Richard Sherman was forced to eat his words after Quinyon Mitchell snagged two interceptions against the San Francisco 49ers.
On Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles — the reigning Super Bowl champions — will begin the postseason road to Super Bowl LX. The 49ers were on the road after the Eagles won the NFC East, with George Kittle excited for the game before suffering what appeared to be a torn Achilles injury.
The Wild Card round showdown between the two NFC powerhouses got off to an exciting start. The 49ers scored on their opening drive, with Brock Purdy connecting with DeMarcus Robinson. But the Eagles hit back, scoring two touchdowns through Dallas Goedert — including a controversial receiving score — to take an early lead.
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The 49ers would go on to take the lead in the fourth quarter, with Jauan Jennings throwing a 29-yard touchdown to Christian McCaffrey. But the Eagles got life minutes later after punting, as Mitchell picked off Purdy.
It was the second time Purdy had been intercepted by the First-Team All-Pro, who was voted among the league’s best following a fine 2025 season. His performance against the 49ers was well-timed, not only because it provided a huge boost for his team in the playoffs, but also to raise his own stock in the eyes of a former great like Sherman.
As the 49ers drove downfield to score on the opening drive, Sherman took to social media to point out that even though Mitchell had been made an All-Pro, he was still being picked on by opponents. He wrote: “Was told by Eagles fans that you can’t throw at QM but as I said offenses do not fear CBs that do not take the ball away.
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“The worse thing that can happen is a PBU. 49ers attack the ALL-Pro the first drive of the game to try to set the tone. Hadn’t given up a TD all season.”
Sherman’s take aged like milk in the sun. Mitchell had gone the regular season without an interception, largely because quarterbacks opted not to throw toward the sophomore due to his fine play.
But early in the third quarter, Purdy threw toward Skyy Moore only for Mitchell to jump in front of the receiver and make the play. Then, in the opening stages of the fourth quarter, Mitchell did it again.
Purdy threw across his body for tight end Jake Tonges, only for Mitchell to grab the ball as he fell to the turf. Sherman went back on his take somewhat, writing in an exchange with a fan: “That’s elite CB play.”
The 49ers led 17-16 when the cornerback tallied his second interception, and the Eagles went on to kick a field goal to reclaim the lead late. Purdy then drove downfield and connected with McCaffrey for another touchdown, and the 49ers defense held on to secure a 23-19 win to advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
