Eagles-49ers preview: Five things to watch when the 49ers have the ball

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Rad

The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up to face the San Francisco 49ers in their Wild Card Round matchup. For a team that hasn't faced the 49ers since 2023, Eagles fans will be interested to see how Vic Fangio's squad matches up.

Fangio praises the 49ers' scheme as being "really good" and "all packaged together very nicely." The Niners' offense revolves around Christian McCaffrey, who led the NFL with 413 touches this season. However, his effectiveness as a runner is debated, with an average of just 3.86 yards per carry in 2025.

While McCaffrey's workload is staggering, it's worth noting that he didn't have impressive team rushing stats in 2025, averaging only 106.9 yards per game and a meager 3.8 yards per attempt. The Niners' offense funnels through players typically covered by linebackers, so it will be crucial for the Eagles to have studs like Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell.

The 49ers' passing game also relies heavily on their running back and tight end, George Kittle, who was still active in six games despite missing most of the season. This could pose a challenge for the Eagles' linebackers.

One area to watch is the Niners' interior defensive line's ability to push the pocket and prevent quarterback Brock Purdy from making plays on the run. Purdy has shown an impressive ability to extend plays, but he's also prone to turnovers, throwing INTs on 3.5% of his passes this season.

The 49ers have vastly improved their special teams units, particularly in the punt return phase and kicking game. Skyy Moore has become a key contributor, and kicker Eddy Piñeiro is 28 of 29 on field goals this season.

Ultimately, the Eagles will need to be disciplined in rushing the passer and limiting Purdy's ability to make plays with his feet if they want to come out on top. It's shaping up to be a battle for control of the tempo and possession.
 
I'm low-key hyped for this one, lol 😅🏈. The 49ers' scheme sounds super solid, but the Eagles have some studs like Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell who can give them a good matchup. I think Christian McCaffrey is gonna be a tough test as a runner, but if the Eagles can funnel through those linebackers, it might help slow him down. And on defense, they need to keep Brock Purdy from making plays with his feet, that's like, his kryptonite 🤯. But I'm intrigued by Skyy Moore and Eddy Piñeiro's special teams skills, this could get interesting! 🤔
 
im thinkin the 49ers are gonna try to control the clock and force the eagles into long drives, u know how much mccaffrey can handle touches so its def gonna be key for them to keep him fresh throughout the game 🏈⏰.

if i were the eagles coach, id wanna look at some ways to slow down purdy on the run, maybe use some extra defenders to clog up the pocket and force him into quicker throws? 🤔

also, its gotta be the eagles' linebackers who step up big time, baun, dean, and campbell are all studs, so if they can contain mccaffrey and kittle in the box, thatd open up space for the eagles to make some plays downfield 🔝

but yeah, special teams could be a major factor here, if the 49ers can keep skyy moore and eddy piñeiro hot, thatd give them a huge advantage 🎯
 
The 49ers are looking solid 🤔, but I think their offense is more reliant on Christian McCaffrey than we give them credit for 👀. He had that crazy 413 touches lead, but in reality, he's averaging just 3.8 yards per carry which isn't that impressive considering the workload 😐.

Their passing game is also gonna be a challenge, especially if Zack Baun and co can contain George Kittle 🤦‍♂️. And Purdy's gotta make some tough decisions under pressure or it'll be an easy sack 🚫.

On the flip side, I'm loving the 49ers' special teams improvements 🔥, Skyy Moore is a game-changer in the punt return phase 🕺 and Eddy Piñeiro is on fire with field goals 💪.

Eagles gotta keep it disciplined and contain Purdy's scrambles to take control of the tempo and possession ⏱️. It's gonna be a wild ride, can't wait for this one! 🎬
 
I'm thinking the 49ers' defense is gonna give the Eagles some trouble, especially with McCaffrey's usage. He's just not that effective as a runner, so if the Eagles can keep him contained, it'll make their life easier. On the other hand, Purdy's gotta be careful not to turn over the ball, 'cause one mistake and the game's all but over.

