Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter hasn’t minced words when discussing the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line.
The upcoming clash between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC has already seen verbal volleys from both camps. While not direct rivals, these teams have a shared history, notably the Eagles’ victory over the 49ers in the NFC Championship game.
Asked about the San Francisco offense, Carter didn’t hold back: “They got a lot of weapons out there on the outside but I’m on the inside, I’m in the trenches, I ain’t heard nothing about the o-line,” Carter commented on December 1.
While last year’s NFC title game may not forecast the future, the 49ers faced setbacks, including QB Brock Purdy’s early injury. Philadelphia, however, enters the 2023 season with a strong 10-1 record, posing a significant challenge for the 8-3 49ers.
Deebo Samuel’s outspoken comments from the past offseason, particularly his reference to Eagles CB James Bradberry as “trash,” have resurfaced as a talking point this week. Despite the attention, Samuel remains steadfast: “I don’t regret nothing I said.”
This dialogue adds fuel to an already motivated and formidable Eagles team. Yet, Bradberry, the subject of Samuel’s criticism, responded with measured words: “Of course, I don’t necessarily like what he said. I wish he would have used a better word to describe my play. But it is what it is.”
In the Kyle Shanahan era, the 49ers have historically led the Eagles in their all-time record at 20-15-1. However, recent encounters have favored Philadelphia, with Shanahan’s record against the Eagles at 1-3 in four matchups.
Each game between the two teams carries its own context. Shanahan, seeking a statement win for the 49ers’ Super Bowl aspirations, faces an Eagles team hungry for victory and retribution.
Evan Reier covers the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers for Heavy.com. His sports journalism experience includes work for the Montana Standard and as a managing editor for Outsider.