They actually did it. Against a backdrop of rowdy Philly fans and a literal mountain of injuries, the San Francisco 49ers just pulled off the unthinkable. Honestly, if you blinked during the fourth quarter, you probably missed three lead changes and the kind of trick play that coaches usually only dream up in Madden.
The 49ers vs Eagles final score ended at 23-19 in favor of San Francisco.
It wasn't pretty. It was gritty, loud, and occasionally felt like a 1940s wrestling match. But for a team that entered the postseason as the sixth seed, it was exactly the kind of statement win Kyle Shanahan needed to silence the "regular season hero" critics.
The Trick That Flipped the Linc
Nobody expected Jauan Jennings to be the hero with his arm. Most people know him as a "third-and-Jauan" possession guy, someone who does the dirty work over the middle. But midway through the second half, the Niners were staring at a 16-10 deficit. The offense looked sluggish. Brock Purdy had already been picked off twice by Quinyon Mitchell, and the vibe in Lincoln Financial Field was basically a funeral for San Francisco’s season.
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Then came the "trickeration."
Shanahan called a reverse. Purdy pitched to Jennings, who rolled right. For a second, it looked like a disaster—Jalen Carter was bearing down on him like a freight train. Jennings lofted a prayer just before getting leveled. Christian McCaffrey, ever the safety net, tracked it down for a 29-yard touchdown. 17-16. Just like that, the momentum didn't just shift; it shattered.
The Cost of Victory: The Kittle Injury
We have to talk about George Kittle. It’s the dark cloud over this whole win. Late in the first half, Kittle went down clutching his lower leg. The news we got afterward was the worst-case scenario: a torn Achilles.
He’s out. Done.
You've gotta feel for the guy. He’s the emotional heartbeat of that locker room. Losing him means the Niners have to completely reinvent their run-blocking schemes before heading to Seattle. Eric Saubert and Jake Tonges are decent, but they aren't "The People's Tight End." This injury changes the entire complexion of the NFC playoff bracket.
Purdy’s Redemption and the Final Drive
Brock Purdy has had a weird year. Critics love to point to his Week 18 performance against Seattle where he looked, well, human. And for three quarters against Philly, he looked rattled. Two interceptions? That’s not the "Point Guard" we’re used to seeing.
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But when it mattered most, he found his pulse.
After the Eagles took a late 19-17 lead off a Jake Elliott field goal, Purdy marched the team 66 yards. He didn't do anything flashy. He just took what the defense gave him. A 6-yard out to Demarcus Robinson. A check-down to McCaffrey. Finally, he danced in the pocket—avoiding a sack that would have ended the game—and fired a 4-yard bullet to McCaffrey in the end zone.
That drive took over five minutes off the clock. It was surgical. It was cold. It was exactly why the front office hasn't wavered on him despite the noise.
Why the Eagles Faltered
Philly fans are going to be talking about the A.J. Brown sideline blowup for weeks. Seeing Brown and Nick Sirianni going at it while security had to step in? That’s never a good sign. Brown didn't record a single catch after the first quarter. When your best playmaker is effectively neutralized by his own frustration, you're in trouble.
Jalen Hurts finished with only 168 yards passing. Saquon Barkley did his best to carry the load with 106 yards on the ground, but the Eagles' offense felt... predictable. They went 0-for-the-second-half on touchdowns. You can't beat a team like San Francisco by settling for field goals, especially when your defense is getting sliced up by trick plays.
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What’s Next for the 49ers?
The road doesn't get any easier. By securing the 49ers vs Eagles final score of 23-19, San Francisco earns a trip to Lumen Field to face the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks.
It’s a rubber match.
- Week 1: 49ers won 17-13.
- Week 18: Seahawks won 13-3.
- Divisional Round: All or nothing.
Seattle has the "Dark Side" defense, and Mike Macdonald has shown he knows how to flummox Purdy. Without Kittle, the Niners are going to need more "LFG" moments from Demarcus Robinson, who quietly put up 111 yards in Philly.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're betting or just following the bracket, keep an eye on these specific factors before the Saturday kickoff:
- Watch the Practice Reports: Check if the Niners elevate a tight end from the practice squad. They need bodies for heavy personnel packages.
- Monitor the Oblique: Sam Darnold (Seattle) reportedly tweaked his oblique in practice. If he’s limited, the Niners' defense—led by a rejuvenated Robert Saleh unit—might have the edge.
- Third-Down Efficiency: In their Week 18 loss, the Niners were abysmal on third downs. They improved to 45% against the Eagles. If they stay above 40% in Seattle, they cover the spread.
The 49ers proved they can win a "12-round fight" in the cold. Now they have to go do it in the loudest stadium in the NFL against a division rival that smells blood. It’s going to be a long week in the Bay Area.
Don't expect another trick play TD from Jauan Jennings, but do expect a lot of Christian McCaffrey. He’s the only reason this season is still alive.