NFL news 2026: Brock Purdy leads San Francisco 49ers to victory over Philadelphia Eagles; heated exchange between Nick Sirianni and AJ Brown
In a thrilling wildcard victory, the San Francisco 49ers, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, defeated the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, by a score of 23-19. This dramatic game saw the 49ers, who started the season as underdogs, advance to the divisional round, marking a significant moment in their journey.
Purdy's performance was impressive, throwing for 262 yards and delivering a crucial go-ahead touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey late in the fourth quarter. This victory, however, came at a cost, as star tight end George Kittle suffered an Achilles injury and is expected to be sidelined for the next game against Seattle.
The Eagles, known for their trick plays, were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Despite winning last year's Super Bowl, they struggled offensively, with quarterback Jalen Hurts throwing for only 168 yards and a touchdown. The game's turning point came when McCaffrey scored a 29-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter, following a heated exchange between coach Nick Sirianni and star receiver AJ Brown on the sidelines.
Tensions escalated as Brown continued to argue with Sirianni, leading to a strange and eventful season for the three-time Pro Bowler. The Eagles' season ended with a last-gasp fourth-down attempt, where Hurts threw an incomplete pass, leaving their championship hopes in tatters.
In other NFL news, Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a tight win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, securing their place in the AFC divisional round. The Bills' victory sets the stage for an exciting playoff run, while the Eagles' defeat marks a disappointing end to their championship pursuit.
