Eagles vs. SF 49ers: 5 players who’ll tear up Philly’s defense
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: SF 49ers Quarterback Nick Mullens
Speaking of the SF 49ers pass attack, Jimmy Garoppolo is probably going to be given another week’s worth of rest to heal his injured ankle, meaning Nick Mullens gets his second start this season after passing for 343 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over the Giants.
True, the Eagles have done a good job against the pass this season, holding their opponents to an average of just 5.9 yards per pass attempt. But when one factors in two of Philadelphia’s opponents so far this season were Washington and the Cincinnati Bengals, neither squad boasting an above-average pass game, the number could be a bit misleading.
The following number, courtesy of CBS Sports, is a bit misleading, too:
Only 2 QB in NFL history have thrown for 2,600 Pass Yards and 14 TD in their first 9 career starts:
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 30, 2020
- Patrick Mahomes
- NICK MULLENS pic.twitter.com/AZa72TvfHX
Still, it’s pretty impressive.
OK, so Mullens isn’t in Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ territory yet. He never will be, and that’s alright.
But Mullens’ best efforts in 2018, when he received eight starts in relief of an injured Garoppolo, were at home at Levi’s Stadium where he owns a career 95.8 passer rating.
Look for that trend to continue for Mullens under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football.