Looking at the enemy’s biggest concerns.
Bleeding Green Nation already took some time to chat with the enemy in order to preview this incredibly juicy Week 13 Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers matchup and you can read that here.
Today, we’re back with three reasons why each team might lose. This activity allows us to show what the other side is concerned about. Read on for why the 49ers could lose, as written by my good friend and former co-host on The SB Nation NFL Show, Rob “Stats” Guerrera of The Gold Standard Network
1. The difference in aggression between Kyle Shanahan and Nick Sirianni.
The closer a game is, the more important situational management becomes. Nick Sirianni recognizes the value of 4th down conversions when it comes to stealing extra points, plays and yards from your opponent. Kyle Shanahan does not. The Eagles have attempted 25 fourth down conversations, and made 12 of them. The 49ers have attempted 15 such conversions and made six of them.Put simply, Sirianni coaches to win, while Kyle Shanahan coaches not to lose. In a game between two evenly matched teams, winning and losing may come down to the coach that isn’t afraid to give his offense one more chance to pick up a fourth down or a touchdown.
2. Not cashing in on turnovers.
The 49ers have been excellent at taking the ball away from the other team. So far in 2023, they’re tied for the second most takeaways in the NFL at 21. Unfortunately, they don’t always turn those extra possessions into points. Over the last three weeks in particular the 49ers’ defense has generated 7 total turnovers, but the offense has turned those extra possessions into just 17 total points.
When you don’t cash in on turnovers, you keep the other team in the game. If the 49ers let the Eagles hang around on Sunday, history has shown the Eagles will find a way to win in the end.
3. Failure to protect Brock Purdy.
The worst kept secret in San Francisco is that other than Trent Williams, the offensive line isn’t very good – particularly when it comes to pass blocking. Right guard Spencer Burford has a PFF pass blocking grade of 23. He’s been so bad that he’s about to get benched for journeyman Jon Feliciano. Meanwhile, right tackle Colton McKivitz was once cut by these very same 49ers because he wasn’t good enough to even hold a roster spot (How he came into the year as the unquestioned starting right tackle is a tale for another time).If the 49ers find themselves in a lot of straight drop back passing situations, the Eagles’ defensive line is going to have a field day on Sunday.
