49ers mailbag: How many sacks from Bosa vs. Eagles? Is ‘Rocky’ statue a jinx?

SANTA CLARA — Sunday’s NFC matchup between the 49ers (8-3) and the host Eagles (10-1) calls for an extended version of our weekly mailbag after a flood of social media questions:

Is it possible for the Niners to get the No. 1 seed? (@thebrendito)

It may take “win out” mode, and a veteran starter told me Monday they’ve already adopted that mindset. After all, they won 12 straight last season before their NFC Championship Game trauma in Philly. The 49ers (8-3) are in the No. 2 slot ahead of the Detroit Lions (8-3) by virtue of a better record in NFC games (6-1 vs. 5-2). The Eagles (10-1, 6-0) have a two-game lead, but if they lose their next two to the 49ers and the Cowboys (as one 49er was excited to learn), the 49ers would move into the NFC’s pole position if their win streak remains intact. Losing in Philly would not mathematically eliminate the 49ers from the No. 1 role, but it would make their odds miniscule.

We need to get Deebo more touches? (@makrhitesman)

His social media channels are sure to get more attention this week. A.J. Brown, his Philly counterpart and friend, posted on Twitter/X: “Eagles fans … it’s troll @19problems week.  You have my permission.” Samuel responded Tuesday on The Kay Adams Show and told the 49ers’ fans to “go troll that boy A.J. Brown,” adding: “It’s all love. We’ve been cool for a while now. There’s no hate toward either one of us.”

Monday, Samuel said he regrets nothing about discrediting the Eagles’ NFC Championship win in the offseason, from losing without a healthy quarterback to playing “trash” cornerback James Bradberry. Samuel is revved up for another playoff push, only a month ago after being diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his shoulder. He has accrued 60 touches in eight games (34 catches, 474 yards, one touchdown; 26 carries, 184 yards, three TDs).

Will they apply the same scheme against Brown as DK? Shadow of the Mooney? (@napagent)

Charvarius Ward said he expects to find out that strategy today, when the 49ers install their game plan and go to practice. He only learned before kickoff last game that Kyle Shanahan wanted him to travel with the Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf, who caught 3-of-9 targets for 32 yards.

How many sacks are you expecting from Bosa? (@ulemjay)

Magic 8-Ball says: “Outlook good.” Jalen Hurts has been sacked 29 times, tied for sixth-most in the NFL with Lamar Jackson. As much as Bosa and the 49ers will want to drop those quarterbacks in the pocket for sacks, keeping them from bouncing runs around the edge might be more vital to victory. Of Bosa’s team-high eight sacks this year, 4 ½ have come in the past three games. In that same stretch, coinciding with Chase Young’s arrival, the 49ers have totaled 18 of their 33 sacks.

Cam, is noise a factor in that stadium? (@3rdrail9er)

Guard Jon Feliciano played in Philly twice last season with the New York Giants, so here is his take on Lincoln Financial Field: “It’s a crazy atmosphere.” My follow-up question: Is it like Seattle, where the 49ers just won for a second straight year? “Different kind of people,” Feliciano replied. “Philly’s got those East Coast guys that are a little crazy.” The 49ers’ fans are projected to account for 28% of the crowd in Philadelphia, up from 19% in last season’s NFC Championship Game, per Vivid Seats, which listed the average ticket at $435.

After Cowboys week, did the 49ers learn their lesson of giving bulletin board material? (@bertini.luigi)

All I recall from Cowboys week was the 42-10 lesson the 49ers taught on Oct. 8. Now, if you’re talking about the three-game skid that followed, they’ve apparently learned to win again, three times in a row, so far.

The upcoming weather for Philly: 70% chance of rain. Are the Niners not good in the rain? (@ed_kidd)

It rained on them in their first loss this season, in Cleveland, where Purdy had the ball slip from his grasp and completed a season-low 44% of his passes (12-of-27, 125 yards, one touchdown, one interception). A wet game Sunday will offer valuable experience in case the 49ers need to return in a month to get their hands on a Super Bowl berth.

