San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was still a bit upset about how the team’s 2022 season ended, with a 31-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship.
The 49ers fell behind early and an injury to quarterback Brock Purdy in the first quarter hampered the offense. Purdy finally had to play on a sprained elbow when his backup Josh Johnson left the game with a concussion.
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Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a missed field goal against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Las Vegas.
(Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
Aiyuk appeared on «TheSFNiners» podcast and said he wasn’t sure the Eagles’ defense was all that was expected.
«I don’t fully know about that defense,» Aiyuk said. «They talk about them being a good defense; I’m not sure. I think the passing game, this Kansas City passing game, will expose what we thought we were going to be able to expose under some unfortunate circumstances.»
Philadelphia hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a single game since its 40-34 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16. They only allowed 30 or more points four times all year.
Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the Arizona Cardinals game at Levi’s Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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The defense is sure to cause problems for the Kansas City Chiefs and a battered Patrick Mahomes. Regardless, Aiyuk believes the Chiefs are the favorites to beat the Eagles.
«If I were to bet on this game, I would take everything I have, get it in cash, and put my money on the Kansas City Chiefs,» the wide receiver said. «You have to be lucky to win a Super Bowl, and (the Eagles) were very lucky last week, so who’s to say they can’t do it twice?»
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk walks off the field after the Dallas Cowboys game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
(Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Aiyuk finished the third season of his career by appearing in every game for San Francisco. He had a career-high 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns.
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San Francisco went 13-4 and won the NFC West division title.