Eagles vs. SF 49ers: 5 matchups that will determine Week 4 outcome
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: SF 49ers’ Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk vs. Eagles Secondary
SF 49ers fans have been waiting nearly a month to see it. But the day when both wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk take the field at the same time is nearing.
Granted, Samuel has only yet begun to practice after being on short-term injured reserve after suffering his offseason foot injury. And there’s no guarantee Samuel will work his way back in time for Week 4 against the Eagles, especially considering he’ll likely need some time to get his proverbial “football legs” back underneath him.
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Still, the idea of Samuel and Aiyuk paired together is more than enticing.
Aiyuk channeled his inner Samuel last Sunday against the Giants, hauling in five passes for 70 yards while adding another 31 yards rushing. And his end-around touchdown run, reminiscent of the plays Samuel made famous last year, add another lethal element to Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Should both players be ready to go, not only will the Niners boast a legitimate one-two combination at the position unlike anything they’ve had in recent seasons, but they’ll also be going up against an Eagles defense ranked 23rd versus the pass, according to Football Outsiders.
Yes, that’s a matchup San Francisco can win big and win often, should Samuel and Aiyuk be healthy and contributing at the same time.
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The SF 49ers and Eagles kick off their Week 4 matchup on Sunday Night Football, Oct. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.