Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga (90) celebrates after winning the NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The 49ers won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles today announced they agreed to terms with NT Isaac Sopoaga to a three-year deal reportedly worth close to $12 million ($5 million guaranteed). The Eagles switching to a 3-4 defense under new head coach Chip Kelly were in dire need of a strong nose tackle to anchor the defensive line. The eight-year veteran has registered 217 tackles and 7.5 sacks during his career and played in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.

Sopoaga more commonly known as “Soap,” became dispensable once the 49ers signed NT Ian Williams to a brand new contract. Soap played his entire career with the 49ers, after being drafted in the fourth-round (104th) of the 2004 NFL Draft. Soap will provide the Eagles with a starting nose tackle while bringing a tenacious attitude along the defensive line.

Soap was a serviceable defensive lineman during his tenure with the team, but never had the impact of a NT Haloti Ngata (Baltimore Ravens) that the team had hoped for. The 49ers felt it was time to move on and apparently so did Sopoaga.

With Sopoaga leaving for Philadelphia, it marks the 49ers second free-agent to depart, the first being TE Delanie Walker who signed a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) kicks the ball out of the hold by punter Andy Lee (4) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their “Quest for Six,” special teams will undoubtedly be a factor in determining the outcome of the game. Whether it’s 49ers punter Andy Lee’s ability to boom a punt, Safety C.J. Spillman’s speed to cover a return-man, or kicker David Akers making a field-goal, they will all play a huge role in the Super Bowl, especially if the game turns into a defensive struggle. So with two out of the three occurring on a habitual-basis, how will Akers fare in the biggest game of his life? Surprisingly well.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) reacts after missing a 38-yard field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, Akers is playing inside a dome, with zero wind factor, for the second consecutive game. In the NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons, Akers was five for five on kickoffs going for touchbacks. A huge plus for the defense, as the opposing offense will need to sustain a drive of at least 45 yards. A difficult task for any offense to achieve.

Secondly, Akers has played under pressure before, with his first Super Bowl stint as a Philadelphia Eagle, in Super Bowl XXXIX. Although, he did not attempt a field-goal, he went 3 for 3 on extra-points. A small consolation prize for a player struggling with missed field-goals.

November 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) celebrates after making a field goal out of the hold by punter Andy Lee (4) against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of field-goals, while many NFL pundits predict another David Akers fallout, I think otherwise. It is no surprise that Akers’ leg has been sporadic this year. He led the league with 13 missed field-goals, while also tying the NFL record for the longest field-goal made, of 63 yards. So which Akers, can the 49ers expect today? I’m leaning toward the Akers of 2011. You know, the one who set numerous NFL records and re-wrote the record books.

According to 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, Akers has been extremely accurate in practice, nailing everything in sight. As Harbaugh said of Akers’ accuracy:

David Akers didn’t miss a kick all week.

December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) celebrates with punter Andy Lee (4) after kicking a field goal as St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) looks on during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated San Francisco 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

However, despite Akers’ reported accuracy, it has not translated into games, making him the epitome of a practice player. Nevertheless, Akers’ will succeed because of martial arts. Yes, martial arts. While playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Akers’ sought advice from Brazilian JiuJitsu instructor Anthony Mangenello. The unorthodox teachings helped Akers develop discipline and control, as Akers said:

I think martial arts would be a great thing for any kicker to get involved in…I want to be that limber and that fierce, and still have the focus and control. That’s all kicking is. You’ve got one fierce kick and you’ve got to be focused on it. You can’t let anything on the outside get in and bother you.

With Akers having two violatile seasons in San Francisco, it will be interesting to see if Akers can regain his form, that made him a six-time All-Pro. And if I had to guess, I would say he realigns his zen and proves his doubters wrong.

Sep 16, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo talks with players during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Ravens 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In a move flying under the radar, the Baltimore Ravens quietly added former Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo, as the running game consultant. Castillo, best known for his offensive mind, will now have the opportunity to get his first ring.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh worked with Castillo while in Philadelphia, and was a huge reason Castillo got the job in the first place.

With Castillo running the show in the “run game,” this can bode well for the San Francisco 49ers. It seems very likely, that the Ravens are scheming for a run heavy game-plan and a heavy dose of running back Ray Rice. If this is the case, you can bet 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh and company will be prepared for whatever the Ravens throw at them, as they may have tipped their hand, a little too early.