Despite injuries and wind, the 49ers' defense and clutch plays secured a gritty playoff victory. Key players rose to the challenge when it mattered most.
The San Francisco 49ers’ Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles wasn’t a clean performance, but it was a winning one. In brutal wind conditions, against a physical opponent, and with a roster riddled by injuries, the 49ers found a way to survive and advance. The box score doesn’t fully capture how this game was won. Here are five takeaways from a hard-fought playoff night in Philadelphia.
1. Erik Kendricks and Robert Saleh Deserve Massive Credit
If there was a defining storyline on the 49ers’ side, it was the performance of linebacker Erik Kendricks and the job defensive coordinator Robert Saleh continues to do under extreme circumstances.
Kendricks played his best game of the season (and his only one), finishing as the emotional and strategic leader of a defense. He flew around the field, tackled cleanly, communicated pre-snap adjustments, and capped the night by breaking up the Eagles’ fourth-and-11 attempt with the game on the line. For a veteran stepping into a full-time leadership role for the first time in this system, it was a lights-out performance.
Saleh’s work may have been even more impressive. With stars lost at every level (Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Tatum Bethune, Mykel Williams) Saleh still fielded a unit that forced three-and-outs, tightened up in the red zone, and made Philadelphia earn every point. The 49ers didn’t dominate defensively, but they controlled the game’s most important moments. Given the circumstances, that’s elite coaching.
2. The 49ers’ Defense Bent, But Rarely Broke
This was a textbook bend-but-don’t-break performance. The Eagles moved the ball between the 20s, but San Francisco consistently stiffened near the goal line. Philadelphia entered the game as one of the league’s most efficient red-zone teams, yet they were repeatedly forced into field goal attempts.
Despite inconsistent pass rush and issues stopping the run at times, the defense delivered situational stops. Three consecutive second-half three-and-outs completely flipped the momentum and allowed the offense to regain control. In playoff football, forcing opponents to settle is often enough, and that’s exactly what the 49ers did.
3. Brock Purdy Wasn’t Perfect, But He Was Clutch
Brock Purdy’s stat line won’t earn him a highlight reel, but context matters. Playing in extreme wind conditions, behind an offensive line that allowed consistent pressure, Purdy made the throws that mattered most.
He overcame two interceptions, responded with a fourth-quarter touchdown drive, and delivered in high-leverage moments. Since returning from injury, Purdy has looked confident, composed, and resilient, and Sunday was another example of his ability to rebound.
4. Depth Players Stepped Up When the 49ers Needed Them Most
The 49ers lost George Kittle early, saw Ji’Ayir Brown exit with an injury, and were already without several starters. Still, the replacements didn’t fold.
Kyle Juszczyk played one of his best all-around games of the season, filling in as both a blocker and receiver. Jake Tonges held his own in extended action. Marques Sigle stepped in at safety and stabilized the secondary. These aren’t players built to headline playoff wins, but they’re exactly the kind of contributors you want on your team when you have to rely on them in January.
5. This Win Was About Survival, Not Style
The most important takeaway: the 49ers survived and advanced.
This wasn’t a dominant showing, but it was a mature one. San Francisco protected itself late and came out of a physical road game with its season intact. The 49ers didn’t win this game because everything went right. They won because they adapted when things went wrong.