Former Falcons HC Mike Smith lays out Kyle Shanahan's likely 49ers game plan to neutralize Eagles threat in NFC Championship (Exclusive)

The San Francisco 49ers might not be favorites against the Philadelphia Eagles, but they have two things going on their side. Firstly, they are the form team coming into the contest, having won 12 straight games. Secondly, they also have the pedigree as five-time champions that none of the other teams in the Championship round have.

Nonetheless, it will be a tough matchup, and the 49ers might have to play better than they have all year to eke out a win on the road. The key to that plan will be coach Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff, who need to come up with a way to plot victory against the Eagles on Sunday, January 29.

One person with some experience in winning is former NFL head coach Mike Smith. As the winningest coach in the Atlanta Falcons' history, he pointed out some of the main areas where the 49ers vs. Eagles game will be decided.

Coach Smith highlighted that the pass rush will be a big factor in the game and whether Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles game plan will be able to overcome that pressure.

Speaking exclusively on Sportskeeda's "The BallFather Podcast," Smith said:

"But the 49ers versus Philly is gonna be, it's gonna be a battle. You're going to see a defense on both sides of the football that are dominant and it's going to be interesting to see what Kyle Shanahan and his staff can come up for a game plan. You know, to move that ball, and I think they're going to want to try to run the ball against that front four because that front four can rush the passer."

Another point Coach Smith made was that Kyle Shanahan would have to develop a game plan for Brock Purdy in which the rookie quarterback remains comfortable and does not get overawed.

"Hey, I've been very impressed with the games that he's been able to play in for the 49ers this year. It's very impressive that it doesn't look like it's too big for him and Coach Shanahan and the coaching staff are going to have a game plan that he is comfortable with. And he has not looked uncomfortable at all in any of the games that he's played up to this point."

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49ers and Kyle Shanahan finally look to get over the top

NFC Divisional Playoffs - Dallas v San Francisco

There has been a lot of chat about the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals repeating in the AFC Championship. But so is San Francisco on the NFC side.

This is the 49ers' third NFC Championship game in four seasons. They have also been to the Super Bowl once. However, this time, Kyle Shanahan will be hoping to finally lift the Lombardi Trophy.