Cowards: Kyle Shanahan, 49ers “glad” they won’t face Eagles in season opener

The NFL releases the 2023 schedule tonight at 8 PM, but some games have been leaked ahead of time.

One of those games is the highly anticipated rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game, which will take place in December.

You'd be crazy to miss this one@Ticketmaster | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ixvxdUoOMK

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 11, 2023

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There was speculation that the Eagles would host Deebo Samuel and co. during opening weekend, but that isn’t the case. Nobody is more relieved than 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

“I am glad we’re not playing Philly Week One,” Shanahan said via The Mercury News. “I want to play them at a better time. I want to make sure our whole team is right there. We felt we didn’t get to do it last time, and I’m ready to go back again.”

Shanahan is referring to QB Brock Purdy, who was knocked out of the NFC Title Game after getting hit in the elbow by Haason Reddick midway through the first quarter. The 49ers, for whatever reason, decided to block Reddick with third-string tight end Tyler Kroft, and Purdy paid the price, suffering a UCL injury as Philly steamrolled to a 31-7 victory.

Three months later, 49ers fans (and players alike) haven’t stopped complaining. Deebo Samuel stated last week that his team only lost because they “played with 10 people.” That’s a bold claim from someone who had nine touches for 24 yards in the game.

Regardless, the Week 13 matchup figures to be electric. Javon Hargrave returns to the Linc; Brock Purdy seeks redemption, whatever narrative you want to run with — getcha popcorn ready.

After review, @Haason7Reddick forces the fumble and the @Eagles take over 💪

📺: #SFvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/FKUP5TdmfQ pic.twitter.com/bop3WoHK25

— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Getty | Brian Rothmuller