NFL Scores Week 5: Why The San Francisco 49ers Lost To The Philadelphia Eagles

In their Week 5 matchup, the Philadlphia Eagles were able to seal the deal with a 27-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, dropping the red and gold to 0-5 for the 2010 NFL season. 

Their winless start has quickly become a major concern, and I've observed various key team elements that have contributed to their poor performance. 

Here are my thoughts on the top five reasons the 49ers lost to the Eagles.

Turnover Battle

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 10: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on October 10, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The turnover battle is one plays an integral role in the outcome of a game. More often than not, the team that takes care of the ball best wins the game and that was certainly the case yesterday.

The Eagles defense was very opportunistic as they forced five turnovers compared to their lone one. 

The NFL is not a charity case, and giving the ball up is simply inexcusable. That said, this a major issue they need to fix immediately. 

Alex Smith Costly Mistakes

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 10: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers talks with quarterback Alex Smith #11 against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on October 10, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Je

Alex Smith threw for 309 yards along with three touchdown passes, and posted a passer rating of 92.8. Sounds good right?

Well, in this case, the statistics are a bit misleading. 

Even though Smith did play well, for the most part, his errors became the costliest mistakes of the game.

His fumble was returned for a touchdown, and his last-moment interception virtually ended the game.

That said, Smith needs to focus on playing hard throughout and being more consistent in general. 

No Running Game

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 10: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on October 10, 2010 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The running game must be the catalyst for the 49ers offense, yet they didn't perform up to expectations today.

Not only did Frank Gore manage a mere 52 yards on the ground yesterday, but he fumbled the ball twice.

If he can't get things going, then that puts more pressure on Alex Smith, and this team will continue to struggle. 

Penalties

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Anthony Davis #76 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park on August 22, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Penalties are the best way to put yourself in a situation to lose. It can negate great plays, and can simply suck the life out of a team.

The 49ers need to improve its overall focus and discipline, and they need to do so quickly before its too late. 

Oh wait...

Allowed Big Plays

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 10: Jeremy Maclin #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs after a catch against Shawntae Spencer #36 of the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on October 10, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Ja

Heading into this game, I'm sure the coaching staff knew they had to prepare the defense to stop the Eagles' big play ability.

However, they were unable to as they allowed Kevin Kolb to hit his receivers for big gains all night long.

Moreover, that took the crowd out of the game, which made it tougher to swing the momentum in their favor.

This has been an ongoing problem, so they need to whatever it takes to solve it.