Scouting the Eagles and 49ers

LeSean McCoy had his worst game as a starting running back last week, gaining only 22 yards on 19 carries. Defenses appear determined to stop McCoy, and a patchwork offensive line is not helping. The Eagles will start three reserves on the interior of the line, with left guard Matt Tobin and center David Molk in the starting lineup for the first time. That's not a good sign for the rushing offense. Darren Sproles had only two carries last week and fumbled once. The Eagles need to find a way to get McCoy going. This might be a difficult week to do it.

San Francisco has the seventh-ranked rush defense in the NFL. The 49ers limited Chicago's Matt Forte and Arizona's Andre Ellington to less than 4 yards per carry over the last two weeks. They miss inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, a Penn State product who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Justin Smith is one of the best defensive linemen in the league and could have a favorable matchup against Tobin.

The Eagles have the NFL's second-ranked pass offense, and Nick Foles is coming off one of his best games in an Eagles uniform. The wealth of options has been on display, as the Eagles have had big games from wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, tight end Zach Ertz, and Sproles.

The Eagles like to say defenses must "pick your poison," and this could be a week when the poison comes from the tight ends and running backs.

Inside linebacker Patrick Willis is still one of the elite players in the league, but the loss of Bowman hurts the 49ers in the middle of the field. Free safety Eric Reid and first-round pick Jimmie Ward, a safety/cornerback hybrid, have both allowed big plays. The pass rush has generated only four sacks. They miss Aldon Smith, who is suspended. Outside linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Dan Skuta have combined for only one sack. Brooks has a proven track record and is going against Todd Herremans at right tackle, where Herremans has not started since 2012.

The 49ers have the 15th-ranked pass defense in the NFL. Perrish Cox has done a nice job filling in for Tramaine Brock at cornerback. The weakness could be with Ward in the slot. The Bears and Cardinals found the receiver playing the slot for touchdowns. Ertz and Jordan Matthews could do damage on the inside.

As with the Eagles, running the ball is part of San Francisco's identity. Yet the Niners are ranked No. 17 in rushing this season, and Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde combined for only nine carries last week. The 49ers' history under Jim Harbaugh suggests they will get the running backs more involved this week. Gore ranks No. 28 on the NFL's all-time rushing list. Hyde was the top running back selected in the draft in May.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is also a threat to run. He rushed 13 times for 54 yards last week, and he has 27 carries in three games. Kaepernick has long strides and ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the 2011 combine, proof of his dangerous speed.

The Eagles have the No. 13 rush defense in the NFL. Inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans is key against the run, and the defensive line has done a nice job in this area. The left side of San Francisco's line is especially strong, with tackle Joe Staley and guard Mike Iupati. They average more than 4 yards per carry running to the left.

Kaepernick averaged 35.5 pass attempts the last two weeks. He averaged only 26 last season. The 49ers added Stevie Johnson to a receiving corps that now includes a healthy Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. Vernon Davis is one of the top tight ends in the NFL. Kaepernick has completed 70 percent of his passes this season. The 49ers like to use two-tight-end sets with Davis and Vance McDonald, although both players were absent last week. With the tight ends back, the 49ers might run more and play fewer five-receiver sets.

The Eagles have the No. 30 pass defense in the NFL. They allow 280.3 passing yards per game and struggled last week against Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins. The pass rush has not recorded a sack over the last two games. Kaepernick has one of the NFL's strongest arms and might be most dangerous when he's throwing on the run. The Eagles must be careful about Kaepernick's extending plays and finding open receivers.

Slot cornerback Brandon Boykin is playing only 32 percent of the defensive snaps this season. Watch how much he plays on Sunday; he might be the team's best cornerback. Safety Malcolm Jenkins has interceptions in the last two games.

The Eagles have benefited from improved special teams this season. Kicker Cody Parkey has nailed 8 of 9 field goals, and Chris Polk had his first kick return for a score last week. Both players are in new roles. The 49ers have experienced specialists with kicker Phil Dawson and punter Andy Lee. Rookie returner Bruce Ellington handles both return duties.

This is the second regular-season game at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers lost their debut. In the last three seasons, they were 19-4-1 at home in the regular season under Jim Harbaugh. They also started 1-2 last season before going on a five-game winning streak. The Eagles have won their last four games in the Bay Area, and they have traveled well under Chip Kelly. Kelly was 1-1 against Harbaugh-coached teams in college.

Zach Berman: 49ers 28, Eagles 24. Jeff McLane: 49ers 31, Eagles 27.