Play Calling Discrepancy
The difference between the Eagles and 49ers offensive play calling today was stark. Brian Johnson did not call a good game. He did not commit to running the ball enough against the 20th best run defense in the league, nor did he take enough deep shots against San Francisco’s vulnerable safeties. Kyle Shanahan put on full display what creative, problem solving offensive coaching looks like. He completely negated the Eagles’ pass rush with quick passes, motion, and misdirection. There were a number of new installs in the Niner’s offense that worked to perfection. In my opinion, Shanahan put on the best play calling performance of the 2023 season.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts made a number of great plays in the first quarter, but struggled thereafter. For example, in the second quarter he made a number of inexcusable plays. He slipped deep into 49ers’ territory which stagnated what could’ve been a touchdown scoring drive. Later in the quarter, Hurts clearly predetermined he was going to throw to Devonta Smith on 3rd and 11. When Smith wasn’t open, Hurts immediately abandoned the pocket, running for a minimal gain. The deep shot to Quez Watkins a drive later caused controversy for potentially pass interference, which distracted from the fact that Jack Stoll was wide open on the other side of the field. These mistakes from Hurts can’t happen in a matchup as contested as Eagles-49ers.
The Bigger Picture
This game ultimately means that the Eagles will have to win more games this season than the 49ers in order to hold the number 1 seed and a playoff bye. The Eagles can very feasibly accomplish this, however it’ll probably require them to only lose one of their last five games of the season. Even without a playoff bye, there’s plenty of reason to believe the Eagles are capable of going on a Super Bowl run.
Other Notes
- Eli Ricks is easily the worst Eagles starter on their roster right now. He should not be getting any snaps next week against CeeDee Lamb.
- Jalen Carter was quiet against the 49ers in a game where the Eagles really could’ve used him, whereas Fletcher Cox played fantastic.
- Milton Williams had a number of really subpar run defense snaps.
- Cam Jurgens appeared to have a poor performance, especially when run blocking.
- The Eagles offensive line was their best performing position group.