The San Francisco 49ers recorded the biggest upset of Wild Card weekend, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 23-19. Running back Christian McCaffrey scored two touchdowns, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson topped 100 yards receiving while recording a score, and while it wasn't his most pristine game statistically, quarterback Brock Purdy overcame two second-half interceptions to lead the 49ers in the fourth quarter on a game-winning drive (fourth in playoff career).
On the defensive side, behind a patchwork lineup of recent signings, rookies, and a former practice player, Philadelphia was limited to six second-half points. Despite allowing 140 yards rushing and losing the time of possession battle, the 49ers limited Philadelphia to 167 yards passing, initiated seven penalties, and created two turnovers on downs—a stunning and impressive win for the red and gold.
It's not without a 49ers game this season that the team doesn't suffer a major injury, and last Sunday was no exception. Tight end George Kittle went down in the second quarter, sidelining him indefinitely. When play resumed, Purdy connected with wide receiver Jauan Jennings for a 45-yard reception to set up a field goal, showing his and the team's resiliency.
The Divisional Round is another date with the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers won the opener in Seattle, but the tides reversed two weeks ago, with the NFC West title and the one seed on the line, as an efficient run game and elite defense ruled the day.
Sam Darnold played mistake-free football, the defense allowed only two 3rd-down conversions, and offensively, Seattle outgained San Francisco by a two-to-one ratio. In theory, the game wasn't close despite a 13-3 final score.
Just like Philadelphia, this matchup will be the third in both teams' playoff history, with an NFC Championship Game berth on the line.
5 - GARRET WALLOW
Who?! It's hard to believe that a former practice squad and special teams linebacker from Denver, who recorded five tackles in 11 games, would be so invaluable. Eleven tackles and a key pass breakup late would get anybody's attention in a playoff game.
Presuming Dee Winters returns, the linebacking core will be set. Wallow offers support in the run game and is respectable in coverage against tight ends. Expect a few one-on-ones with AJ Barner on key third downs.
One thing is essential for Wallow, and every defender, for that matter, especially against Kenneth Walker and Zack Charbonnet: limit missed tackles to minimize big runs.
4 - MARQUES SIGLE
After replacing safety Ji'Ayir Brown, who checked out due to a hamstring injury, Marques Sigle came in and performed admirably, notching eight tackles against Philadelphia. With Brown already ruled out in Seattle, Sigle gets the starting nod in front of Jason Pinnock and alongside Malik Mustapha. Sigle has the physicality for sure tackling and in run support if necessary. He is also susceptible to allowing big receiving yards when targeted.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is Seattle's most feared receiving threat, but the compromised oblique of quarterback Sam Darnold could put a deep ball in question. Sigle has not recorded a pass breakup since Week 5. Anything resembling a deflection, while also avoiding spot pass interference penalties, will be huge for the 49ers.
3 - KYLE JUSZCZYK
The injury to Kittle, as much as it sucked, allowed Purdy to use Kyle Juszczyk in the passing game. Four receptions for 49 yards was Juice's biggest receiving output of the season. The run game will be difficult to establish, considering how Seattle shut it down two weeks ago (53 yards allowed), but it is needed to keep Seattle honest enough that Purdy is not chucking 40+ pass attempts.
In a fleeting position at age 34, the value of Juice will be on display Saturday, whether providing a kick-out block for McCaffrey outside or catching passes. Another five targets is not out of the question for Juszczyk this week.
2 - RICKY PEARSALL
Let's keep it real with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. He's talented, but the injury-prone designation he's labeled with is somewhat disconcerting, considering he's missed 14 out of 35 games. Demarcus Robinson was excellent last week, but that type of production shouldn't be expected again by the 49ers.
The element that Pearsall possesses that no other 49ers receiver does consistently: going deep. Back in Week 1, against Seattle, Pearsall hauled in a 45-yard reception late, which set up Brock Purdy's game-winning touchdown pass to Jake Tonges.
Pearsall will get his share of targets, along with Jennings and McCaffrey, but a big chunk play of 20+ yards should not be too much to ask.
1 - BROCK PURDY
The stat line from two weeks ago was less than stellar, and two bad second-half interceptions against Philadelphia were unsettling, but Purdy found a way to win. The chances he takes with the ball can come across as reckless, but the poise Purdy plays with, combined with his ability not to be rattled by road stadiums and earlier turnovers, is what sets him apart.
Even if McCaffrey is stifled again running the ball, expect Purdy to scramble more, when necessary, and always take the check down for yards, so as not to be behind the sticks. Another Kyle Shanahan gimmick play could be in the cards this week as well for Purdy to execute.
An aggressive defense will test this offense. If Purdy goes turnover-free, and the 49ers are in the game come the 4th quarter, they can steal it, as they did against Philadelphia. And if that becomes a reality, make that 5-0 in Lumen Field for Mr. Very Much Relevant.