Steve Mariucci Says Kyle Shanahan Gives 49ers An Offensive Advantage Over Eagles – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

Ahead of the 8-3 49ers’ Week 13 showdown against the 10-1 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, there has been a lot of talk surrounding both teams’ electrical offenses.

While both teams hover near the top of the NFL’s offensive statistics, with each averaging a third-best 28.2 points per game, a former 49ers coach believes San Francisco has an offensive advantage over Philadelphia because of having someone on the line Lateral.

NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci appeared NBC Sports Philadelphia Takeoff Podcast with John Clarke and he explained why 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan gives San Francisco an offensive advantage over the Eagles.

“I love, love, love play calling and game planning,” Mariucci told Clark. “Kyle Shanahan, to use those weapons, he’s like a maestro. Kyle can plan for you and play with you like no one else can.”

Shanahan has the 49ers offense ranked sixth in total yards (4,247) and total points (310).

And while Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL with 939 yards on the ground, Mariucci believes Shanahan’s passing scheme is a major reason for San Francisco’s offensive dominance and is something to watch against the Eagles’ defense.

“Man, they have receivers everywhere,” Mariucci explained to Clark. “Their separation yards per catch are better than everyone else’s. Why? Because it’s open. Not because Brandon Aiyuk is Jerry Rice, he’s a great player. The schemes and the creativity are really great. Because when I’m watching I’m like, ‘Wow, this offense is so great to watch.’

“That’s going to be a story in this game — if the Eagles’ pass defense can withstand the 49ers’ pass-and-play game. The Eagles’ defense…Darius Slay and [James] bradbury– [Kevin] Bayard too now. Really excellent players. But they were giving up a lot of yards, and they were giving up a lot of touchdowns.

Philadelphia’s defense allowed a fourth-worst 255.7 yards per game and gave up a fifth-worst 2,813 yards.

Relatively speaking, Shanahan and San Francisco should cherish this matchup, as the 49ers rank eighth in passing yards per game with 250.1.

Simply put, the 49ers excel in all facets of the offense because of their raw talent and chemistry.

But as Mariucci described, Shanahan’s ability to utilize his roster to the best of their abilities gives San Francisco an advantage over Philadelphia.

The 49ers offense is ready to take control as they hopefully showcase four full quarters of Brock Purdy’s offense on the Eagles for the first time in a potential preview of the NFC title game.

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