You can read Bleeding Green Nation’s preview of this highly anticipated Week 13 Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers matchup—which they had a conversation about with the opposition—here.
We’re back today with three potential losses for each club. We are able to demonstrate the concerns of the other side through this exercise. Continue reading to learn why the 49ers might lose, as expressed by my dear buddy Rob “Stats” Guerrera of The Gold Standard Network, a former co-host of The SB Nation NFL Show.
1. The degree of hostility that separates Nick Sirianni and Kyle Shanahan.
Situational management becomes increasingly crucial as a game gets closer. Nick Sirianni understands how important it is to convert on fourth downs in order to deny your opponent more points, plays, and yardage. Shanahan Kyle doesn’t. Out of 25 fourth down attempts, the Eagles have successfully completed 12 of them. Six of the fifteen attempts at such conversions have been made by the 49ers.To put it simply, Kyle Shanahan coaches not to lose, whereas Sirianni coaches to win. In a contest between two evenly matched teams, the coach who isn’t scared to allow his offense one more play to get a score or a fourth down might determine who wins or loses.
2. Ignoring turnover opportunities.
Removing the ball from the other team has been a strength of the 49ers. With 21, they are now tied for the second-most takeaways in the NFL as of 2023. They don’t always convert those additional possessions into points, which is unfortunate. The 49ers defense has committed seven turnovers in the previous three weeks alone, yet the offense has only scored 17 points in those additional possessions.
You allow the opposition side to stay in the game when you fail to capitalize on turnovers. History indicates that the Eagles will eventually find a way to win if the 49ers allow them to linger around on Sunday.
3. Not defending Brock Purdy.
The offensive line in San Francisco is subpar, especially when it comes to pass blocking, and this is the city’s worst-kept secret aside from Trent Williams. Spencer Burford, a right guard, has a 23 PFF pass blocking grade. Because of how awful he’s been, journeyman Jon Feliciano is going to replace him on the bench. These same 49ers had previously released right tackle Colton McKivitz because he wasn’t talented enough to even keep a roster position (how he started the season as the undisputed starting right tackle is a story for another time). The Eagles defensive line is going to have a field day on Sunday if the 49ers are forced into many straight drop back throwing scenarios.