San Francisco 49ers Week 3 Recap
Eagles Prevail Behind McNabb and Westbrook
49ers 24
Next Week: At Kansas City (1:00p Eastern)
The Eagles got off to a red hot start and Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook dominated the 49ers defense especially in the first half. The Eagles took a commanding 31-3 lead early in the third quarter behind a 98 yard fumble recovery by Mike Patterson (one of two fumble recoveries by Patterson on the day). McNabb was sacked 3 times but still completed 18 of 33 passes for 296 yards with 2 TDs and no interceptions.
As good of a game as Donovan McNabb had, Brian Westbrook's was better. On only 8 carries Westbrook rushed for 117 yards. He also caught the ball out of the backfield 4 times for 47 yards and a touchodwn. All in all an impressive performance. If Westbrook can continue the dominance he has shown so far this season it takes the pressure off of McNabb and gives the offense a much needed additional threat.
Frank Gore and Antonio Bryant were contained by the Eagles. Gore was held to a season low 52 yards rushing (After rushing for 87 against Arizona and 127 against Saint Louis). Antonio Bryant meanwhile was held to just 36 yards receiving after putting up two 100+ receiving games in Week 1 and Week 2.
It was however a gutsy performance by Alex Smith. He finished 27 for 46 with 293 yards passing and a touchdown. Smith is starting to show heart in the league. His quarterback rating is 89.8 which is the 4th highest in the NFC behind only Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman, and Eli Manning. Last season people questioned whether or not he could play in the NFL. This year very few if anyone is questioning it. He has not thrown an interception in his first three games after throwing 11 last season.
In other notes the 49ers experimented with 4th round draft pick Michael Robinson by playing him at running back. Robinson spent most of his time at Penn State playing Quarterback and Wide Reciever. He didn't do too bad. On five rushes against the Eagles he had 29 yards and two touchdowns.
The 49ers remain a probable non playoff team but definitely show very positive signs for the future. Mike Nolan has them playing hard even when they lose. They refused to be routed by an Eagles team that looks competitive enough to win the NFC East.
Published by J. Rowe
Born and raised in the Hudson Valley region of New York I now reside in Western New York where I am a student as well as a freelance writer and avid traveler. View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentMan, yesterday was a setback against Kansas City. Just when it looked like the 49'ers and Alex Smith might have a good offense, they put up a goose egg. At least they get to play the Raiders next.