Nick Sirianni speaks on 49ers-Eagles chatter: 'It's not 2022'

It seems as if plenty of Eagles, including Nick Sirianni, are trying to downplay the war of words with the 49ers.

As expected, the temperature of the rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles has picked up over the last few days.

After all, the two teams play each other this Sunday at the same venue where Philly ousted the Niners in the NFC Championship game last January. And that result, regardless of the reasons, prompted plenty of smack-talk between the two squads, much of it centered around wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was one of the more vocal San Francisco players after the 49ers' loss.

Samuel has been asked about his previous comments, which have also drawn some attention from Eagles players in recent days, and the entire nature of the back-and-forth drama has only shone more light on what should be an intriguing contest between these two top contenders within the NFC.

Spicy comments are not, however, coming from one of the more outgoing head coaches in the league, Nick Sirianni of the Eagles.

Nick Sirianni says 'it's 2023' of 49ers-Eagles game, respects Kyle Shanahan and Co.

From his midweek press conference, Sirianni was asked if there was going to be any chippiness between the two teams this weekend, given the nature of talk going on leading up to the bout at Lincoln Financial Field.

Sirianni, interestingly enough, pointed out the respect he has for the Niners, including head coach Kyle Shanahan and his staff.

"I just know this game is going to be about two good teams coming in here and having a good game," Sirianni said. "I've got a lot of respect for the guys over there, coach Shanahan and his coaches.

"There are a lot of good players on the San Francisco 49ers. Some of the best players in the world over there."

Sirianni, who has a bit of a reputation for being a bit eccentric on the sidelines, including after his Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 on Monday Night Football, maintained a calm and respectable demeanor during this presser and pointed out that what happened last January between Philly and San Francisco has little bearing on Sunday's contest.

"This is different. This is 2023, and it's not 2022," Sirianni added. "... There's different players on this team, there's different players on their team. Shoot, one of our better players from last year [defensive tackle Javon Hargrave] is on their team, right?

"So, this is about the 2023 Eagles versus the 2023 Niners. Both teams are doing well, and it's going to be a heck of a battle."

Related story: Is Nick Sirianni the coach 49ers fans love to hate the most?

The words from Sirianni aren't unlike those Shanahan spoke during his presser either, especially when asked if last year's experience would carry any weight heading into this season's showdown.

"I think we’re just both different teams, different styles," Shanahan said. "You evolve all the time and you evolve each week."

The Niners and Eagles square off in this highly anticipated matchup on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET.

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