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Eagles-49ers scouting report
DEFENSE
Eagles: 274 yards per game (6th)
49ers: 344 yards per game (T-21st)
Defensive line
Eagles: The Eagles are expected to get DE Victor Abiamiri back this week, which should reduce Trent Cole's and Juqua Parker's reps a bit and help keep them fresher. Abiamiri, who missed the first five games after needing surgery to repair a dislocated wrist, will be used both outside and inside as a tackle in nickel.
Niners: While the Niners are considered a 3-4 defense, they mix up their fronts a lot, much like the Patriots. Former Bengal Justin Smith moves from OLB to RE when they switch to a four-man front. Eagles have faced some very good nose tackles this season, but Aubrayo Franklin isn't one of them.
PICK: EAGLES
Linebacker
Eagles: This young unit, which had played pretty well in the first four games, particularly vs. the run, got manhandled last week by Washington. They have not been very effective at taking away the tight end. Opposing TEs have 30 catches for 418 yards and two touchdowns in five games.
Niners: In his second season, Patrick Willis has established himself as one of the league's best LBs. He's a playmaker who is always around the ball. He was in on 18 tackles vs. New England last week, including 14 solos. Justin Smith, strictly a 4-3 end in Cincy, has made a pretty smooth transition to the 3-4.
PICK: EVEN
Secondary
Eagles: Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson probably will go with three corners a lot vs. pass-happy Mike Martz. Safeties Brian Dawkins and Quintin Mikell must be careful of TE Vernon Davis. While the 49ers haven't thrown much to him, he has sub-4.4 speed and can get behind them in a flash.
Niners: Nate Clements is one of the league's better cover men, though he's already given up two long pass plays this season. Their other CB, Walt Harris, is on the downside of his career. Both of their safeties - ex-Eagle Mike Lewis and Mark Roman - can be exploited in coverage.
PICK: EAGLES
Special teams
Eagles: PR DeSean Jackson, who returned a punt 68 yards for a TD last week, should get some more home-run opportunities vs. a punt-coverage unit that is ranked 27th in the league. Eagles need to tighten up their 29th-ranked kickoff coverage vs. Allen Rossum.
Niners: The Niners, who are allowing a hefty 12.9 yards per punt return, face a major challenge in the Eagles' dangerous DeSean Jackson. P Andy Lee has only had seven of his 18 punts returned. Return man Allen Rossum is first in the NFC in kickoff returns (28.9).
PICK: EAGLES
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