I suppose using the term "California, rest in peace" (which was cleverly taken from the popular Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2006 single music hit entitled Dani California if you didn't notice), which jokingly indicates the San Francisco 49ers will meet their end this week against the Eagles was not such a wise thing to do. Of course, we all remember the Birds' embarrassing loss awhile back to the Raiders, who just so happen to reside in California, as well. There's just something about these western clubs. But, seriously, enough with the comical rambling, and let's get to previewing Philadelphia's matchup with the Niners tomorrow afternoon. The Eagles sit at 9-4 and atop their NFC East division, and many seem to think that a victory over San Francisco will seal a playoff spot, however, there are mathematical possibilities proving otherwise. Obviously, this game will still churn out strong implications of the postseason, and despite the lack of hype the 49ers have received as a team, this Week 15 showdown should prove to be just as enjoyable as previous weeks.

Week 15 Opponent: San Francisco 49ers

2008 Record: 7-9

Last Meeting Between Teams: Week 6, 2008. PHI-40 SF-26

Game Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Evaluation: Ever since the Niners' reigns were handed over to Mike Singletary as the head coach midway through 2008, the organization has showed improvement. Under him, San Francisco has gone 11-11 in 22 games, and although that is far from impressive, it is a large increase over the amount of victories compiled in the previous three seasons (16). The starting Quarterback has changed quite a bit (going from such players as former number-1 Draft pick Alex Smith to forgotten veteran Shaun Hill to other unproven players). Smith regained his lead role in the offense earlier in this season, and has done a nice job under center for the squad, yet they remain an inconsistency in all phases of the game. Their defensive unit has been mediocre, and it is arguable that their only solid player is MLB Patrick Willis, for CB Nate Clements (who was once a highly-regarded defensive back while with the Bills) and the secondary have been less than average. In fact, the 49ers' defense ranks 26th in the NFL in terms of passing yards allowed, and 18th in total yardage given up. For San Francisco to have a chance, they will need to utilize their offensive weapons like WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis, as well as RB Frank Gore. If they choose to play the sloppy style of football they've tended to on occasion this year, then the Eagles must certainly take advantage of  their opportunities and capitalize.

Key Matchups:

• OLB Moise Fokou (PHI) vs. TE Vernon Davis (SF): Eagles' head coach Andy Reid stated that rookie defender Moise Fokou will be rotated onto the field every so often to play as the primary coverer of Davis, who is undoubtedly one of the league's best Tight Ends. As seen throughout the entire season, the Birds have tended to have trouble containing opposing teams' TEs, and with Davis' athleticism, he will definitely be a tough task for the freshman professional Fokou. The 7th-round Draft selection has seen the field this year plenty of times, performing as a replacement starter, situational reserve and special teams player, but the question is whether he will be able to control both Davis and himself. Fokou has been penalized quite a lot for unnecessary hits and actions he executes after plays are clearly over, and doesn't need distractions like that, especially on the same day that he will be responsible for a 6'3", 250-lb. TE who thus far in 2009 has grabbed 66 balls for a remarkable total of 815 yards and 11 touchdowns.
• RB LeSean McCoy (PHI) vs. MLB Patrick Willis (SF): Because McCoy has not been a large part of the Eagles' offensive strategy as of late, it seems appropriate they will include him many times against a 49ers team that is well-ranked against the run but certainly susceptible to big plays on the ground. Willis leads the league with 132 tackles, to go along with his 4 sacks and 2 interceptions, so he best be blocked or distracted if the rookie McCoy intends on breaking off a few long sprints. Because it has been confirmed RB Brian Westbrook will be out of the Birds' lineup because of continuing concussion rehab, McCoy will once again be forced to carry the load on his shoulders, and this player battle may prove more of a factor than expected. Because if the Eagles cannot get a game going on the ground, then the passing aspect becomes one-dimensional, something that doomed them when facing that "other western team"...the Raiders.
• CB Asante Samuel (PHI) vs. WR Josh Morgan (SF): The Eagles' Pro-Bowl CB Samuel isn't slated to face off with one of the league's best wideouts this week, but his primary coverage target--Morgan--has proven to be a quality starter, at least for a 2nd-year, former 6th-round Draft pick who was not expected to put up numbers even close to what he has. Of course, his 39 receptions for 418 yards and a pair of scores is nothing special, but it's been enough to keep the Niners happy with his production. Morgan has an underestimated amount of speed, so Samuel best stay with the young receiver out of Virginia Tech University. If San Francisco QB Alex Smith is unable to find his two "go-to guys" on a pass play (Crabtree, Davis), then he will definitely be looking Josh Morgan's way, so this matchup should be very interesting to watch.
• RT Winston Justice (PHI) vs. DE Isaac Sopoaga (SF): This player battle is probably going to be the most overlooked of the bunch. Justice's early-season performances of near-perfection seem to have been assumed to happen every week now, but that is not so. The young lineman is still capable of succumbing to mistakes, and Sopoaga may be the right guy to force these mistakes. The Niner is playing in his 6th season and despite never earning a Pro-Bowl appearance or special award, has been a solid piece to San Francisco's typically-stout defensive line. He has only a single sack on the year, but plays every contest as if he can get one, fighting with extreme determination each and every play. Justice needs to be careful in attempting to keep Sopoaga under wraps, for this matchup could very well be one of the most important in the game. A "victory" by Justice would allow QB Donovan McNabb an extended amount of time to pass the ball and McCoy a much larger space to run with, and a "win" by the San Francisco DE would give the 49ers a much-needed edge on the defensive front.

