After a thrilling week 1 in which the Eagles had a commanding blowout victory over the Atlanta Falcons, they now travel back home to face Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers. The team seems to be riding high with both sides of the ball exceeding expectations last Sunday, but can this translate to better teams than the Falcons? Week 2 will continue to test the resolve of this Eagles squad, and in this preview, we’ll go over each position group of both teams to see how they match up against each other.
Quarterback
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has taken yet another step in his journey to become a franchise QB in the NFL with an incredibly strong Week 1 showing against the Falcons. With Hurts on the upswing, it’s going to be a major sign on whether he can continue to produce against a historically strong 49ers defense, even though they have some notable deficiencies that were made apparent in week 1. Hurts is still far from a sure thing, not showing much in week 1 when it came to pushing the ball down the field (not that he ever needed to), but at least demonstrated he can take what the defense gives him along with making high level throws when needed.
The 49ers have a unique situation at QB, but all signs point to Jimmy Garropolo being the full-time starter. The 29-year-old has always been regarded as a solid QB who has had a hard time staying healthy, but it could be argued that’s underrating him a bit. Jimmy G led his team to a Super Bowl just two years ago and played extremely well while doing it, and it can’t be discounted how well the 49ers seem to do when he’s on the field. Rookie Trey Lance has been drafted as the successor to Garoppolo, but he only seems to see the field on certain packages or designed runs. Lance is something to keep in mind, but the X factor of this game for the 9ers is Jimmy G. I hate to continue underestimating Hurts like I did last week against the Falcons, but due to the fact we have seen Garroplo produce at a higher level for a longer period of time, QB goes to the 49ers. (Don’t disregard the chance Hurts looks better, however!)
Running Back
The Eagles running attack looked as potent as ever in week 1, with both Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell making a big impact on the ground. These two seem to benefit heavily from the now healthy Eagles O-Line and should continue to be productive as long as they have room to run. Notably, both showed nice things in the receiving game, despite Miles Sanders reportedly struggling with catching the football in camp. Gainwell seems to be massively effective, even as a rookie, as the coaching staff didn’t turn to presumed backup Boston Scott once, instead opting for Kenneth to be the change of pace back for miles instead. If the Eagles’ RB room can build off the combined 100-yard outing again this week, they could be solidified as a top rushing attack in the league.
The 49ers have never been a team to seek out super high-end running backs, as Shannahan’s innovative outside zone scheme has always seemed to find a suitor one way or another. However, that doesn’t mean the 9ers shouldn’t be a bit worried about the loss of number 1 RB Raheem Mostert, who underwent season-ending knee surgery after an injury sustained in week 1. Even with Mostert leaving the game, the 49ers immediately found something in backup RB Elijah Mitchell, who ran for 104 yards and 1 TD on just 19 attempts in the wake of Mostert’s absence. Rookie Trey Sermon was a surprising healthy scratch from week 1, but it’s possible he sees some time against the Eagles. Even though the 49ers run game always seems to find a way to be productive, the point for position grouping goes to the Eagles.
Offensive Line
The Eagles greatly benefitted from a fully healthy O-line in week 1, as it dominated the Falcons pass rush and run defense. All five starters on the offensive line performed to expectations, with young players Jordan Mailata and Isaac Seamalo showing incredibly positive development at their respective positions. The veteran stars remained key pieces along the line, and aside from a few penalties, it seems the Eagles’ OL is primed to match up with any defensive line unit in the NFL.
While not necessarily on the level of the Eagles offensive line, the 49ers have a very solid unit, notably in run-blocking. Left Tackle Trent Williams is in the conversation for the best tackle in the whole NFL, and on the opposite side, Mike McGlinchey has been a stable piece that forms a top tackle duo in the league. The interior is a bit less exciting, but there is promise at the positions. 49ers brass are hoping Alex Mack returns to his position as a top center in the league, but it seems like he’s lost a step. Laken Tomlinson is a very nice piece at RG, fitting with the theme of advanced run blocking in the wide zone offense, but Daniel Brunskill is a bit of a question mark on the other side. Overall, both the 49ers and Eagles have great pieces across their offensive lines, but the Eagles get the point due to the fact they don’t have any of the question marks the 49ers have.
