NFC Game Of The Week
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
49ers: I know they faced the Lions in week one and that’s an easy game for most opponents. However, the 49ers almost gave me a heart attack with the way that game ended. Jimmy Garoppolo completed a pass to Deebo Samuel, then, he gets the first down and fumbles the football giving Detroit new life. Luckily, San Francisco was able to hold on. Now, before the scare, I liked what I saw from them. First, health is so crucial. Half of the guys who played on Sunday missed a large chunk of last year. Nick Bosa came back from his torn ACL, Jimmy G was in an out the line up with injuries and George Kittle missed time with a lingering foot issue. People truly underestimate how important George is to this football team. He’s their heart and soul and the “salsa” to this offense. Of course, he’s dynamic with the ball in his hands. It’s the contributions he makes in the running game. He’s the best blocking tight end in the league and it’s not even close. Nick Bosa is the “Aaron Donald” of this defense and I’ll further explain. He’s the one guy they build around and he’s their best defensive player. Remember, the 49ers won the NFC a few years ago with a healthy roster. They’ll look for a 2-0 start with a trip to the east coast on Sunday.
Eagles: I saw more effort and consistency from them in one game alone than I did in 2020 all season put together. Remember how badly their offensive line played a year ago? I didn’t see many lapses up front in Atlanta in week one. All eyes were on Jalen Hurts as he was the opening day starting quarterback for the Eagles. He looked great! Jalen completed 27 of his 35 pass attempts for 264 yards and three touchdown passes. DeVonta Smith also made his presence felt when he scored his first touchdown of his NFL career. After watching that game, I said one thing to myself. Doug Pederson had to go. I still remember some Eagles critizizing new head coach Nick Sirianni and all I can say back then is calm down, the man has yet to coach in a game. Let him do something before you bash the man. Sunday in Atlanta was one of the more complete games the Eagles put together in about two or three years. I love what I saw from their defense because they were active, they violently attacked the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football and the Eagles applied continuous amounts of pressure on Matt Ryan. I feel as though they need to tighten a few things in the secondary. They’re home for their opener on Sunday afternoon.
49ers X-Factor: Deebo Samuel– He’s their most important wide receiver. His presence on the field alone just makes a difference. Deebo does so much for this 49ers offense. They incorporate him on so many plays such as the jet sweeps, screen passes and he’s a mismatch in one on one coverage. Jimmy can use his play action then find Deebo over the middle of the field. In space with the ball in his hands, he can move with the best of them.
Eagles X-Factor: Javon Hargrave– If this Eagles defensive line can play how they did in Atlanta, it’ll be a good year for them. Javon had two sacks in that opening win against the Falcons. His first step from the interior of the defensive line is quick, yet explosive. He’s great against the run and will get to the quarterback as well. I look for him to give the San Francisco offensive line some fits.
Final Thoughts: Both of these teams got wins in completely different ways. The Eagles were dominant from the first whistle to the last while San Francisco had a 28-point lead and saw it get blown. Kyle Shanahan and the number 28 don’t get along, do they? This is a stronger team the Eagles will see in week two than they saw in the Falcons. Bottling up the run and making the 49ers a passing team is the first thing I’d do if I’m Philly. When the 49ers run the ball, they keep at it until you stop them. Lane Johnson and Nick Bosa should be a fun battle to watch. San Francisco can’t give up a lead like they did in week one. Start strong and keep your foot on the gas pedal when you have a lead. Getting complacent will hurt you.
Prediction: 49ers 27 Eagles 24
