It’s here Eagles fans! Today’s the day. The Eagles will take on the 49ers on Sunday at 3 pm for a chance to head to the Super Bowl. While the game has broken ticket sales history, it feels like that is just the beginning of a historical night. Can the Eagles defend the home field? Or will the 49ers come in and extend their 12-game winning streak?
While the game is still several hours away, we figured that it would be best to give you our Eagles predictions from the Eagles team at Philly Sports Network. Here are our predictions:
Bryan Cameron
While both teams are evenly matched at nearly every position on the depth chart, I believe that the advantage will come down to whoever can take care of the ball and control the time of possession. The Eagles have struggled in games where they’ve turned the ball over and have allowed the other team to control the clock.
The Eagles’ defensive line will also be a huge factor. Philadelphia will need Haason Reddick to continue to wreak havoc against opposing offensive lines if they are to win. Purdy didn’t do so well throwing the ball under pressure against Dallas but Philly should be able to force him to make mistakes.
Eagles 24, 49ers 17
Colin Newby
I expect a bitter dogfight between two teams loaded with talent and few weaknesses on either roster. The Eagles need to avoid the type of untimely turnovers that have sunk them in their three losses and any game-breaking plays from the stacked arsenal of offensive weapons they’ll face. If they play with the right level of discipline, Jalen Hurts will be more equipped than Brock Purdy to lead a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter of a game fit for an NFL Films highlight reel 20 years down the road.
Eagles 23, 49ers 20
Nick Faria
Every fan and analyst wanted to see this matchup in the playoffs. Strength on strength, weakness on weakness, this game will come down to QB play and coaching. While Hurts gives Philly an edge, Kyle Shanahan’s brilliance should be enough to limit Brock Purdy’s inexperience.
49ers – 20, Eagles – 16
Chris Infante
Mr. Irrelevant vs Mr. MVP finalist
Purdy’s story is great. The last pick drafted to a team with an “offensive genius” and is enjoying the spoils of the roster. But every story has an end.
The #5 passing defense DVOA vs Hurts & the #1 passing DVOA vs Purdy.
The #1 adjusted sack rate (11.2% – PHI) vs an OL that has only allowed 31 sacks. However, the SF DL has a pedestrian 44 sacks (18.5 by one player) and is going up against Stoutland University.
Next Gen stats show that Purdy is consistently throwing short of the sticks and is relying on his playmakers to pick up the necessary YAC. Hurts doesn’t need that and is one of the, if not the best deep-ball thrower in 2022.
This game will come down to mistakes. If the Eagles’ DL can do what Dallas did and pressure Purdy, their secondary will finish the job (as opposed to Dallas). Kittle’s not doing that catch on Blankenship, Wallace, and Epps over the middle.
In the end, Hurts will be “giving you the best that I got” (Anita Baker shout-out) and will play in Arizona in two weeks.
Eagles 27, 49ers 13
Ethan Rappleye
This is by far, the best team the Eagles have faced all season. The 49ers’ defense might be the only one in the league that can compare to the Eagles. I think Jalen needs to excel as a passer this week. San Francisco had the number 1 rushing defense and their biggest weakness in defense is the back of their secondary, so that’s what the Eagles need to go after.
On the other side of the ball, I have a hard time seeing how the Eagles get beat by Brock Purdy. They have talent at the skill positions with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey, but they’re limited at quarterback. I think the Eagles’ offense does just enough to win and the defense is too much for Purdy to handle, as Philly wins a tight game and head to their 4th ever Super Bowl.
Eagles 24, 49ers 17
Liam Jenkins
The Eagles have an advantage here in two major areas – quarterback & defensive line. With the offensive front being so dominant, San Francisco will need an almighty effort to pressure Jalen Hurts consistently, especially given his rushing mobility. It’s also fair to say that Brock Purdy is not the athlete that Hurts is, and facing a DL that has amassed 70 sacks this season is bound to cause problems.
With a roaring home crowd, a stout defensive line and an MVP caliber QB, I don’t see the Eagles losing this game.
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AP Photo/Chris Szagola
