats, 46.4 percent of Brock Purdy’s passes are thrown to “open” receivers (defined as at least 3 yards of separation), which ranks fifth amongst qualifying starting quarterbacks in the NFL. For Purdy, 22.6 percent are considered “wide open” (at least 5 yards of separation), which ranks 10th.
Sean Desai’s group has to adjust, communicate and make plays when the Niners are on the move.
Keep Brock Purdy in the pocket
Purdy is an elusive quarter and is among the best in the NFL at avoiding sacks. Philadelphia knocked Purdy out of the NFC Championship game and that play by Haason Reddick was made while the quarterback was inside the pocket.
The Eagles have to pressure Purdy and make sure he’s dropped in the pocket.
Contain Christian McCaffrey
The 49ers’ offense is fourth in points per game (28.2) and third in yards per game (386.1),and McCaffrey is a major reason why
In 11 games this season, McCaffrey has 1,328 scrimmage yards and 16 touchdowns.
The NFL’s top dual-threat, McCaffrey is averaging 2.0 yards after contact per attempt this season and Sean DeSai’s group will be forced to tackle efficiently.
Philadelphia will go as they coverage of McCaffrey goes.
Get off the field on 3rd down
The 49ers have an average time of possession of 31:48 in 2023, ranking 4th in the NFL (Cle. – 33:19; Phi. – 31:59; Det. – 31:55).
Philadelphia’s defense is 30th in the NFL on third downs and can’t allow San Francisco to sustain lengthy drives.