What is the biggest advantage/disadvantage this matchup? (@mark.shapiro.80)

Freshness. Whereas the 49ers had three extra days to recover from their last game, the Eagles were taken to overtime Sunday night and their defense played 92 snaps before prevailing over the Buffalo Bills. That surely is weighing into oddsmakers installing the host Eagles as underdogs. That, and the fact the 49ers’ star-studded defense is allowing the fewest points in the league.

How do you feel about Talanoa Hufanga being out for the season and playoffs? (@5xbrown5x)

His positive spirit and custom handshakes among teammates is already missed. As for his on-field persona, rookie Ji’Ayir Brown is stepping in well, and the pressure will mount up each week. Depth is a concern, with Hufanga (knee) and George Odum (biceps) on Injured Reserve. Hence the arrival of veteran Erik Harris to the practice squad, where the Niners also have Tayler Hawkins.

Will the O-line hold against that nasty Eagles front? (@mountainlife530)

If it saves Brock Purdy’s elbow, go for it. Offensive holding is the 49ers’ most frequent penalty, and of those 14 calls, the leading culprits are Trent Wiliams (four) and Spencer Burford (three). Right tackle Colton McKivitz has drawn one such penalty while left guard Aaron Banks and center Jake Brendel have avoided detection. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings drew their only (offensive) holding penalty last game.

How fair do you think the game will be? Let’s hope the refs play a fair game. (@jpenaloza408)

Philly has been penalized 58 times this season and its opponents 79 times. Sunday night, the Eagles were penalized four times, to the Buffalo Bills’ 11. The 49ers have been penalized 72 times, to their opponents’ 65. You make the call on whether officiating is favoring one or the other.

Is the 49ers’ kickoff unit a big weakness in a close game like this Eagles game? (@bayerniner295)

Allowing a 66-yard return on their first kickoff in Seattle obviously shows a 49ers weakness. That said, the Eagles have returned only five kickoffs all season. The 49ers’ special teams still merit special scrutiny. One, they just lost one of their unit’s best players, George Odum. Two, Ray-Ray McCloud muffed a fourth-quarter punt return (Oren Burks rescued the fumble). Three, rookie Jake Moody might have to kick on chewed-up turf in the rain; he missed a potential 41-yard field goal in their rainy loss in Cleveland Oct. 15. Bright side: Moody has made seven consecutive field goals since a 55-yarder in Minnesota on Oct. 23.

When are they going against the Raiders? (@uana.cortez.311)

The Raiders? Invading my Eagles-week mailbag? Fine. I’d imagine they’ll face off again next preseason, like this past one, where they practiced in Las Vegas for two days together before the exhibition opener. Next regular-season date: 2026 at Levi’s Stadium after Super Bowl LX and the men’s soccer World Cup serve as opening acts that year.

What are the two main things the 49ers must do on Sunday in order to win? (@Tyler.Ruckholdt)

No. 1: Outscore the Eagles. No. 2: Wait until after the game to put a 49ers jersey on the “Rocky” statue.

Oh no, Niners fans screwed up… pic.twitter.com/HFtyviTHM3

— Outside DiBirds (@OutsideDiBirds) January 27, 2023

I just hope nobody tries to dress up the Rocky statue this time. (@bearded_greek)

Please do not touch Rocky (@rchar1ott42)

Please, Niner Faithful, leave the Rocky alone (@bwcsix)

Leave that statue alone. It’s bad luck (@bigdawgprod93)

DO NOT GO TO THE ROCKY STATUE!!! Till we beat the Eagles. Go Niners!!!! (@ericjits)

That is an icon of a statue. Leave it alone. That’s why the Niners lost last year (@mamalu1960)

Message received.

I just have a statement: I pray for our players, coaches and The Faithful to get home safely. (@theresabaylee).

Thoughts and prayers are appreciated.