Wide Receivers
The Eagles seem to have finally found a productive wide receiver core, led by rookie Devonta Smith. Smitty had an immediate effect on the Eagles, leading the team with six receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. Smith showed the ability to still be an elite separator at the NFL level and should be considered a flowering WR1. The Eagles’ depth performed as well, with speedsters Quez Watkins and Jalen Reagor both showing their versatility in creative ways in the screen game as well as simply keeping defenses on their toes to open the field for the rest of the receiving game. While still young and relatively unproven, the Eagles should be excited by what they saw from their WR core in week 1.
The 49ers WR core has some questions heading into week 2, but Deebo Samuel is certainly not one of them. The dynamic young wideout picked up right where he left off in his rookie season, with nine receptions 189 yard game against the Lions in Week 1. Past Deebo, it was presumed former first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk would be the obvious WR2, with some even projecting the sophomore to usurp Samuel as the leading receiver on this squad. However, Aiyuk seems to be in Shannahan’s dog house after a dreadful Week 1 performance where he didn’t log a catch and had his snaps cut into by former undrafted free agent Trent Sherfield. Shannahan noted that Aiyuk would regain his position, but right now, it seems he would be limited in game action. The two wideout rooms are incredibly close, with the 9ers having the more proven WR1 and the Eagles better depth. I’ll put this as a tie.
Tight Ends
Eagles have two very valuable tight ends who both made an impact in week 1. Dallas Goedert impressed in both the receiving and blocking games, showing his possible development into a true top TE in the NFL. He was complemented nicely by veteran Zach Ertz, who somewhat rebounded from his lackluster 2020 campaign with a couple of important catches down the field, as well as continuing to be a safety valve for young QB Jalen Hurts. The combination of these two tight ends puts the Eagles’ squad near the top of the NFL.
While the Eagles have two very good TEs, the 49ers have one truly elite tier player. Since Entering the league, George Kittle has been the most prolific Tight End when it comes to the combination of blocking and receiving. He’s a true nightmare all over the field, as well as a key piece in Shannahan’s run scheme. If it’s not the 49ers WR core seeing production, it’s going to be Kittle who does. Deciding whether the Eagles duo or George Kittle by himself is more favorable is pretty subjective, so I’ll give another tie.
Defensive Line
While the Philadelphia defensive line was gashed early in week 1 against the Falcons, they bounced back and showed why they were considered among one of the best units in the NFL, settling into the run in the second half and logging massive pressure numbers on Matt Ryan. While Fletcher Cox is consistently double-teamed as teams try to eliminate him from the equation, Javon Hargrave has emerged as an incredible contributor in the pass rush. The former steeler and 2020 FA acquisition has finally found his groove on the Eagle’s line, producing one of the highest pressure rates in week 1 as well as 2 sacks. The edge group is as deep as ever, with Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Josh Sweat all producing when on the field. This group, when healthy, remains among the deepest and overall most talented in the NFL.
The 49ers’ defensive line is spearheaded by superstar Nick Bosa, who tore apart the NFL in his rookie season, cementing himself as one of the best young defensive ends this league has seen. Unfortunately, Bosa tore his ACL in 2020, making this season his true “prove it” year for Nick. Bosa had a fantastic week against the Lions Week 1, a great sign for his return to dominance. Bosa isn’t the only great defensive end on the 49ers, however, as Arik Armstead provides a consistent pass rush presence on whatever side Bosa isn’t. These two combine to create one of the best DE combos in the NFL, but the interior on the 49ers’ defensive line lacks a bit. Sophomore Javon Kinlaw has potential, but has been very streaky in both the pass rush and run defense. DJ Jones has also shown some nice things but needs to prove himself against higher-tier competition and over a more prolonged period of time. It’s possible this interior could be run on well with the right gameplan, but it’s still a high upside unit. This is another position group where the Eagles and 49ers match up quite well, and I’m gonna give this another tie.
