However, the paths that each team took to reach their final destination were completely different, as the 49ers struggled to begin the season, starting 3-4 before winning their past 12 games, while the Eagles began the season 13-1 before dropping two of their last three games.
But, there is one clear similarity when discussing the two teams ahead of the NFC Championship Game: the past does NOT matter.
The 49ers
When the 49ers entered Week 8, sitting at a 3-4 record with losses to the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, and the Kansas City Chiefs, they were a completely different team than the one that stands in front of us today.
The 49ers had two different quarterbacks: Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, while also sporting cornerback Emmanuel Moseley during the stretch, and were without Christian McCaffrey, who is their offensive MVP for the 2022 season, despite playing just half the season with the team.
So, it's unnecessary and irrelevant to address that version of the 49ers when discussing their flaws, because that's not the team that San Francisco will show up with on Sunday.
Even looking at Week 13, when the 49ers had their second quarterback change of the season following Jimmy Garoppolo's injury, they were a different team, as Brock Purdy had never seen the ups and downs that come with an NFL career.
Injuries change the outlook of a team week-to-week, which is why it's vital not to stress on prior games when evaluating a team, although obtaining and utilizing the data from those games can be valuable, when addressed with the proper context.
The Eagles
Even with the Eagles' hot start, it's unfair to look back on their early-season games and compare that to the team they've currently had, due to the additions they've made or the injuries they've overcome.
When pointing to their early-season Commanders' loss, that isn't indicative of their performance in the current-day, because the Eagles have learned to make adjustments when defenses combat their schemes, which has been seen when they played their division rivals a second time this season with a healthy roster.
Moreover, the past doesn't matter because the Eagles and 49ers haven't seen a roster like each other's yet, which will ultimately be their biggest tests of the season.
Additionally, the game plan to combat each other's attacks differs from previous games due to the differing strengths of each team.
With the way that the 49ers and Eagles match up roster-wise, this could be the strongest two teams to face off at this stage in recent history, making it a must-see on Sunday.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Vernon Davis: 49ers can win NFC West but may have missed championship window
Despite a 5-5 record, the San Francisco 49ers remain in contention for the NFC West title thanks to a tightly contested division. While currently in last place, they are just one game behind the first-place Arizona Cardinals, who sit at 6-4. Former 49ers tight end Vernon Davis... -
Bucky Brooks predicts 49ers' chances in tight NFC West race
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves at 5-5 in the NFC West standings during a disappointing 2024 campaign. Facing a challenging two-game stretch, the team is set to take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, followed by a trip to Highmark Stadium to face the Buffalo... -
49ers' Brock Purdy won't face Packers, status for Bills game 'up in the air'
The San Francisco 49ers were caught off guard by how significantly quarterback Brock Purdy's shoulder injury has limited him this week. The setback, sustained during last Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, was not initially expected to sideline him for this weekend's... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan shares his message to team heading into critical Green Bay game
The San Francisco 49ers are at a critical junction in the 2024 season as they travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to face the Packers. The 5-5 49ers know they've dug a hole that will be difficult to overcome. The 49ers won't be mathematically eliminated if they lose this game in...