Following the intraconference rivalry that has developed over the last few seasons, the San Francisco 49ers are thoroughly enjoying the colossal meltdown that is currently taking place in Philadelphia. After spending the majority of the season as the clear favorite to win the NFC playoffs, the Eagles have completely capsized, losing five of their last six games. Prior to the skid, they were considered the NFC’s clear favorite to win the Super Bowl. After losing the conference to their division rival Dallas Cowboys, they are still the top wildcard team.
Former Eagle criticizes former team and praises the 49ers.
While this is going on in Philadelphia, San Francisco is sitting on the West Coast, laughing at their biggest rival. Remember, things could be worse. One of Philadelphia’s star players could have left for San Francisco during the offseason and then discussed how broken the culture is in the city of brotherly love. Oh, wait. That is officially happening right now.
On Monday, San Francisco defensive tackle Javon Hargrave appeared on a podcast and spoke candidly about what he believes is going wrong in Philadelphia. He may not be popular in the City of Brotherly Love, but his new West Coast fans adore his attitude.
“It’s kind of similar because I think we’re very close,” Hargrave said about the two clubs while speaking with teammate Arik Armstead on the latest episode of the “Third and Long” podcast, which was shared by Cayden Steele of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. “Even in Philadelphia, we were close. Everyone was pretty close. However, practice is more challenging in this environment. You understand what you’re getting yourself into here. Everyone can’t make it over here.”
It’s gotten so bad in Philadelphia that once-heralded head coach Nick Sirianni is on the hot seat, with talk of being fired if he doesn’t win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wild Card Weekend. Tampa Bay is widely regarded as the worst team in the playoffs as a whole, and a loss to them at the end of the season would be devastating for Philadelphia’s once-elite roster.
Hargrave has been criticizing the culture in Philadelphia, claiming that San Francisco simply works harder than his former team in all aspects of the game.
“A war,” Hargrave added, comparing 49ers practices to those he had with the Eagles. “There is war every day. You don’t get it until you’re in it. “It’s definitely different.”
San Francisco has officially secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, as well as a first-round bye against the NFC’s top seed. While a playoff rematch between these two rivals appears unlikely given Philadelphia’s current performance, it would undoubtedly be one of the most violent games of the postseason.
