Eagles vs. SF 49ers: 5 matchups that will determine Week 4 outcome
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers Quarterbacks vs. Eagles Pass Defense
Kyle Shanahan already told reporters the starting quarterback job was Jimmy Garoppolo‘s once he returns from his high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 2.
When that is, however, is anyone’s guess.
In the interim, No. 2 signal-caller Nick Mullens performed admirably well against the Giants, throwing for 343 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions on the road against a still-decent New York defense.
At home at Levi’s Stadium, whoever starts will still be facing a halfway good Eagles defense that’s allowing 5.9 pass yards per play, on average, which is 10th best in the league. And for those thinking either Garoppolo or Mullens can benefit from high doses of play action, Philly’s run defense is surrendering a mere 3.4 yards per carry on the ground.
It’ll be tough for San Francsico to run the ball, especially with a banged-up crop of tailbacks, Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman, dealing with knee injuries.
So that puts more pressure on either Garoppolo or Mullens to rely heavily on standard passing, hitting targets and coming through in key situations, such as on third down and within the red zone.
Fortunately, the Eagles have generated just one turnover this season and have recorded zero interceptions.
Whoever starts, Garoppolo or Mullens, will need to ensure that zero in the INT column stays put.