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49ers 2009 opponent breakdown: Philadelphia Eagles (Week 15)
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The Eagles were one win away from the Super Bowl.
Can McNabb take them back?
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The 49ers face off against the Eagles (AGAIN) and for the 49ers, this may be their toughest opponent of the season. After two straight games against division opponents, the 49ers have a huge task at hand.
The Eagles last year were a win away from making it to the Super Bowl. They weren't super impressive during the regular season last year, but when it was time to make the big plays in the playoffs, they did exactly that.
Obviously, the biggest focus for the Eagles has always been on quarterback Donovan McNabb. Does McNabb have what it takes to take the Eagles back to the top? Well, let's take a look at them.
2008 Record: 9-6-1 (2nd NFC East)
Last meeting: 10/12/08 @ San Francisco (Eagles win 40-26)
2009 schedule: Week 15 @ Philadelphia
Top 3 best players: QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, CB Asante Samuel
Notable draft picks: WR Jeremy Maclin, RB LeSean McCoy
Notable new acquisitions: OT Stacy Andrews, CB Ellis Hobbs, S Sean Jones, FB Leonard Weaver, OT Jason Peters
Notable losses: RB Correll Buckhalter, S Sean Considine, S Brian Dawkins, CB Lito Sheppard, TE LJ Smith, OT Tra Thomas
With the departure of Correll Buckhalter and the recent injury history of Brian Westbrook, the Eagles drafted a very talented back in LeSean McCoy to help with the running game. As the backup for Westbrook, he can definitely provide some relief for all-pro running back.
But if healthy, Westbrook is one of the most versatile backs in the game. Whether it's running or catching, Westbrook is extremely dangerous in the open field. And for the Eagles' hope to make it to the Super Bowl, they need Westbrook and McCoy to play at a top level. And the signing of Leonard Weaver will also open up a lot of options in the running game.
The microscope, however, will be back on the quarterback. Donovan McNabb has been criticized all his career, but after last year's trip to the playoffs, expectations couldn't be higher. The team has bolstered their passing game by adding rookie stud Jeremy Maclin. With last year's best wide receiver rookie in DeSean Jackson, the Eagles have established a solid passing game for the future.
Wide outs Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett will have a lot of pressure to continue their growing success in the offense. McNabb has a great eye for open receivers and as long as these receivers continue to spread the field, the Eagles will be flying high.
The departure of tight end LJ Smith opens the door for Brent Celek to emerge as a star tight end. Last year in the playoffs, Celek became one of McNabb's best targets. Celek will have a huge role in blocking and giving McNabb an option in the short yardage passes.
On defense, the Eagles will miss S Brian Dawkins and Sean Considine. Dawkins was the heart and soul of the team's defense and with Dawkins finding a new home in Denver, the Eagles are trying to put together a strong secondary that was once one of the most feared in the league.
The team will now rely on safeties Quintin Mikell, Quintin Demps, Sean Jones and Rashad Baker to help out with protecting against the deep pass. Jones was one of the free agents that I hoped the 49ers had signed in the off-season. But overall, the Eagles secondary can still be dangerous with the help of consistent play of cornerback Asante Samuel.
Samuel will play opposite Sheldon Brown and newly signed Ellis Hobbs. Samuel is still very dangerous and has a great nose for the ball. The Eagles' biggest threat on defense continues to be the pressure on the quarterback.
Defensive ends Trent Cole and Juqua Parker will bring havoc to the 49ers offensive line. For the 49ers offensive line that couldn't prevent sacks, the 49ers will have a huge task in trying to provide protection in the pocket. It will difficult for the 49ers to get a good running game if the constant pressure is on the line of scrimmage.
The 49ers might have their best luck in passing with a new look secondary. But even if the 49ers can get a good passing game on, the Eagles offense themselves have a lot of talent and experience.
Last year, the 49ers kept the game close until the final minutes of the game. In order for the 49ers to have any chance, they have to shut down the running game of Brian Westbrook and maybe get a huge special teams play (like last year) to keep it close. However, the Eagles are too talented and should take this game from the 49ers.
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