The National Conference Final between the 49ers and the Eagles will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday on RDS and the RDS.ca.
Impenetrable defences, explosive ground game and robustness on the line of scrimmage: everything is in place for an old-time football-style duel between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia EaglesSunday afternoon, at the NFL National Conference Finals.
But it will also be necessary to monitor the talented players of the two teams in key positions.
At the Eagles, the running back Miles Sanderswide receivers A.J. Brown et DeVonta Smithas well as tight end Dallas Goedertwill not take your eyes off, without forgetting the quarter Jalen Hurts.
For their part, the 49ers will rely on the services of the running back Christian McCaffreyas well as on the wide receivers Deebo Samuel et Brandon Aiyuk. The tight end George Kittle will try to limit the pressure on the rookie quarterback Brock Purdylast choice of the last repechage.
All in a duel that will pit the two best defenses in the NFL against each other, not to mention that the two teams are led by several of the best coaches that can be found in the sport.
However, the advantage of playing this crucial game at home can only go to one team, and it is the Eagles who will have that privilege on Sunday. The frenzied crowd in Philadelphia will no doubt be pumped up to make the game miserable for the San Francisco squad.
The Eagles (15-3) will hope to capitalize on the support of their fans to reach a third Super Bowl in 22 years, a streak during which they have reached the conference final seven times. Their last championship dates back to 2017.
As for the 49ers (15-4), this will be their 18th conference final (a record) and their second in as many years. They have a 7-10 record so far in their history.
The 49ers and their rookie quarterback
In his first season in the NFL, Purdy has an enviable 7-0 record since taking over from Jimmy Garoppolo, out due to injury. Garoppolo had himself succeeded Trey Lance due to his own injury sustained during the second week of activities.
Purdy threw 16 touchdowns but made four interceptions. He got plenty of help, especially from McCaffrey. The latter amassed gains of 746 yards on the ground, in addition to 464 passing yards. He also had 10 touchdowns since being acquired from Caroline’s Panthers.
Samuel, with 864 yards combined, and Aiyuk, with 1,015 yards, were also crucial pieces of the 49ers offense.
The attack of the formation of San Francisco will however have to be alert vis-a-vis the defense of the Eagles, which completed 70 sacks of the quarter. Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham et Josh Sweat managed 11 each.
The Eagles’ defense finished first in the NFL in assists this season, but was only 16th in the run game.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan knows his best option will be to overuse the ground game to break through his opponents’ defensive line.
Several options for the Eagles
Most of the Eagles’ impressive season this year can be attributed to the outbreak of Hurts, who has carved out a place for himself as one of the most complete players on the league. The arrival of Brown has also given a significant boost to the aerial game.
But the Philadelphia team can boast of being able to beat teams both on the ground, with Sanders, Kenny Gainwell et Boston Scottthan by air.
None of this, however, would be possible without the Eagles’ dominant offensive line, led by Jason Kelce et Lane Johnson.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen implemented a system that allowed Hurts to thrive and the Eagles seemed unstoppable at times.
However, the 49ers have the best defense, thanks in large part to Nick Bosa, Fred Warner et Discuss Content.
Ultimately, 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, strongly tipped for a head coaching job, could be the Eagles’ number one enemy in this game.
