PHILADELPHIA: The Eagles can take solace they’re the lone 10-2 group within the NFL. Yes, that’s nonetheless one of the best document within the league.
But a humbling, harrowing defeat at dwelling to the San Francisco 49ers did greater than tighten the race for the highest spot within the NFC. It confirmed the Eagles {that a} journey again to the Super Bowl could also be rockier than anticipated.
The high-wire soccer that launched Philadelphia to the highest of the league was snipped by San Francisco.
It’s laborious to all the time win from behind. The Eagles had gained 4 straight video games when trailing at halftime however bought crushed after the break by Brock Purdy and the Niners, who scored 28 second-half factors.
It’s laborious to cowl up a shaky protection towards prime groups. The linebackers — a sore level a lot of the season with a unit stuffed with castoffs — bought torched over the center for the majority of the sport. The Eagles addressed that place Monday by signing three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was lower earlier this season by Indianapolis. Leonard ought to have the ability to play Sunday night time at Dallas.
Philadelphia’s ordinary high-scoring offense stalled contained in the pink zone. The Eagles’ first two drives ended with area targets as an alternative of touchdowns, an indication the 49ers had Jalen Hurts’ quantity and will shut down his usually stout receivers and operating backs.
The Eagles took their licks. Much just like the Niners needed to wait for an additional shot on the Eagles following their loss within the NFC championship recreation, now it’s Philadelphia’s flip to stew and look forward to a possible rematch on this yr’s playoffs.
“I heard a lot of guys back and forth talking about playing them again, and it’s probably going to happen again,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni mentioned. “But there is so much football to be played between now and then. There are so many other good teams also. So that can’t be in our thought process.”
One of these good groups is on deck. The Eagles are set to play Sunday night time at Dallas in a recreation that ought to have important sway within the NFC race. With their win at Philly, the Niners (9-3) are again within the race for the highest spot, which comes with home-field benefit and a first-round bye. The Cowboys (9-3) might seize a share of the convention lead ought to they knock off the Eagles.
The Eagles beat the Cowboys final month and will open far within the standings with a collection sweep. The Cowboys are 3-point favorites, in response to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Hurts took a shot to the pinnacle Sunday that price him just a few performs earlier than he was cleared to return. He is aware of the Eagles haven’t all the time performed to their capabilities — even when a win is a win — and wish to point out they will play a full 60 minutes of sturdy soccer.
“It’s not a matter of winning or losing. This is about playing to the standard and we didn’t play to the standard,” he mentioned. “When you play to the standard, you win. I don’t think we played to the standard and won yet.”
WHAT’S WORKING
Wide receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith picked up the majority of their yards early, however little else went proper in simply the worst recreation of Sirianni’s tenure.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
The protection bought rocked once more. The 49ers scored touchdowns on six straight possessions and tackling was extra of an possibility than a mandate. This comes per week after the Eagles allowed 505 complete yards towards the Bills.
STOCK UP
Big Dom. The Eagles’ chief of safety confirmed extra struggle than a lot of the group when he tussled with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Dom DiSandro has labored for the Eagles for 25 years and is a ubiquitous presence on the sideline and at public gatherings when gamers are concerned. Nicknamed “Big Dom,” DiSandro is a cult determine in Philly — there’s a line of merchandise in his honor — however he added to his lore when he pulled Greenlaw off Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith after a reception within the third quarter. Greenlaw popped up and reached over two officers to the touch DiSandro’s face with a closed fist.
Greenlaw was ejected. DiSandro additionally was advised to take a hike. DiSandro caught round and greeted Eagles gamers as they trudged to the locker room after the loss.
STOCK DOWN
Sirianni. From his tush-push calls to main the Eagles to a Super Bowl to his T-shirt assortment selling a few of his favourite gamers, Sirianni has carried out little incorrect in three seasons as coach. But what was he pondering leaving Hurts — after he was checked for a concussion — and the majority of his starters within the recreation late in a blowout?
Hurts was cleared and returned to play and sounded coherent afterward. But Sirianni needlessly risked the well being of a franchise star when the Eagles had no likelihood to win.
“We were still down two possessions,” Sirianni mentioned. “There was some time. We had our timeouts still. Just trying to continue the game.”
Well, three possessions, truly.
“Yeah, we’re going to fight to the end,” Sirianni mentioned.
INJURIES
Case in level: Running again D’Andre Swift was dropped at his knees when he was socked over the center by cornerback Deommodore Lenoir with about three minutes left within the recreation. Swift made an exit for the locker room following the hit.
At the time, the Eagles trailed by the ultimate rating, 42-19.
KEY NUMBER
101 — Hurts had a speeding landing and a TD move, giving him 101 mixed TDs in his four-year profession. He joined Donovan McNabb (244, 1999-2009), Ron Jaworski (187, 1977-86), Randall Cunningham (182, 1985-95), Norm Snead (124, 1964-70) and Carson Wentz (121, 2016-20) as the one Eagles with 100 complete touchdowns.
NEXT STEPS
Bring on Dallas.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