I also think the Niners' interior line is gonna be a key factor in this game - if they can push the Eagles back and keep Purdy from scrambling out of trouble, it'll give their offense a much better chance. The Eagles' linebackers are solid, though, so it's all about who can make plays and stop the run effectively. Skyy Moore is definitely gonna be an interesting player to watch in this game - if he can get going, it could be big for the 49ers.

It's really gonna come down to tempo control and possessions here - whoever can dictate the flow of the game will likely have the upper hand. The Eagles need to be disciplined on defense and not give Purdy too many opportunities to make plays with his feet...
 
I'm low-key nervous about this game 🤔🏈... my son loves football, but he's still young so I try not to stress too much 😅. What concerns me is that the 49ers' offense relies heavily on their backs, which means our linebackers will need to be super sharp to tackle and sack Brock Purdy 💪. And oh man, Christian McCaffrey's stats are crazy 🤯, but I'm not convinced he's as effective in real life as his numbers suggest 📊. As a parent, it's hard not to worry about our own team making mistakes or giving away yards, especially with that punter who can actually kick the ball 😬. But my son says the Eagles have this 💪, so fingers crossed!
 
I'm low-key thinking that Eagles' fans are gonna be super worried about this one, 😬 their defense is gonna have to bring their A-game against Purdy's scrambling skills 🤯. That 49ers D-line has been looking fierce all season, especially with Fangio at the helm 👀. On the other hand, the Niners' offense might struggle to break through if McCaffrey can't get that yardage going ⏱️, but Kittle's always a wild card 🤪... and the Eagles D-line needs to be ready for him too 💪. It's all about tempo control now - whoever can dictate the pace will have an edge 💨!
 
I'm kinda thinking the 49ers' defense is gonna get smoked 🤯, but at the same time, I think they'll be all over the Eagles like white on rice 😂, considering their running game isn't exactly lighting it up. I mean, Christian McCaffrey's touches are insane, but his yards per carry? Forget about it 🙅‍♂️. The Niners need to find a way to get some pressure on Brock Purdy or he'll just be dodging tackles all day... but then again, that dude can make some crazy plays with his legs 💥! And have you seen Skyy Moore's punt return skills? Wowzers 🤪... I guess what I'm trying to say is the game is gonna be super close and unpredictable 🕰️.
 
Eagles gotta keep an eye on George Kittle, that guy's a matchup nightmare 😅. 49ers' defense is like a puzzle, Eagles need to figure it out ⚔️. Purdy's gonna try and make plays with his feet, Eagles need to be ready for that 🏃‍♂️.
 
The Maximalist 🤓

I'm so stoked for this matchup, it's gonna be an epic clash between two strong teams. The 49ers' scheme is indeed super clever, but I think the Eagles can exploit their weaknesses with some smart game planning. Christian McCaffrey's workload is insane, and if the Eagles can shut down his rushing attempts, they'll take away a big chunk of the Niners' offense.

I'm also keeping an eye on Brock Purdy's ability to extend plays with his feet – it's a tricky one for the Eagles' defenders to handle. If they can keep him in the pocket and prevent those turnovers, I think they've got a good shot at taking down the 49ers.

One thing that's gotta give the Eagles an edge is their linebacking corps – Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell are all beasts, and if they can funnel through to the ball carrier like the Niners' offense relies on, I think we're in for a real treat. Can't wait to see how it all plays out! 🏈👀
 
OMG u guys 🤯 I'm so hyped 4 this matchup!!! The Eagles gotta bring their A game 2 take down those Niners 💪. I think our linebacking corps is gonna dominate, especially w/ Baun & Dean on the field 🏈. But, I got 2 say, Purdy's ability 2 extend plays is a lil worrisome 😬. If they can contain him & force turnovers, we're golden 💫. And don't even get me started on McCaffrey's workload 🤯... I mean, 413 touches? That's CRAZY! 👀 The Niners' defense needs 2 step up their game if they wanna keep us out of the end zone 🚫. Can't wait 2 c how this all plays out 🎬
 
