49ers Blog and Q&A

Here are the 49ers' inactives. Notice three linebackers won't be playing, which means -- say it with me -- lots of "Big Sub". For the Eagles, both Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis will not play. That means lots of work for DeSean Jackson and Hank Baskett.

Jamie Martin -- 3rd QB
LB Ahmad Brooks
LB Manny Lawson
LB Roderick Green
CB Shawntae Spencer
CB Reggie Smith
T Jonas Jennings
C Cody Wallace

For the Eagles:
A.J. Feeley -- 3rd QB
S J.R. Reed
RB Brain Westbrook
DE Bryan Smith
G Shawn Andrews
G Mike McGlynn
WR Kevin Curtis
WR Reggie Brown

***********
I should note that a prominent 49ers insider said before the game that he thought his team would play a lot of base defense and run a lot with Frank Gore. We shall see ... Maybe he was right. Niners open in their base defense (sack leader Parys Haralson at LB) and start on offense in a three tight end formation. In other words, they're starting with power over finesse ...

** I'm watching Nedney on the sideline. His left arm was dangling after that long kick return. It appears to be a shoulder issue, and he's testing how it's affecting his field goals.

** Josh Morgan appears to be getting reps instead of Bryant Johnson. Johnson is not hurt as far as I know ...

** 49ers allow another 10-play drive, this one for a TD. The Eagles seem to be picking on Walt Harris, who was beaten by Hank Baskett for the score.

** Why so much Michael Robinson? Part if it is due to an arm injury to Zak Keasey. His return in questionable.

** Wow! What a great way to head into halftime. Thanks to Ray McDonald and Donald Strickland, the 49ers only are down by 1 point -- 17-16 -- instead of down 11. McDonald blocked Philly's 54-yard attempt with one second left in the half and Strickland grabbed the ball and ran untouched for the TD. ...

2nd Half
** Here's why that field goal block was so critical. Down one the 49ers don't need to get out of their game plan. Frank Gore just had two, tackle-breaking runs, the second a 6-yard score that puts the 49ers on top, 23-17.

** Eagles T Tra Thomas is questionable to return with a foot strain. ... Thomas is back -- he was just beaten badly by Ray McDonald on a 3rd-and-one play ...

** Vernon Davis is a bust? You just need to throw him the ball. The tight end gains 57 yards.

*** Philly driving and Takeo Spikes comes up with his third INT of the season. Maybe he should give coverage tips to the secondary. End of 3Q ....

** Philly CB Lito Sheppard has a hamstring injury. Not sure if he'll be back ...

** Nolan appears to be challenging Philly's go-ahead field goal that was ruled good by both officials ...Ruling on the field stands and the 49ers lose a time out ... They have one left ...

** JTO has a big INT and fumble in final 5 minutes, and this one seems all but over ...