Eagles Want To Get Physical Philadelphia Will Try To Duplicate Green Bay’s Game Plan Against 49ers

Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, and Brent Jones could be in for a daylong struggle just to get off the line of scrimmage.

Getting physical with San Francisco’s receivers and disrupting their timing is the route the Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) intend to take against the 49ers in today’s NFC wild-card game.

“We’re going to have to play our best game and also we’re going to have to be as physical as we can possibly be,” Eagles coach Ray Rhodes said.

The near-brawling tactics have worked in the past against the 49ers (12-4). Green Bay bottled up Rice, Jones, and the now retired John Taylor by pushing and grabbing them at the line of scrimmage and exerting pressure on Steve Young en route to a 27-17 playoff win last year.

Like the Packers, the Eagles have a pair of tough, physical cornerbacks in Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor to match up against Rice and Owens. Jones, the tight end, could have to fight his way through a linebacker and a safety to get into the clear.

Rhodes and Eagles defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas, both former defensive backs, were known for their aggressive coverage style and what worked for them could work for Vincent and Taylor.

While the 49ers had a hard time handling Green Bay’s pressing defense, Rice said they’re better prepared this time.

“If they want to be physical, it can be that type of ballgame,” Rice said. “The thing is, I’m not going to worry about what they’re doing. I’m just going to try and be sharp on my techniques and help this team win.”

Torrential rains were predicted Saturday for northern California and could be a factor in today’s 49ers-Eagles game.

Meteorologists anticipated up to 10 inches of rainfall by Monday morning, with most of it hitting the San Francisco Bay area this afternoon.