2023 NFC Championship Game
Sports

2023 NFC Championship Game

The potential MVP is revving up against the potential Rookie of the Year for a trip to the Super Bowl and I could not be more excited. Brock Purdy is the best story of the year in the National Football League and he is now just a win away against the number one seed in the conference from playing in the Big Game. Jalen Hurts has come onto the scene in a huge way this season and is trying to dominate all the way to Glendale for a potential championship ring. It’s going to be a great game between two teams with similar strengths, let’s take a look at the 2023 NFC Championship Game.

Same Team

On paper, these two teams look almost the same, although the Eagles are favored by 2.5 points. Philadelphia has the third-best offense in the NFL and the second-best defense in the league. San Francisco boasts the top defense in the league and the fifth-best offense. So basically, these two teams are as balanced as humanly possible. Both have the capability of putting up forty-point performances and each has the power on defense to shut each other down.

Hurts is a tad bit more experienced, and I’d give the nod to the Eagles offense which went off in a big way against the Giants in the divisional round. On the other hand, it was San Fran who finally struggled on offense with Purdy at the helm against the Dallas Cowboys. Purdy failed to throw a touchdown pass last week as the 49ers lone touchdown came on the ground. Philly put up 28 points in the first half alone against a Giants defense that is top-10.

Upper Hands

Philadelphia – Passing the Ball

If there is one area of this San Fran defense that is susceptible, it’s their passing defense. It ranked 20th in the league this season, allowing over 220 passing yards per game. Philly was ranked the 9th best pass offense in the league and Hurts threw for the 10th most passing yards despite missing two whole games. If they allow the deep ball to guys like Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown, they are welcoming a scenario they won’t like where Hurts will torch them with his arm and his feet.

San Francisco – Two-Headed Rushing Attack

Elijah Mitchell stepped up in a big way against Dallas last week, coming in when Christian McCaffrey wasn’t available. He rushed for 51 yards on 14 carries and averaged more yards per carry than his star teammate. If the Niners can work these two in the backfield and punish the Eagles defense with long drives, they have a shot to win this game. Philly ranked 16th against the rush this year.

Players to Watch

Philadelphia – WR AJ Brown

He might be the best trade of the offseason as he put up career numbers and was top-four in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season. With a weak San Fran pass defense, a couple long balls caught by this guy will open up this offense.

San Francisco – QB Brock Purdy

At the end of the day, a rookie is making his eighth ever start in the NFC Championship Game. Nerves will be at an all-time high. He has been the perfect game manager for seven straight weeks. He needs one more in him.

Prediction:

The story of the season won’t have a happy ending as the Philly crowd and explosive offense will prove to be too much for San Fran and Purdy to handle. Philadelphia 24 San Francisco 16