Despite the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive struggles during the 2025 NFL season, their defense has stayed true to form as the defending Super Bowl champions. 

San Francisco fullback Kyle Juszczyk, speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco on the latest “49ers Talk,” had one word to describe Philadelphia’s vaunted defense. 

“Physicality,” Juszczyk said plainly. “When I think about Philly’s defense, I think about their physicality. Like, these guys play hard; they bring it.” 

The Eagles’ defense has allowed just 19.1 points per game this season, the fifth-best mark in the NFL. From defensive lineman Jalen Carter to defensive back Cooper DeJean, the Philadelphia defense has top-to-bottom star power that still performs at a championship level. 

“They close gaps very quickly. So, that’s one of those things where you just got to match that physicality,” Juszczyk explained. 

For a 49ers offense that scored just three points in their previous game, a matchup with the Eagles might seem daunting. 

But, for Juszczyk, Philadelphia’s style of play is something that can be matched. 

“For me, I love that because I feel like any time that I can just get engaged with a guy, I feel like that’s [an] advantage [to] me,” Juszczyk said. “Once I get my hands on you, I feel like I’m going to win. So, these guys are ones that are going to bring it to you; they’re going to get engaged.” 

It’s to be expected that a fullback embraces physicality. Juszczyk completes a lot of the dirty work in run blocking to help his backfield-mate, Christian McCaffrey. 

After San Francisco rushed for a total of just 53 yards against the Seahawks, the more direct style could play into Juszczyk and the 49ers’ hands. 

“It’s when you get these people that are, you know, very big but athletic and are trying to avoid you – that’s where things can get kind of messy at times and just out of place,” Juszczyk explained. “Whereas, when guys are very gap-sound and want to get on you, I kind of have a better feel of where you’re going to be. So, I see that as an advantage [to] us.” 

In the team’s last matchup against the Eagles, McCaffrey rushed for 93 yards on 17 attempts, good for 5.5 yards per carry. 

But the Philadelphia defense has since improved under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The 49ers will need to be at their best to improve their rush attack from last week’s performance. 

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