49ers vs. Eagles: 5 challenges San Francisco faces in Week 2
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Eagles offensive line is solid enough
Despite the Lions boasting a quality offensive line in Week 1, a unit that was still without starting left tackle Taylor Decker, San Francisco’s pass rush was more than effective to wreak havoc in the backfield en route to three sacks and nine quarterback hits.
It’ll be no less a challenge against the Eagles, though.
Against Atlanta, Philadelphia allowed a mere one sack on Jalen Hurts, and that was the only time the Falcons’ defensive front essentially put hands on the second-year quarterback.
Per Pro Football Focus:
"Philly’s offensive line had no issues handling the middling defensive front the Falcons trotted out. Four of the five starters finished with a pass-block grade above 75.0 on first review and not one lost multiple reps. They also helped provide 2.7 yards before contact in the run game."
Read More: How did Nick Bosa, Dee Ford perform in 49ers’ Week 1 win?
True, the Falcons don’t boast anything close to the kind of pass-rushing prowess the 49ers will bring into this game. And watching edge rushers Nick Bosa and Dee Ford regularly overwork their blockers to get into Detroit’s backfield is an element that should carry over against the Eagles.
The issue, though, is Philly’s O-line doesn’t have to protect a virtual statue within the pocket, and the Niners now find themselves subjected to what’s been a massive challenge for their defense for years now: a mobile quarterback.