Following a shootout win over the Giants last Sunday, the Eagles return home to face the 49ers. They are currently in sole possession of first place in the NFC East and look to win a fifth straight game for the first time since 2006.
The 49ers played tough against the Cardinals on Monday night, but what on the surface looked like them dominating the other side was actually an Arizona team coughing up the game. Giving up seven turnovers will only get a team one thing – a loss. The Niners may have gotten that win, but it was one handed to them by Kurt Warner and co.
San Francisco may be starting to jell, having an outside shot to make the playoffs with an excellent division record, but the 1-5 road team, who will be playing on short rest, is set to face a formidable opponent this week. December is traditionally a good month for the Eagles, and this year is looking to be no different.
Coming into this week’s game, the Eagles have both the swagger of a team that’s both leading their division and one that just disposed of a tough divisional rival. The numbers are stacked in their favor and this game should be another win in a march towards the playoffs. If they win this game, coupled with a Giants loss or a Cowboys win, the Birds will have clinched at least the wildcard.
Donovan McNabb is playing some of his best football of the past few years, and with all of the weapons he has at hand, when and how the offense attacks is close to limitless. During the team’s current winning streak, his QB rating has been north of 100 in all games except for the Washington match-up, and his lowest completion percentage is 56%. This is a QB playing with a lot of confidence right now.
Having DeSean Jackson as one of his targets is obviously feeding into that confidence. The second-year wide receiver was back with a bullet last week, after a one game absence due to a concussion, and made noise all over the field with two big TDs – one on a reception and the other one a punt return.
He pulled down six passes for 178 yards, a career high which he will undoubtedly best sooner than later. One of those passes was for a 60-yard TD score, and he currently leads the league in yards per touch at 18.9.
The Eagles have handled the 49ers masterfully in recent years, taking the teams’ last three meetings. Despite all of this, the 49ers have a chance to win their division and are expected to put up a fight.
Last Monday night the 49ers carved up a superior Cardinals team, forcing 7 turnovers. Explosive running back Frank Gore ran for 167 yards and a TD, and he’s the type of guy that could give the Eagles’ D trouble.
Although the Eagles will have a good shot at keeping Gore in check, their recent defensive problems have been against the pass – currently ranked 18th in the league. The Giants carved them up, so expect guys like Alex Smith and recent rookie holdout Michael Crabtree to run wild.
But most importantly, the Eagles need to hold onto the ball, and hold onto it tightly. They can’t afford to give the game away on turnovers.
Jeremy Maclin, who tore a plantar fasciatis in North Jersey last week, is expected to miss at least two games. Brian Westbrook, who has been cleared to play, will likely not be back this week. Brent Celek has been battling back pain, and although he will likely play this week, tight end Martin Rucker has been signed from the practice squad. Lastly, Trent Cole and Leonard Weaver have slight hamstring strains and are day-to-day.
If the Eagles get a full team effort – especially on defense, they will walk away with a victory. They control their playoff destiny and have been given a favorable hand. Look for a very happy crowd at the Linc on Sunday.
