49ers vs. Eagles: 5 Halftime Adjustments the 49ers Must Make

In a huge Week 4 matchup for the 49ers, the "Dream Team" Eagles are up heading into halftime. Given how dominant Philadelphia's offense has looked thus far, San Francisco should consider themselves lucky heading into the second half down 20-3.

Here are five things the Niners can work on to help bridge the gap.

Pressure Vick

Vick literally has all day to pass or scramble on almost every snap. Any sort of pressure would likely throw off the rhythm of the banged up QB, but the Niners have done very little in that regard. 

Improve the pass coverage

If the pass-rush isn’t succeeding, shouldn’t the protection downfield be dominating? With the way Vick’s airing it out on every drive, it certainly doesn’t look like it. Carlos Rogers was able to pick off the second deep ball intended for DeSean Jackson, but was unsuccessful on the third as the Eagles’ speedy WR burst out for a 45-yard gain. Despite his injury concerns, Vick is on pace for a huge game through the air.

Give Alex Smith better protection

Alex Smith isn’t known for making plays outside of the pocket. With the Eagles pass-rush breathing down his neck, he’s having to rush throws and scramble ineffectively. He’s completed the passes he’s had to when the O-line has protected. The problem is, they’re not doing that nearly enough. 

Target Vernon Davis

Vernon’s huge Week 3 performance seems like a distant memory. His one catch isn’t as alarming as the fact that he’s only been targeted three times. Alex Smith needs to find his biggest threat if the offense wants to be successful.

Watch the pre-snap penalties

In what is becoming a recurring theme for San Francisco, the Niners are shooting themselves in the foot with offensive penalties. When you have a starting QB that’s not known for his deep passing, third and longs become third and impossible.