Final Score: 49ers 26, Eagles 21
(Getty)
The San Francisco 49ers came back from an early deficit to give the Philadelphia Eagles their first loss of the season in a 26-21 game.
Here is how it happened.
Eagles Block Punt for First TD
Philadelphia scored first when the Eagles blocked a San Francisco punt and recovered it in the end zone. Prior to the blocked punt, the Philadelphia defense harassed San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, forcing the 49ers back toward the goal line.
But after the blocked punt, Kaepernick and the 49ers offense recovered, and drove down the field for a field goal.
Kaepernick Finds Wide-Open Gore for TD
At the beginning of the second quarter, a scrambling Kaepernick found a wide-open Frank Gore in the middle of the field, who was then able to run it an extra 41 yards for a touchdown after shoving Philadelphia’s Earl Wolff to the ground.
The touchdown gives the 49ers a 10-7 lead.
Sproles Returns Punt for Eagles TD
Darren Sproles extended Philadelphia’s lead to 21-10 when he returned a San Francisco punt 82 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown was the longest of Sproles’ career.
ALL ABOARD. #SproleTrain takes it TO THE HOUSE. #FlyEaglesFly
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 28, 2014
Boldin Makes Great Catch
San Francisco wide receiver Anquan Boldin made a great catch near the sideline to keep the San Francisco drive alive. The 49ers later hit a field goal on the drive to cut Philadelphia’s lead to 21-13 with less than a minute before halftime.
49ers Dominate Third Quarter
After struggling for much of the first half, the 49ers have come out strong in the second half.
Kaepernick got things going for San Francisco when he hit Stevie Johnson for a 12-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Phil Dawson then made two field goals – one from 31 yards and one from 46 yards – to give San Francisco a 26-21 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Maclin Makes Amazing Catch, But 49ers Hang on
With the Eagles trying to drive down the field for a final score, Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin made an amazing diving catch.
Later in the drive though, San Francisco’s defense was able to make a goal-line stand and stopped a fourth-down and goal attempt from Philadelphia.
After a three-and-out from San Francisco, the Eagles had one last chance, but quarterback Nick Foles was sacked, setting up a 4th-and-26, where his pass was intercepted.
Preview
In a battle of two Super Bowl contenders, the San Francisco 49ers host the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon.
Both teams entered the season as favorites in the NFC to reach the Super Bowl, but thus far, only Philadelphia has lived up the hype, as the Eagles are one of three unbeaten teams in the NFL. Chip Kelly’s high-powered offense has been the catalyst for Philadelphia’s undefeated start. Only the Atlanta Falcons have scored more than the Eagles’ 33.7 points per game, and they needed a 56-point game to take the top spot.
San Francisco, meanwhile, has lost two straight games after a Week 1 opening win.
But the 49ers have reached the NFC Championship in three straight seasons, and have plenty of weapons to contend with, and beat, the best teams in the league.