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Possibly the most head scratching championship level game I've ever watched [2001 NFCCG comes to mind]. Except for penalties (many of which were questionable at best) the game was statistically close. Especially considering the final score. We watched the game and saw the injuries. So I'll focus on stuff the team had control over.
Yards per Play
49ers - 3.6
Eagles - 3.8
Demarco drew up a successful gameplan and the players executed. Have to tip our hat to the few successful times Eagles completed 4th Down even if atleast one was blown call. Our own uncharacteristic penalties committed prolonged a number of drives for Philly. Ultimately the Eagles only had 1 drive in this game where they overwhelmed us.
Offensively the running game was a success. Difficult to comment more given the cir stances. I will say - TE blocking a great pass rusher bit us in the ass yet again. All these QB injuries this season and even last year (both Jimmy & Trey) should force Kyle to reevaluate how he protects the position. At times he is straight wreckless.
Kyle not challenging the Smith 1-handed drop - hopefully this teaches Kyle a lil bout urgency and how games at this level can turn sideways at an instance. Insult to injury (no pun intended) I think we finished the 1st Half with all our timeouts.
Aggressive with backup Johnson to end the 1st Half - I've been wrong before but I immediately questioned. Felt we were more than fortunate to go into the locker room even. Within 2 minutes we were down 7-21. But ultimately this would have just prolonged the inevitable.
Because we didn't create any turnovers. No way you defeat a top seed with your backup QB while losing the turnover margin. No one expected Josh Johnson to lead us to glory but damn he single handily the bed then was off the field
As a fan these type of losses are easier to move on from than late collapses. But I think it might be different for Players. Many of these guys are left wondering what if and how did they truly measure up to the Eagles. We will never know.
I give the Eagles props they deserved the Win although not at all at such a point margin. They wanted to pressure the QB and convert 1st Downs on the ground. Mission accomplished. I feel Hurts left alot to be desired. Except for the dropped Smith pass, did he complete anything past 10, 15 yards? The Eagles were there for the taking...
