Ahead of the 49ers’ 8-3 Week 13 showdown against the 10-1 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, there was plenty of discussion about the two teams’ electric offenses.
While both teams are at the top of NFL offensive statistics, averaging 28.2 points per game each, a former 49ers coach believes San Francisco has an offensive advantage over Philadelphia because of someone on the sidelines.
NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s “Takeoff Podcast” with John Clark and explained why 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan gives San Francisco an offensive advantage over the Eagles.
“I love, love, love the play calling and the game planning,” Mariucci told Clark. “Kyle Shanahan, using those weapons – he’s like a maestro. Kyle can plan and game you like no one else.”
Shanahan ranks sixth on the 49ers’ offense in both total yards (4,247) and total points (310).
And while running back Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL with 939 yards on the ground, Mariucci believes Shanahan’s passing scheme is a key reason for San Francisco’s offensive dominance and is something to watch out for against the Eagles’ defense.
“Man, they have receivers everywhere,” Mariucci Clark explained. “Your yardage on every catch is better than anyone else’s.” Why? Because they are open. It’s not because Brandon Aiyuk is Jerry Rice, he’s a damn good player. The concepts and creativity are truly outstanding. That’s because when I watch I think, “Wow, this offense is pretty damn cool to watch.”
“That will be the story of this game – if the Eagles’ pass defense can withstand the 49ers’ play-action passing game.” The Eagles’ defense…Darius Slay and [James] Bradberry – [Kevin] Byard now too. Really outstanding players. But they gave up a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns.”
Philadelphia’s defense has allowed a fourth-worst 255.7 yards per game and given up a fifth-worst 2,813 yards per game.
In comparison, Shanahan and San Francisco should appreciate this matchup, as the 49ers rank eighth with 250.1 yards per game.
Simply put, the 49ers excel in all areas of the offense because of their robust talent and chemistry.
But as Mariucci described, Shanahan’s ability to best utilize his roster gives San Francisco an edge over Philadelphia.
The 49ers’ offense is primed to dominate as they will hopefully present the Eagles with four full quarters of a Brock Purdy-led offense for the first time in a preview of a potential NFC title game.
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