What to Watch For...

• There will be several former Eagles suiting up for the 49ers tomorrow afternoon, and a former San Francisco player performing as a Bird on Sunday, so there are a few familiar faces to look for. Takeo Spikes, who shares the middle of the field with Patrick Willis in the 49ers' 3-4 defensive scheme, had a 1-year stint with Philadelphia in 2007, in which he played well but not as great as anticipated when he signed as the team's prized free agent addition of the year. In addition to Spikes, starting SS Michael Lewis was also a member of the Eagles. The secondary man played in Philly from 2002-2006, and was frequently among the team's top tacklers until he was let into free agency prior to the '07 campaign. As for Eagles who used to be employed by the San Fran organization, backup CB Joselio Hanson spent his rookie season of 2003 on the Niners' practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in 2004.
• As mentioned previously in a post that was released on Friday, rookie WR Jeremy Maclin has been ruled out of the game with a tear in his plantar facia, a part of the foot located near the heel. In his place, veterans Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are scheduled to start, so be sure to keep an eye on how they do. Curtis hasn't been on the field since Week 2 because of ongoing knee problems, and Brown has been an occasionally-playing backup with what has been a minimal role so far in the year.
• It seems as if the Linebacker position is always a topic of interest or something to look for, but once again there is no question that it is. With Akeem Jordan supposedly healthy and ready to play both physically and mentally, there's a chance the staff will do what they hinted at and leave him at the MLB, while Will Witherspoon and Chris Gocong would start on the outside. However, we can only wait and see how it turns out, so definitely look out for how the Eagles decide to line up their LBs this week.

Injury Report (Eagles):

RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) Out

FB Leonard Weaver (slightly strained hamstring) Probable

WR Jason Avant (reoccurring hamstring pain) Probable

WR Jeremy Maclin (torn plantar facia) Out

WR Kevin Curtis (surgery; sprained knee) Probable

TE Brent Celek (sprained thumb, sore back) Questionable

OG Nick Cole (knee pain) Probable

DE Trent Cole (bruised hamstring) Probable

DE Victor Abiamiri (sprained knee) Probable

DT Mike Patterson (bruised wrist) Probable

LB Akeem Jordan (hyper-extended knee) Probable

OLB Tracy White (strained shoulder muscle) Probable

Projected Team Lineups:

Whether it's possible to get excited over a game against the 49ers or not, there are serious playoff implications involved, so don't downplay the Eagles' upcoming matchup, and be sure to keep your spirits high!

(picture source)