49ers x Week 15 x Operation Playoffs: Failed

Heading into week 15, the 49ers' chances of making it to the playoffs were hanging by a thread. In what was scheduled to be a 10:00 a.m. meeting between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, would soon be a 1:00 p.m. matinee as the snow started to fall and the temperature began to drop. After a long night of shoveling snow, both teams were ready to take the field after the 3-hour delay. And like the freezing Philly temperature, the 49er offense was frozen solid during the first two quarters with the Eagles leading 20-3. Turnovers would prove to be costly, as the 49ers made four during the first half alone. The offensive miscues were highlighted by Quarterback Alex Smith, who threw three interceptions.

For the second time in three weeks, the San Francisco offense failed to convert on third down conversions, resulting in little to no chance of life on offense. The opening quarter of the second half would be a different story, as the 49ers put up 10 points, creeping within a touchdown. All until Eagles RB LeSean McCoy ran it in for a two yard touchdown with just minutes remaining in the game. & Although 49er RB Frank Gore ran for 107 yards, putting an end to the Eagles' 23-game streak without allowing a 100-yard rusher, the Eagles went on to win the game by a score of 27-13, marking the 6th straight loss on the road for the 9ers this year. The Eagles on the other hand won their 5th straight for the first time since 2006. With the loss for San Francisco and an Arizona win over the Lions, all hope of the 49ers making the playoffs were laid to rest as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention. Thus resulting in the Cardinals winning back-to-back NFC West tittles.

One positive to point out, was 49er TE Vernon Davis' three catches for 43 yards. Each yard helping him set a franchise record for receiving yards for a tight end in a single season (858) surpassing the record previously held by Eric Johnson. Although the feat has little to do with it, his stellar season performance has led to a trip to Hawaii to play in this year's Pro-Bowl. & Joining Davis will be inside line backer Patrick Willis. With week 16's match-up against the Detroit Lions, the only thing on the line will be bragging rights. & Maybe reputation points as well. Of coarse the season is over for both teams, but you never want to lose the final home game of the season. Nor do you want to lose to the Lions who went win-less in 2008. As always, Go 9ers!