The Birds get back to work this Sunday at 1pm in their home stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, against the 2-1 division leading San Francisco 49ers. Eagles fans, do not think this will be an easy game. Currently, it looks as if every game for the Eagles will be a battle to earn a W.
San Francisco’s two wins have been against sub-par teams, the Bengals and the Seahawks. The Eagles beat a mediocre team in the Rams. Besides being a home game, the Eagles have the advantage of facing inconsistent quarterback, Alex Smith. Alex Smith has been the brunt of criticism his entire NFL career.
San Francisco’s Jim Harbaugh is in his first year as an NFL head coach. He surprised many people when he decided to stick with Alex Smith. In Smith’s defense, he has had three different offensive coordinators in his young career. Learning different systems can be quite challenging. The 49ers have had early success. The NFC West is the weakest division in the NFL, so it is wide open as to who will represent the division in the playoffs.
Jim Harbough has three weapons on his offense that can gash the Eagles. 49ers running back, Frank Gore, has a sprain ankle and is listed as questionable. If he plays, Gore is a load to handle. He is very compact, listed at 5’9 217 lbs. Gore can break tackles and is a good receiver out of the back field.
San Francisco also has one of the best tight ends in the NFL, Vernon Davis. For some time, the Eagles have struggled covering tight ends. It seems week after week, opposing tight ends have big days. This week will probably be no different. The Birds will start second year safety, Nate Allen, as a measure to cover Davis. I am not sure if Allen is the answer.
The Eagles vaunted secondary has been surprisingly exposed the first three weeks. The defense has given up about 198 passing yards per game, 8th overall in the NFL. Step in, Michael Crabtree. Crabtree has had a frustrating season and is also listed questionable with a foot injury. If Crabtree gets the nod, he will be looking to make a big play.
The 49ers defense is above average. They are led by linebacker, Patrick Willis. He is an absolute beast, making plays all over the field. Running on the 49ers may present a challenge since they are only giving up 62.7 yards per game on the ground ranking 3rd overall in the NFL.
This gives Eagles coach Andy Reid a built in excuse to go pass heavy. Andy loves throwing the football. The 49ers are 16th overall in the NFL allowing 243.7 passing yards per game. Expect the Eagles pass to run ratio to be about 65:35.
On paper, especially with the 49ers being banged up, the Eagles should feel confident. Additionally, teams traveling from the west coast typically do not fair well after their cross country trip. Who knows? I do know now that there are no gimme games for the Birds. Every team is a challenge for the ‘Dream Team’.
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Alex Smith has had 3 HEAD COACHES, not coordinators. He has actually had a new coordinator for each year he has been in the NFL, seven. Just something you might wanna consider…
Alrighty. He still stinks. BTW, I looked, it’s 5 offensive coordinators. Guess what, it doesn’t matter………….it’s Alex Smith. Ya know, Aaron Rodgers was drafted after Smith, who was number 1 overall. Can you say bust?