6. Jalen Hurts on center stage
He plays his best football in these moments, right? Jalen Hurts just knows how to win, and he knows how to make plays at the right time. That’s the name of the game. This is his time to shine within the design of the offense. Hurts is a multiple-threat quarterback, and he will have a very good handle on the 49ers and what they like to do defensively.
7. Key numbers in red zone success
The Eagles led the NFL in red zone touchdown efficiency, reaching the end zone on 70.5 percent of their trips inside opponents’ 20-yard lines. The defense? Ranked ninth at allowing 53.1 percent touchdowns. Continuing these numbers will certainly aid in postseason success.
8. A roster filled with playoff experience
The entire offense, save Bigsby, played in the postseason last year. Most of the defense – Phillips, Campbell and Adoree’ Jackson are the exceptions – understand the landscape. The games are different. The tension is much thicker. The tempo is faster. Mistakes have to be minimized. That kind of postseason experience means something – even as it extends to placekicker Jake Elliott and punter Braden Mann and a coaching staff that understands what it takes to win in the playoffs.
9. On Sunday, the Linc will be rocking
Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Hurts are 5-0 at Lincoln Financial Field in the postseason. Look, we know what the scene is going to be like on Sunday: INSANE!!!! Eagles fans provide a great, great homefield advantage – the Eagles are 15-3 in their last 18 games in South Philadelphia. All the other stuff – the weather, the travel – that’s part of being in the NFL. But a true homefield advantage? It truly makes a difference.
10. After that? Road warriors in 2025
Nobody is looking ahead at all – not one bit because the 49ers are formidable and Sunday is going to be a battle – but should the Eagles be fortunate enough to win the game, they could head on the road. This team has won games on the road in 2025 at Kansas City, Minnesota, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and Buffalo – five extremely tough stadiums. Add it all up and, yes, there are a lot of reasons to be hyped for a playoff run. It requires excellent football to be played, for sure, and the Eagles have to be up to the task. But this is the time every team plays for – the postseason. The Eagles are ready to show up and show out.
