The San Francisco 49ers used a clever trick play and late-game heroics to eliminate the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, winning 23-19 in an NFL wildcard matchup on Sunday. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffrey late in the fourth quarter. Earlier, a trick play saw wide receiver Jauan Jennings pitch the ball to McCaffrey, who rolled right and caught a 29-yard touchdown pass. That score on the first play of the fourth quarter gave the 49ers a 17-16 lead, which the Eagles could not overcome. The victory sends the 49ers to top-seeded Seattle next weekend for an NFC divisional playoff game. The NFC West rivals split the season series. “We just focused on one play at a time,” McCaffrey said after the win. “We knew it was going to be a 12-round fight. That’s what we kept saying. We just had to stick to it. No matter what happened during the game, good or bad, we just keep trusting each other and ended up winning.” Purdy threw for 262 yards, leading the team to a road victory in Philadelphia. This marked a turnaround from three seasons ago, when Purdy was injured in a disappointing NFC title game loss against the Eagles. Purdy did throw two interceptions to All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, but the Eagles were able to score only three points off the turnovers. San Francisco will head to Seattle without star tight end George Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon late in the first half and was carted off the field. Despite this, the team maintained composure and executed key plays in critical moments. Philadelphia, the reigning Super Bowl champions, struggled offensively. Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for only 168 yards and a touchdown, and the Eagles failed to extend a 13-10 halftime lead. In the third quarter, they gained just 36 total yards on 16 plays. Their final drive ended on a fourth-and-11 attempt with 43 seconds remaining, sealing their playoff exit. The Eagles’ championship hopes were also marked by frustration on the sidelines. Wide receiver AJ Brown had a heated confrontation with coach Nick Sirianni late in the first half. Brown removed his helmet and shouted at Sirianni after a drive ended with a punt. Chief security officer Dom DiSandro had to intervene to separate the two. Purdy’s trick play and late touchdown pass to McCaffrey highlighted the 49ers’ versatility and resilience. The team’s offensive execution proved decisive against a team that had previously won a Super Bowl with its own trick play strategy. “Our team fights,” McCaffrey added. “I love this group so much. I don’t have enough good things to say about it. I’m proud to be a part of this team.” The 49ers’ victory underscores their growing playoff experience and adaptability under pressure. The team’s ability to execute unconventional plays, combined with steady leadership from Purdy, positions them as a formidable contender as they face the NFC’s top-seeded Seahawks next. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ offensive struggles, lack of rhythm, and internal tension may prompt reflection as they prepare for the next season. Despite their Super Bowl success last year, the team was unable to maintain momentum and fell short in critical moments. Sunday’s game was a testament to the unpredictability of the NFL playoffs, where a well-timed trick play and teamwork can overturn expectations. The 49ers now advance, leaving Philadelphia’s repeat championship dreams on hold.