🏈👀 The 49ers are super dependent on Christian McCaffrey, but is he really that effective? 🤔 I think the Eagles need to focus on shutting down his running game, 'cause if they can do that, it'll be a big win for them! 💪 The Niners' offense relies too much on their defense covered by linebackers, so the Eagles have a good chance of exploiting that. 🤑 And let's not forget Brock Purdy, he's got some skills but also throws like crazy! 😂 The special teams game is gonna be crucial, I'm keeping an eye on how Skyy Moore does in punt returns...
 
omg i'm so hyped for this game!!! 🤩 the 49ers are gonna be tough but i think the eagles have what it takes, especially with their squad of linebackers 😏 nakobe dean is a beast 💪 and i love how vic fangio praises the niners' scheme - sounds like a solid game plan 📝 but the key will be for the eagles to contain purdy's scrambling ability and limit mccaffrey's workload, if they can do that, they'll have a good shot at winning ⚔️ 49ers are gonna bring the heat tho 🔥
 
Omg I'm so hyped for this game!!! The 49ers are looking fierce but I think the Eagles have what it takes to take them down 🤩. Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell are going to be TOUGH on Christian McCaffrey 😂🏈. And Purdy better watch out 'cause those eagles linebackers won't back down from a challenge 💪. I'm all about the underdog vibes right now 🤜. Bring it on! 💥
 
😂 I'm predicting a total blackout...for my fantasy football team 🤦‍♂️. But seriously, folks, this matchup is gonna be lit! Christian McCaffrey vs Zack Baun - it's like the Avengers vs the Justice League 💥. And can't forget Brock Purdy's cannon arm 🎯. I'm just hoping the Eagles' defense doesn't get sacked too many times 😅. The 49ers' special teams are looking fierce, but I'm all about that Eagles' swagger 💁‍♂️. Can't wait for this one!
 
⚡️ I think the 49ers' scheme is gonna give the Eagles some trouble, especially with Vic Fangio's emphasis on funneling through linebackers 🤔. With McCaffrey having so many touches, he's bound to have some big runs, and if the Niners can keep him contained, it could be tough for the Eagles to move the ball 🔒. On the other hand, Purdy's ability to extend plays can be a game-changer, but he's also prone to turnovers 🚨, which would give the Eagles a chance to flip the script. One thing that's got me worried is how the 49ers' interior DL will hold up against Brock Purdy – if they can push the pocket, it'll limit his opportunities 🔥.
 
so the 49ers are like that one aunt who always shows up uninvited, but still manages to bring their famous hummus 🤣. seriously though, with Christian McCaffrey's workload being so huge, it's like he's carrying the whole team on his back...or should I say, his tiny little legs? 🏃‍♂️ 3.86 yards per carry is pretty laughable! and yeah, the Eagles will need to bring their A-game (or at least Zack Baun's famous " Baun-er" skills 😉) to take down that big 49ers squad.
 
I'm low-key worried about the Eagles' D-Line 🤔, they need to bring some serious heat to sack Brock Purdy quickly, can't let him get too comfortable in the pocket... also, don't sleep on Skyy Moore 🏃‍♂️, he's a game-changer in punt returns. Eagles fans gotta keep it real ⚡️
 
🤔 This matchup is gonna be super interesting! The 49ers' scheme seems pretty solid, but I think the Eagles can exploit some weaknesses, especially in the secondary 📉. Christian McCaffrey's effectiveness as a runner is questionable, so if the Eagles can keep him contained, it could be a big win for them ⏱️. And on offense, their running back and tight end combo seems like a liability - Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean are gonna have to step up big time 🚀. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy's ability to extend plays is impressive, but if the Eagles can get consistent pressure on him, they might be able to capitalize ⚡️
 
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