Here we go. One step from the Super Bowl. Again. Last year’ loss was crushing. This one would be equally so, despite in improbability of Mr. Irrelevant catapulting himself into the drivers’ seat of this high-performance offensive machine. The thinking is, Purdy has plenty of time to gain his footing, but as we all know, these windows can slam shut and lock tight at a moment’s notice.
Just ask the 5-12 Rams.
Yes, we have a solid team in all phases, but so does Philly. Games like these have a tendency to turn on fluke plays or the inadvertent turnover. Last week, Dak Prescott did us a solid by throwing 2 poorly timed picks. We only got 6 off them, but returned the favor with a fumbled punt by Ray Ray McCloud that gave Dallas 3 despite the great field position.
It very well could turn on a kickoff return. Something that nearly bit us last week, and a few other times this year. Gould either needs to get more touchbacks, or our coverage needs to lock in. There have been too many lapses. Despite Ray Ray’s fumble, the return teams have been solid.
Despite Philly’s top 3 defense, teams have scored on them. Washington used their run game to keep their high scoring offense off the field, and Dallas put 40 (and 420 yards) on them not too long ago. Amazingly, it was Gardner Minshew that put up 34 on that Dallas’ defense. I want the quick passing game used early and often to get the LBs on their heels and worrying about covering guys to open up running plays. We need to run misdirection plays as they play so well straight up.
I am glad that Purdy has the Seattle win under his bet as at least he’s shown he can win in a very hostile environment, and they don’t get much worse than Seattle. And he single-handedly took Iowa State to relevance in his time as a 4-year starter there. With Brock gone, and before he got there, they’ve sucked.
Niners 27 – Iggles 17
Cincy 31 – KC 27
Too bad Dallas will have to fly halfway across country to get their asses handed to them. Purdy is so much better than JimmyG that it’s not even close. Purdy actually executes Shanny’s offense. Shanny must have dusted off the part of his playbook that was bolted shut since he’s been in SF. Didn’t quite understand why the playcalls in first half vs. Seattle were 2:1 pass:run. That needs to balance more to run against Dallas in first half, IMO…