49ers Roundtable with MATT BARROWS and NICK WAGONER on Aiyuk, Saleh, Playoffs + more

·38 min·3 clips

Matt Barrows explains why he wants the 49ers to avoid Philadelphia in the playoffs at all costs.

Guy Haberman introduces the episode as a special roundtable with 49ers beat reporters Nick Wagoner and Matt Barrows during the team's bye week. The discussion opens with big-picture playoff scenarios, where Barrows shares a personal aversion to Philadelphia due to hostile fans and notes the 49ers have a 91% playoff chance per The Athletic's tool. Wagoner outlines a plausible path to the NFC's number one seed involving wins over Tennessee, Indianapolis, and Chicago, setting up a final-week clash with Seattle. The analysts then pivot to the 49ers' run defense weaknesses, highlighting concerns against upcoming opponents like the Bears and Colts. A significant segment focuses on quarterback Brock Purdy, with Wagoner praising his seven throwaways in the Cleveland game as a smart, low-mistake approach tailored to adverse conditions. Barrows adds that Purdy's toe injury affects his ability to plant and drive throws, linking it to his lower-body mechanics. The conversation shifts to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, with both guests suggesting contract negotiations were always destined to be contentious, possibly leading to a trade. They explore whether Deebo Samuel could return as a cheaper alternative and the team's need to draft receivers early. Finally, Haberman prompts a discussion on defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, with Wagoner giving an 85% chance he leaves for a head coaching job and Barrows offering 22%, citing his desire for another shot and the thin coaching candidate pool. The episode closes with light banter about wine and family life.

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