Advantages the 49ers Have Over the Eagles

The Eagles are 10-1, but they're no juggernaut. They have a clear weakness, and it's their pass defense.

The Eagles defense currently ranks 29th in passing yards allowed and 31st passing touchdowns allowed. And that's because their cornerbacks are old, and their linebackers and safeties are no good in coverage. Which means Brock Purdy should have a huge game this Sunday in Philadelphia throwing to Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel.

Still, the 49ers have some questions they'll need to answer.

First, who will block Haason Reddick? The 49ers tried to use their play-action schemes to expose the Eagles pass defense last year and failed. Kyle Shanahan asked backup tight end Tyler Kroft to block Reddick on a play-action pass, Kroft whiffed and Reddick snapped Purdy's UCL.

Will Shanahan try more play-action passes with tight ends blocking Reddick? Or will Colton McKivitz have to block Reddick one on one? Or will George Kittle have to block him, too?

Next, what will the 49ers do if Darius Slay shadows Aiyuk? Slay is the Eagles best cornerback by a wide margin. If he covers Aiyuk, Purdy could be forced to throw to Samuel instead, and Samuel isn't nearly as good at getting open.

Finally, how will Purdy perform in the rain? It's supposed to pour in Philadelphia this Sunday. The last time Purdy played with a wet ball, he had the worst game of his career in a loss to the Browns. He completed only 44 percent of his passes in that game. He couldn't control the flight of the ball.

Despite these questions, the 49ers' passing attack should have the advantage.