The 49ers aim to extend their impressive three-game winning streak this weekend by beating the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season, ending their Super Bowl hopes. This presents an opportunity for them to climb within striking distance of the top seed in the NFC playoff picture. A loss will make it challenging for the 49ers to overtake the Eagles in the standings.
While Sunday's matchup could serve as a playoff preview, the 49ers are focusing on the present rather than anticipating future challenges.
"I think we've done a really, really good job of being focused on one game at a time," tight end George Kittle told reporters on Thursday. "I think the guys are just trying to do that. I think there's more media people this week at practice than I've seen all year. You guys tend to make things a little bit bigger than they are.
"It's a Week 13 game. Yes, it's against the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, they're the one seed. We're fighting for potential seeding. Yes, that's all big, and I 100 percent agree with you guys there. I don't think it really has anything to do with last year."
Within the 49ers' locker room, there's a strong belief that they are unbeatable if they play their style of football. While this didn't happen during their three-game losing streak last month, they feel they have turned things around, especially with the significant impact of trading for defensive end Chase Young.
The 49ers boast one of the league's most impressive rosters, and their pass rush has significantly improved since Young's addition. The 49ers have a lot of confidence going into games, regardless of the opponent.
"I might not have been able to say this all the way in the past, but with this team we have, if we focus on ourselves and we're at our best, I think we can beat anyone, for sure," defensive tackle Arik Armstead told reporters. "And so, at the end of the day, it's about us and how we approach the game, how are we being disciplined, how are we executing, and if we do that at a high level and play with great effort, I think we can beat anybody."
Despite not practicing this week due to a foot injury, Armstead remains confident that he will be ready for Sunday's game against the Eagles. He doesn't plan on missing such a crucial game.
"I'll be out there," Armstead declared.
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