They actually did it.
Against a Philadelphia crowd that was basically ready to plan a parade, the San Francisco 49ers walked into Lincoln Financial Field and snatched a 23-19 victory. It wasn't pretty. Honestly, for a good chunk of the third quarter, it looked like the Niners’ season was headed for the recycling bin. But the 49ers score last night tells a story of a team that simply refuses to go away, even when their star tight end is being carted off the field.
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If you missed the live action, the vibe was tense. Brock Purdy was dealing with a "ghost of playoffs past" narrative, returning to the site where his elbow famously gave out three years ago. The Eagles, the defending Super Bowl champs, were the heavy favorites. Yet, here we are, talking about a San Francisco team moving on to the Divisional Round to face Seattle.
The Wild Turnaround: How the 49ers Score Last Night Defied the Odds
Let’s be real for a second—the game felt over when Philadelphia went up 16-10 late in the third. The Niners' offense was stagnant. Purdy had already thrown two picks to Quinyon Mitchell, who is quickly becoming a nightmare for NFC West quarterbacks. The momentum was so heavily in Philly's favor you could almost feel it through the screen.
Then Kyle Shanahan pulled a rabbit out of his hat.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Jauan Jennings—yes, the wide receiver—took a pitch and looked like he was going to run. Instead, he lofted a 29-yard beauty to Christian McCaffrey. It was a "Philly Special" style gut-punch delivered right to the heart of the Eagles' defense. That trick play changed everything. It put the 49ers up 17-16 and woke up a sideline that had looked pretty demoralized after George Kittle was ruled out with a torn Achilles.
The final dagger? A 10-play, 66-yard drive that ate up the clock and ended with McCaffrey hauling in a 4-yard pass from Purdy with just under three minutes left. 23-19. That was the final, and it was enough to send the defending champs home early.
Why the George Kittle Injury Changes Everything
It’s hard to celebrate a win when you lose the heart and soul of your locker room. Kittle going down with an Achilles injury is a massive blow. He’s not just a pass-catcher; he’s basically an extra offensive lineman who happens to have elite hands.
Without him, the 49ers had to shift their entire identity mid-game.
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- Jauan Jennings stepped up: He didn't just throw a touchdown; he was the primary chain-mover with 66 receiving yards.
- The "CMC" Factor: Christian McCaffrey proved why he’s the most valuable player on this roster, finishing with 114 total yards and two scores.
- The Defense: They held Jalen Hurts to just 168 yards passing. That’s insane.
The defense, led by Fred Warner, played a nearly perfect second half. They forced Hurts into several throwaways and a final desperate fourth-down incompletion with 43 seconds left. It’s the kind of gritty performance that wins championships, but doing it without Kittle going forward is going to be a monumental task.
Breaking Down the Stat Sheet
If you look at the raw numbers, the 49ers shouldn't have won. They lost the turnover battle 2-0. Usually, in the playoffs, that’s a death sentence. But they were incredibly disciplined elsewhere, committing only one penalty the entire game.
| Key Stat | 49ers Performance |
|---|---|
| Total Yards | 262 passing (Purdy) |
| Rushing Leader | McCaffrey (48 yards, but 2 total TDs) |
| Key Defender | Upton Stout (Critical 4th down breakup) |
| Turnovers | 2 (Both interceptions by Mitchell) |
The Eagles' offense was, frankly, lethargic. Jalen Hurts looked frustrated, and at one point, A.J. Brown had to be separated from coach Nick Sirianni on the sideline. When a team starts imploding internally like that, it doesn't matter how much talent you have on the field. The 49ers stayed calm; the Eagles didn't.
What Most People Are Getting Wrong About Purdy
There’s this weird narrative that Purdy "struggled" because of the two interceptions. Did he have a perfect game? No. Mitchell is an All-Pro for a reason, and he baited Purdy into those throws. But look at the game-winning drive.
Purdy was 3-for-3 on that final touchdown possession. He didn't blink. He played with a "short memory," which is exactly what you need in the postseason. He finished with 262 yards and proved he could win a playoff game on the road in one of the most hostile environments in sports. The "system quarterback" talk needs to end. He made the throws when they mattered most.
What’s Next: The Seattle Short Week
The reward for this massive upset? A trip to Seattle on a short week. The NFL didn't do the Niners any favors here. They played Sunday night on the East Coast and now have to fly back, recover, and prep for a Saturday showdown against the top-seeded Seahawks.
Tony Dungy actually went off on X (formerly Twitter) about this, calling the scheduling "not fair." He's got a point. The Rams and Bears played Saturday and get to play their next game Sunday. The Niners are getting squeezed.
The 49ers and Seahawks split their season series this year, so it’s anyone’s game. But without Kittle and with a bruised-up McCaffrey, San Francisco is opening as 6.5-point underdogs.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're following the Niners' playoff run, here is what you should be watching over the next 48 hours:
- Monitor the Injury Report: Specifically look for updates on Saquon Barkley (who was banged up for the Eagles) and how the 49ers plan to fill Kittle's roster spot. Eric Saubert and Brayden Willis will likely see a massive uptick in snaps.
- Check the Weather in Seattle: Saturday at Lumen Field is notoriously loud and often wet. This will favor the run game, making McCaffrey’s recovery even more vital.
- Watch the Practice Cadence: Because it's a short week, the team will likely have "walk-throughs" instead of full-speed practices. Keeping legs fresh is more important than scheme reps right now.
The 49ers score last night was a statement, but the road only gets steeper from here. If they can play with the same defensive intensity they showed in Philly, a trip to the NFC Championship isn't just a dream—it's a very real possibility.