Linebacker
The Eagles linebacker core is one of the weaker position groups in the entire league. Eric Wilson, while being a major factor in coverage, looked as lost as ever in the run game during week 1. Alex Singleton gives hope for a true thumper for the Eagles at the LB position, but behind him, there isn’t much to be excited about. TJ Edwards and Shaun Bradley are depth at best currently, and unless Davion Taylor returns from injury and immediately resumes making an impact as he did in camp, this group is both weak on top and quite thin.
While the 49ers lost linebacker Dre Greenlaw this week, they still obviously take the cake at this position with the arguably best linebacker in the league in Fred Warner. Warner is a true superstar at his position, in both coverage and the run game. Without Greenlaw, it seems as if former 6th rounder Marcell Harris will take starting duties. Even though he’s certainly not an ideal piece, Fred Warner makes up for it easily. Point 9ers.
Cornerback
The Eagles’ secondary impressed greatly against the Falcons, and that started with the CB core. Both Darius Slay and Steven Nelson played extremely well, Surrendering just 27 and 32 yards respectively against a usually good Falcons passing attack. Slot corner Avonte Maddox also looked much more comfortable now that he’s back in his natural position, even handling business against 6’6 Kyle Pitts. This Eagles corner room, while still quite thin, looks to be on the upswing in 2021, and has the potential to be one of the most improved position groups on this defense.
The 49ers currently have a nightmare scenario at cornerback. With Jason Verret out for the season, the Red and Gold have almost nothing tangible at the CB position. The 9ers made an emergency signing of Dre Kirkpatrick, who after just a few days seems to be the de facto CB1 on this defense, which isn’t something any team wants. Behind Kirkpatrick is Emannuel Mosley, who (assuming he plays) is a CB3/depth piece on most teams. Ambry Thomas, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Josh Norman are the current choices to fill out the rest of the active roster. With low-caliber players top to bottom, this 49ers secondary should be easily exploitable. Point Eagles.
Safety
At Safety, the Eagles are still banking on Rodney Mcleod being back for the long term, but currently, they seem to be running a combination of Anthony Harris and Marcus Epps/Kvon Wallace. With Epps in concussion protocol, the 2020 4th rounder should see some playing time if Mcleod is held out. Harris is a consistent and good piece at safety and made some nice plays in Week 1. With Mcleod, this group is a strong point on the Eagles’ defense, and without, it’s a major question mark.
The 49ers’ safety room is led by veterans Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt. Both are good starting safeties who provide consistency and help over the top for the 49ers secondary. How these position groups match up is completely dependent on whether Rodney Mcleod plays, but assuming the worst-case scenario, the 49ers take the final position grouping.
Conclusion
In overall position group points, the Eagles outscore the 49ers 6-6 (three ties). Obviously, there are more things to consider than outright position matchups. The 49ers currently have a major injury problem, and the main victim has been the secondary. It’s very possible this CB room is the worst the Eagles have seen all year and, coming off a win where the offense was rolling, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the birds put up major points. The 49ers’ pass rush will be an issue for any team, but if any offensive line can handle the likes of Nick Bosa, it’s Philly’s. Defensively, the Eagles looked good last week, but the 49ers have a much less exploitable offensive line and some really scary weapons in Deebo and Kittle. Even though the RB room is decimated, you can truly never discount the Shannahan run game, and that goes for the whole 49ers squad as well. I again project a higher scoring game, but I think the Eagles’ offense will outscore the 49ers as Philly advances to 2-0.
Prediction: 35-23 Eagles
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Noah Berger is a featured writer at The Birds Blitz. For more from Noah, check out his archive and read through our Eagles articles for the latest news about the Birds.
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