The 49ers and Eagles have added dynamic playmakers to their respective lineups to differentiate themselves from the competition. The 49ers in particular have put together a roster with several top players at various positions. RB Christian McCaffrey, TE George Kittle and FB Kyle Juszczyk are considered the “best of the best” at their respective positions, while Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are exceptional receivers who boast spectacular skills with the ball in their hands.
San Francisco’s offense poses serious problems for defenders in one-on-one situations. Kyle Shanahan excels at putting his top playmakers in favorable positions that allow them to significantly influence the outcome of the game, whether through the creative running game where every conceivable player touches the ball, or through a deceptive aerial attack that exploits the threat of the run to create big chances from anywhere on the pitch.
The Eagles counter with an offensive lineup that features one of the league’s most explosive receiver duos (AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith) catching passes from an MVP quarterback (Hurts). The combination has produced fireworks, with Brown and Smith emerging as co-WR1s capable of dominating games at the rim. As complementary weapons with the size/strength (Brown) and speed/skill (Smith) to consistently win their one-on-one battles, these two destroy opposing secondary weapons. With each pass catcher displaying strong hands and exceptional ball skills, Hurts isn’t afraid to give his playmakers chances on 50/50 balls.
While the passing game shines and Brown and Smith set the pace, the Eagles’ bread is on the floor. Philadelphia uses an option-based attack to keep defenders confused at the point of attack. Hurts is the maestro ball-handling wizard with a running style that combines physicality and finesse. The fourth-year pro has 37 career rushing touchdowns – including 11 in 2023 on various quarterback keeps, option runs and sneaks – making him a major scoring threat in the red zone. Swift bolsters the running game as an explosive back with home run speed. His off-tackle running ability and ability to move in space have added a new dimension to the Eagles’ rushing attack this season. Although he’s something of a boom-or-bust producer, the offseason trade acquisition is a potential game-changer when he has the ball in his hands.
On paper, this matchup doesn’t seem close based on draft pedigrees and NFL experience, but Brock Purdy and Hurts are both certified ballers with impressive QB1 resumes.
While some of Hurts’ accolades were mentioned in the previous section, the 2020 second-round pick is a rare find as an explosive runner with significantly improved passing skills. From his rhythmic throws on RPOs to his high balls that fly over the defensive line, the 25-year-old has become an unstoppable weapon in the pocket as a mobile playmaker with the ability to win on or off the field script.
Due to his relatively young age and previous status as “Mr. Irrelevant,” Purdy entered the NFL scene as an underdog, but opponents quickly discovered that the 49ers’ second-year starter was an assassin with exceptional passing skills. While Purdy doesn’t impress with his natural arm talent, he still makes every throw with excellent touch, timing and anticipation. Although most of his completions come on break-in routes at varying depths, the 23-year-old attacks any area of the field when he spots an open window. Because Shanahan also often creates big play opportunities through creative play-action passes, the underrated playmaker carves up opponents who can’t disrupt his timing and rhythm in the pocket. Against defenses that must defend the league’s most dynamic and resourceful running game, the 49ers’ QB1 can change the dynamic of the game with his smart play from the pocket.
In case you can’t tell, I’m absolutely thrilled about this showdown on Sunday. It will be a playoff atmosphere at Linc and I can’t wait to see who comes out victorious.