Eagles vs. 49ers: What Are Experts Saying About Philly?
The Eagles are off to a hot start, currently 3-0 and alone atop the NFC East. What was once regarded by fans as a roadblock is now a very winnable matchup against the 49ers, who have struggled on both offense and defense this season.
The 49ers are desperate for a win. Can Philly hold them off and start the season a magnificent 4-0?
Read what experts around the NFL are saying about the Eagles and what their strengths and weaknesses are going into Week 4.
Brandon Lee Gowton: Eagles O-Line Serious Concern
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According to Bleeding Green Nation's Brandon Lee Gowton, the Eagles' decimated offensive line will be a serious concern against the 49ers. According to Pro Football Focus, Foles has been hit 14 times this season—most in the league.
But more worrying than pass protection, however, is their inability to open up holes for LeSean McCoy. McCoy had little room to run free against the Redskins. According to Gowton, "2013 NFL leading rusher LeSean McCoy has only gained 175 yards on 60 carries for a bleak 2.9 average."
The Eagles could run into some problems against the 49ers, who have been the seventh-best run-stopping team in the NFL this season.
Brandon Lee Gowton: Lack of Pass Rush
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Lack of pass rush was a concern last season for the Eagles, and it continues to be one in 2014.
Trent Cole is a shell of his former self. In three games he has registered just one sack, and it was against the lowly Jaguars.
What makes the pass rush more glaring this week is that Mychal Kendricks is still out. Gowton stated that "Kendricks is usually a threat to rush the passer as a blitzer. The lack of pass rush subsequently makes life harder on the Eagles' lackluster secondary."
Until Kendricks returns, the mediocre Eagles secondary will only be more and more exposed.
Reuben Frank: Eagles Defense Clutch
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The Eagles defense may still be a glaring weakness, being ranked 26th in the league currently in yards allowed, but it comes up big when it has to. Against the Colts, it forced a key interception which allowed Nick Foles to lead a game-winning drive. It made several critical stops against the Redskins late in the game.
It may not be a team strength, but the defense plays well when called upon. CSNPhilly's Reuben Frank reiterated this following the win over the Redskins.
"And Sunday, they got gashed by Kirk Cousins all day but stopped the Redskins when the game was on the line."
Despite the 49ers' struggles, this will likely be a close game. It will come down to how the Eagles defense plays in the fourth quarter.
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Chase Stuart: Eagles Comeback Kings
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The Eagles have gotten off to poor starts in each of their three games this season. Yet they are 3-0 and atop the NFC East. Chase Stuart of Football Perspective touched upon this following the Eagles' win over Washington.
"Against Washington in week 3, the Eagles fell behind 17-7 before coming from behind and again emerging victorious. As a result — and after trailing the Jags 17-0 and the Colts 20-6 — Philadelphia became the first team since at least 1940 to start a season 3-0 despite trailing by at least 10 points in each game."
As long as a game is within reach, the Eagles cannot be counted out. Chip Kelly is as good at halftime adjustments as any other coach in the NFL. And with an offense as potent as the Philadelphia offense, no lead is safe.
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