The Philadelphia Eagles might be the betting favorites heading into their Wild Card matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, but not everybody is convinced that the Eagles have what it takes to avoid an upset.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Logan Ryan recently previewed the upcoming battle between the Eagles and the 49ers, and he picked San Francisco to strike an upset in South Philly.
“I think their defense is solid, and have a good gameplan for the Eagles,” Ryan said on Up & Adams. “I like what [Brock] Purdy is doing.”
Ryan’s biggest point goes back to last week’s controversial decision. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni chose to sit most of his team’s key players, allowing them to stay healthy and get some rest before a playoff run.
“I’m not a fan of Nick Sirianni resting those starters. I’m not a fan of that. You can’t just turn it on. That’s what this Eagles team is trying to do this year,” Ryan continued.
“They are just trying to flip the switch. Now, the playoffs start, and now we’ll start playing well. I’ll rest the guys up, now we’ll just turn it on. You can’t always do that. How you kind of end the season and it leads up to the playoffs, momentum, and whatnot.”
Read more: 2-time Super Bowl champ loves Eagles-49ers matchup for specific reason
Most of the criticism aimed at Sirianni last week was due to the fact that an Eagles victory over an inferior Washington Commanders team would’ve allowed the Eagles to get the No. 2 seed in the NFC, guaranteeing two home games if they get to the Divisional Round.
The loss meant the Eagles would need to hit the road if they face the Chicago Bears in round two. However, Ryan is more concerned about the momentum factor.
In the Eagles’ defense, they didn’t do anything differently compared to last season. When the Eagles reached the final week of the regular season, all of their core players rested, including Saquon Barkley, who could’ve broken an NFL record. Still, the Eagles went on to make a deep run, coming out on top as champs.
The Eagles have a lot to prove this year, as they entered with a goal to repeat. A new season starts on Sunday, and they have an opportunity to book a ticket to Chicago with a victory over the 49ers.
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