In their Week 13 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, a rematch of the NFC championship game from the previous season, the Philadelphia Eagles had great expectations to deliver a powerful message to the NFL. But when they suffered a humiliating 42-19 loss, the script abruptly changed, and they began to doubt their status as the season’s finale drew near.
Despite their knack for mounting comebacks in previous games, the Eagles’ inconsistent performance caught up with them in a lopsided loss to the 49ers. Center Jason Kelce, a veteran voice in the locker room, candidly admitted: “We’re not good enough right now. Obviously, disappointed in the way we performed, didn’t get it done today. But we’ve still got some games left, a lot of football to learn from. I still have the utmost confidence in everybody in this locker room on both sides of the ball. This game doesn’t do anything to sway that.”
The Eagles’ four previous games had all ended in victories despite the team usually trailing at halftime; however, against the 49ers, that winning streak was abruptly ended. With a 14-6 lead at the half and more momentum in the second, San Francisco took control and handed the Eagles their second-biggest defeat under head coach Nick Sirianni.
Sirianni accepted responsibility for the team’s poor performance and emphasized the need for better leadership and performance.
“We weren’t good enough as players or coaches. As easy as that. Why don’t you take that action? You must, however, also give them credit. That football team is excellent. It will appear that way if you don’t show up and play your best against the players and coaches they have,” Sirianni remarked. Thus, we need to improve as coaches. Need to perform better on the field. There is much for us to tidy up.
The Eagles’ difficulties were highlighted by the impressive performance of Niners wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who scored three touchdowns. We didn’t tackle, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox acknowledged. We failed to cover. We missed a lot of plays,” he said, bringing up concerns with coverage, tackling, and missed plays.
Talk of a possible rematch with the 49ers persisted among the players as the Eagles left the field. An NFC Championship Game between the Eagles and 49ers had a significant statistical chance, according to ESPN Analytics. Jordan Mailata, the left tackle, did, however, concede that the 49ers were the superior team that day and accept the current situation.
“There could be a rematch,” Mailata stated. But you have to admit to yourself that they were the superior team when you look in the mirror today. We failed to carry out. We were unable to carry out our play and take advantage of our opportunities, particularly in the red zone. You can’t afford those lost opportunities when playing against a well-coached and disciplined team like that.
