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49ers vs. Eagles: 4 Niners who should feast on Philadelphia defense

By Peter Panacy

Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Joe Walker (59) breaks up the pass attempt to San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85). Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Joe Walker (59) breaks up the pass attempt to San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85). Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (25) Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: 49ers Running Back Elijah Mitchell

It was a pleasant surprise to watch rookie running back Elijah Mitchell torch the Lions defense to the tune of 104 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown in Week 1 after filling in for starting running back Raheem Mostert, who now finds himself done for the year with a knee injury, too.

Mitchell appears to be the favorite for Kyle Shanahan, at least for now, while reserve rushers like JaMycal Hasty and fellow rookie, Trey Sermon, get supplementary carries against Philadelphia.

Again, the Eagles have a stronger defensive front and better linebackers than Detroit, so Mitchell might not be having himself a game where he cements himself as a household name in the NFL this season.

Still, that doesn’t mean he won’t have a sizable offensive impact on Sunday.

If there was one area Philadelphia struggled in against the Falcons, it was against the run where Atlanta managed to gain 4.8 yards per carry. The Falcons likely would have had much more than 124 rush yards if they weren’t forced to play from behind at a point so early in the game.

As long as the Niners get out to a lead, and even if they don’t early, expect Mitchell to have yet another one of those noteworthy performances.