San Francisco 49ers: Five Keys To A Victory Over Eagles On Sunday Night Football

The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football in search of their first win of the 2010 NFL season.

Even though the Eagles are without their starting quarterback Michael Vick (rib), they certainly won't be an easy opponent to beat.

Therefore, here are my five keys to a Week 5 victory 

Note: I do predict the 49ers to win this game

Contain Big Plays

Greg Trott/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 12: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a 27-yard pass in front of defensive back Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers during their game on October 12, 2008 at Candlestick Park in San Francis

Big plays in the NFL can significantly impact the momentum of a game, and can absolutely deflate a team's defense.

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the best in the leagues at big plays, as they ranked first last season with 51 passes for 40+ yards and second this year with five.

The responsibility will be on the 49ers safeties to keep the receivers in front of them and prevent those big plays from occurring. 

Run The Football

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle by Stephen Nicholas #54 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Did you know that in contradiction to the preconception that the 49ers want to be a run-heavy offense, they currently have the third-lowest rushing attempts per game?

They will have to start running the ball more frequently if they want a shot at winning the one.

Not only do the Eagles have  the fifth worst run defense in the league, but it will help control the clock, thus keeping the ball away from the Eagles offense. 

Pass Protection

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 26: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won 31-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

As I've referenced on numerous occasions, generating an effective pass rush is an integral key to success on defense.

Apparently, the Eagles got the memo as they are some of the best in the business with 13 sacks this season.

They will have to protect Smith in order to give him the best possible situation to make throws. 

Don't Underestimate Kevin Kolb

Doug Benc/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms-up on the sidelines while taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Eagles defeated the Jaguars 28-

Kevin Kolb is no Michael Vick. Or is he? Or is he better?

The answer to those questions, long-term, is still uncertain. However, for now, Kolb will surely be motivated to answer them with flying colors.

After being benched in favor of Vick, Kolb is fighting for either a chance at his prior role as the starter or a potential tryout with another team.

No Stupid Mistakes

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass upfield against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Unnecessary penalties, committing turnovers, or fumbling a game-sealing interception are all ways that a team can shoot themselves in the foot and by doing so it makes it extremely difficult to win.

The Eagles already have six interceptions on the season (fourth in the NFL), so Alex Smith will need to take extra care with the football.

If not, the 49ers will drop to 0-5.