Eagles Return to the Linc to Play the 49ers

After playing four out of their last five games on the road, Philadelphia has two straight home games as they continue their quest for another NFC East Title. This Sunday they welcome the 6-7 San Francisco 49ers to town for a 1:00 P.M start at the Linc.

The 9-4 Eagles can clinch a playoff spot with a win this Sunday and a loss by either the Cowboys or the Giants. Dallas faces the 13-0 Saints in New Orleans on Saturday night and New York travels to Washington to play the Redskins on Monday night.

The 49ers are still mathematically alive for a playoff spot, but would need to win their last three games and still get some help to make it in.

When you look at the 49ers' offense there are basically two players that the Birds need to contain to shut them down. The first is RB Frank Gore.Through 13 games he has rushed for 835 yards on 162 carries for an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. Last week in a big win over the Cardinals he had one of his best game of the year, running for 167 yards on 25 carries. Given the fact that it will be cold and windy on Sunday, he will most likely be a huge part of the 49ers game plan.

The second guy they need to contain is TE Vernon Davis. He is the team's leading receiver with 66 catches for 815 yards and 11 TD's. Given how the Bird's defense has struggled with big physical tight ends in the past, shutting him down will be a key to getting a win.

Defensively, the 49ers are ranked 27th against the pass which could mean another big day for QB Donovan McNabb and his number one playmaker DeSean Jackson. While they will try and establish the run especially with the emergence of FB Leonard Weaver as a legitimate running threat, McNabb's eyes will still be fixed downfield looking to burn San Francisco's secondary with the big play.

In past seasons I would be a bit concerned with this game as the Eagles have had the tendency for a letdown in games they are heavy favorites to win. This year is a bit different as they have some solid momentum on their side and more importantly a true sense of purpose heading into the post season. Nobody understands this better than McNabb who realizes he may not have too many more opportunities like this to finally win a championship.