We all remember the movie where the plucky underdog from out of nowhere takes on the champ and wins the heavyweight crown (well, it was a split decision, but I ain’t letting that get in the way). Rocky. Fitting that this game is in Philly as here we are is 2023 and we have Brocky. The plucky underdog QB drafted with the last pick of the 2022 draft coming from out of nowhere and deep on the bench to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Cue the Rocky theme.

The offense is a healthy as it has been all year, the defense is playing at a very high level, and even the play calling and coaching, minus a few issues with time management, is on point.

Philly though has something we struggle with, and that’s a mobile QB. I wonder if we go zone underneath to spy Hurts and his scrambles. It could leave guys open short, but it could save the 15 yard broken contain runs. Then again, they have 2 WRs with 183 catches and 2,694 yards in DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown, and their own 1,000 yard rusher in Miles Sanders.

Then again with a 17 game schedule, everyone has something close to this.

For all the offensive firepower, this game will be won in the trenches. One thing the team cannot do is overcommit to play action fakes, and misdirection runs. Our safeties Hufanga and Gipson and LBs need to stay home on bootlegs and sweeps and keep the edges tight. Philly gets a ton of yards on those plays.

Play clean, force a turnover or two, and we are moving on.

Niners 27 – Iggles 17

Cincy 31 – KC 27