The 49ers Should be Better Prepared to Handle the Eagles’ Run Game
The Philadelphia Eagles dominated on the ground against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.
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Never have the 49ers been pushed around so easily like that before, but the Eagles did it with ease. The rushing lanes for most of that game were in abundance, which is why the Eagles rushed for 148 yards. It’s uncommon for the 49ers to be so weak in run defense, but it was clear that the Eagles’ offensive line was stronger than the 49ers’ defensive line.
The Eagles’ rushing attack is still a force this year as they are the eight-best rushing offense with 133.3 yards per game. They’re right behind the 49ers who are the seventh-best with 136 yards per game. What makes the Eagles’ so efficient in the run game is because of Jalen Hurts, and now they have an upgrade at running back in D’Andre Swift. However, the 49ers should be better prepared to handle the Eagles’ run game this time around.
“I think we’ve done a decent job this year,” said Shanahan of the 49ers’ run defense. “I think we’re ranked-wise pretty good. But, I really think we’ve been going the right direction here these last few weeks, just getting better each week. Philly’s as big of a challenge stopping the run as anyone in the league, not just this year but over the last few years. So, we’re ready for the challenge, excited for the challenge and it is definitely a challenge.”
The 49ers have the second-best rushing defense in yards allowed per game at 82. They’ve also been hitting their stride as a whole since emerging from their Bye week, so I like their chances in being able to keep the Eagles’ run game in check. Adding Chase Young has helped, schematic adjustments, and the players overall stepping up in effort. They should be able to get themselves fired up for this game because it comes down to pride at this point. I’m sure Javon Kinlaw will want to bury the memory of him getting tossed around several times in the NFC Championship.
Where it gets tricky is defending against Hurts. He presents an issue on his scrambling or his draw plays. San Francisco has to be on their toes for that at all times. All it takes is for one small opening or lack of focus from the 49ers for Hurts to take off and gash them. Ultimately, it is going to come down to the aggression of the 49ers’ defensive line. Not a singular rusher ran all over the 49ers in the NFC Championship. Rather it was a collective effort, which gives credence to the Eagles’ offensive line creating rushing lanes so often.
The defensive line has to lock in for this game along with the coaching staff adjusting to how the offensive line is creating their lanes. Otherwise, this could be a long afternoon for the 49ers defensively.
