49ers at Eagles: Familiar NFC Test With New Variables

Key Highlights

• What unfolds Saturday will likely come down to which team best adapts to its shortcomings and which one can lean into its remaining strengths. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhen the 49ers Have the BallSan Francisco’s offense is still built around Christian McCaffrey, even if the efficiency hasn’t always matched the volume.
• McCaffrey touches the ball in nearly every way imaginable, functioning as both a traditional runner and a short-yardage passing option.
• The offense is at its best when those touches force defenses to compress and open up play-action and misdirection. That puts pressure on Philadelphia’s linebackers, an area the Eagles feel far more confident in than in previous seasons.
• With Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, and Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia has speed and coverage ability in the middle of the field.
• How well the Eagles can limit yards after the catch, particularly on McCaffrey dump-offs and George Kittle crossers, will shape the rhythm of the game. Quarterback Brock Purdy remains a fascinating piece of this matchup.