49ERS AT EAGLES
WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
WHEN: 1:15 p.m.
TV: Ch. 2
RADIO: KNBR 680-AM, KSAN 107.7-FM
THE LINE: Eagles by 8? (42? total)
THE SERIES: 49ers lead 17-10-1
LAST MEETING: The Eagles outscored the 49ers 23-0 in the fourth quarter, with J.T. O?Sullivan throwing an interception that Juqua Parker returned for a touchdown, in a 40-26 victory at Candlestick Park. Running back Frank Gore rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown for the 49ers, who led 26-17 entering the fourth quarter.
INJURY REPORT
49ers ? CB Nate Clements (shoulder) is out; WR Isaac Bruce (ankle) is doubtful; T Barry Sims (knee) and TE Delanie Walker (ankle) are questionable; LB Ahmad Brooks (foot), S Dashon Goldson (chest), RB Frank Gore (toe), CB Marcus Hudson (back), RB Moran Norris (toe), RB Michael Robinson (shoulder), LB Takeo Spikes (hamstring) and T Joe Staley (knee) are probable.
Eagles ? WR Jeremy Maclin (foot) and RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) are out; TE Brent Celek (back, thumb) is questionable; DE Victor Abiamiri (knee), WR Jason Avant (hamstring), C Nick Cole (knee), DE Trent Cole (hamstring), WR Kevin Curtis (knee), LB Akeem Jordan (knee), DT Mike Patterson (wrist) and RB Leonard Weaver (hamstring) are probable.
SPOTTING TRENDS
49ERS (6-7): The start time has been pushed back three hours to allow stadium and city workers to clear the snow. It remains to be seen if the weather will have an effect on offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye?s game plan. It seems reasonable that the 49ers would want to stress the importance of getting the ball into Frank Gore?s hands. He is coming off a 167-yard rushing day in the 49ers? surprising victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Alex Smith played in some wintry conditions during his college days at Utah, but his role will likely be more of a game manager. The 49ers? main objective will be to avoid turnovers. With tight end Delanie Walker?s availability in question, the 49ers might go with more two-back sets with fullback Moran Norris. In passing situations, third receiver Jason Hill could be an attractive option for Smith from the slot position.
EAGLES (9-4): Philadephia leads the NFC East, and can take another large step toward a spot in the playoffs with a victory. The Eagles have evolved into a vertical passing game, so the weather conditions could provide a challenge for the likes of quarterback Donovan McNabb and receiver DeSean Jackson. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy might have to carry a huge portion of the load with Brian Westbrook ruled out of another game with lingering effects from a concussion. McCoy is the Eagles? leading rusher with 558 yards and three touchdowns on 139 carries. Fullback Leonard Weaver has gained 249 yards and two touchdowns on just 45 rushing attempts. With weather conditions possibly limiting the ability to throw deep passes, the availability of tight end Brent Celek is crucial to the Eagles? offense.
QUOTE TO NOTE
?I?m very excited for the opportunity to go to Philly and play a very good football team that seems to be playing well right now. So, going there and being on their turf has its challenges, but we?ll be up for it.?
? 49ers coach Mike Singletary on
facing the NFC East-leading Eagles
49ERS WILL WIN IF . . . Gore gets 25 rushing attempts, and the 49ers avoid the costly turnover.
EAGLES WILL WIN IF . . . McNabb gets time to throw, and the weather does not affect his downfield passes.
KEY MATCHUPS
S Dashon Goldson vs. WR DeSean Jackson
As the centerfielder in the 49ers? defense, Goldson can?t allow Jackson, who averages 18.9 yards a reception, to get behind him on deep routes.
LT Joe Staley vs. DE Trent Cole
Staley makes his return to the lineup after going down Nov. 1 with a knee injury. His first matchup will be against Cole, who leads the Eagles with 9.5 sacks on the season.
QB Alex Smith vs. QB Donovan McNabb
If the weather is good, the QBs must make plays to help their teams. If the weather is bad, they must avoid turnovers and negative plays that could lose the game.
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