49ers at Eagles
THE STORY: The Philadelphia Eagles got some good news when they learned that quarterback Michael Vick suffered merely a bruise instead of what was feared to be a broken bone in his hand in last week’s 29-16 loss to the Giants. Still, the NFL’s “Dream Team” has started off the season very shaky. One of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl, Philadelphia has lost two straight games and has watched teams run at will against its blitzing defense. Meanwhile, San Francisco has already won twice despite Jim Harbaugh’s offense being ranked last in the league. Philadelphia has won the last five games in the series.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Eagles -9, O/U 44.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (2-1): Harbaugh has asked quarterback Alex Smith to do little more than manage the offense and Smith has excelled in the role. He is second in the NFC in passing efficiency (91.3 passer rating). Smith had a rare big passing game last season against the Eagles, throwing for 309 yards and three TDs in a 27-24 home loss. Frank Gore is off to a rough start and suffered a sprained ankle in last week’s 13-8 win at Cincinnati. He is expected to play. WR Braylon Edwards, however, is questionable with a knee injury, but Michael Crabtree played well in a limited role last week and tight end Vernon Davis broke out with 114 yards on eight receptions.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (1-2): Vick is listed as questionable but is expected to play in the game. Vick chided officials for not rewarding his team with penalties on the numerous hits he has taken this season and it seems only a matter of a time that Vick will either suffer a serious injury or that coach Andy Reid will pull in the reins on his QB’s aggressive nature. The Eagles have a star in the making in running back LeSean McCoy who leads the conference with 345 yards rushing and the NFL with four rushing TDs. WR Jeremy Maclin is off to a blazing start but left last week’s game with a hamstring injury and is not expected to go against the Niners.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Philadelphia was only 4-4 at home last season and is already 0-1 this season.
2. The Niners lead the NFL with a plus-6 turnover ratio.
3. K David Akers is in his first season with the 49ers after spending 12 seasons with the Eagles.