Random Thoughts for NFC Title Game Week
by John Kincade
The Eagles are now the favorites against the field
The Eagles on Wednesday became the Vegas Super Bowl favorite vs any opponents left in the playoff field. The Eagles are favored vs the 49ers and would be slight favorites over the Chiefs or the Bengals. It’s amazing how the national discussion on the Eagles has changed. Jalen Hurts is getting more attention and the Eagles path appears to be clearing a bit.
That doesn’t mean they are getting any respect
Nick Sirianni didn’t show up as a finalist for the NFL Coach of the Year. It’s crazy to me that he didn’t find his way into the Top 3 candidates. Nick was (4-0) vs the other finalists. They beat Brian Daboll (3-0) and Doug Pederson (1-0). Whether he just got the most out of a loaded roster seems to be the rationale, but I’ll say this. Brian Daboll had a Giants team with a pre-season Vegas over/under of 7.5 wins. They won 9. Nick Sirianni had a team with a pre-season Vegas over under of 9.5 wins and they won 14. I don’t know how that wouldn’t be considered a larger accomplishment, especially with the 2 head yo head dominations when both teams were playing their regulars.
The fact that Haasann Reddick isn’t a finalist for the defensive player of the year makes zero sense. He was arguably the most statistically impactful defensive player in the league. The Comeback Player of the Year should have included the Eagles Brandon Graham. Once again, I’m baffled as to why he didn’t make the finalists.
It makes me wonder what the writers are actually watching. I’ve always advocated that players, coaches and front office execs should be the ones who determine these awards. The fact that the Eagles have nobody in the mix for these honors AND they are the best team in the league just appears to be part of an agenda.
Attack their biggest weakness…
The 49ers average allowing less than 17 points per game. On paper that seems incredibly daunting. As I handicap this matchup I don’t see it that way. I look at what the 49ers do not do well and what the strength of the Eagles offense is. That tells me that most of the opposition for SF wasn’t able to exploit their biggest weakness. The 49ers can’t cover the big play down field. Their zone has been exploited consistently on throws better than 25 yards and they have allowed more plays of 50+ yards than any team in the league. You know who the best team in the league us at throws over 25+ yards? Yep, that’s the Eagles. The Eagles will attack that softness, early and often.
BOLD PREDICTION
Remember that less than 17 points per game that the 49ers allow? I’ll shout my shot right now. The Eagles will score 17 points before halftime. The aggressive approach that we have seen from them in various home games this year will be employed again. A lot less of the running attack than against the Giants. You can’t attempt 44 rushes against the 49ers UNLESS you get out to a huge lead. I don’t see that happening.
