Eagles nearly collapse in ugly win vs. Bills, but defense pulls through once again

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Eagles have fans wondering this year whether they are a dangerous Super Bowl contender or one of the NFL’s biggest frauds.

Philadelphia answered that on Sunday afternoon, hanging on to beat the Buffalo Bills 13-12 in a Week 17 game at Highmark Stadium. The Eagles improved to 11-5, while the Bills dropped to 11-5.

Entering this game, the Eagles beat the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders in consecutive weeks, putting their three-game losing streak behind them. Although the team was encouraged by their recent play, beating two of the NFL’s worst teams cannot be taken seriously.

Beating the Bills is a different story.

Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he’s playing at an MVP level. Running back James Cook leads the league’s best rushing attack, which averaged 158.9 yards per game entering today. On the defensive side, Buffalo’s secondary ranks second in the NFL despite missing starters.

None of that mattered against Philadelphia.

The Eagles dominated most of the afternoon. They had a 13-0 lead at halftime and did just enough in the second half to hold on for the win.

No, it wasn’t perfect. No, it shouldn’t have gotten that close.

The Eagles scored zero points and generated 17 yards in the second half, failing to put the Bills away until the end. Buffalo scored a game-tying touchdown with seconds remaining and went for two. Luckily for Philadelphia, its defense stopped Buffalo’s two-point attempt to escape with a win.

Ultimately, the Eagles have a ton to improve on before the playoffs. But for now, they can feel good about knocking off one of the AFC’s top teams in the freezing rain.

Here are the takeaways from the Eagles’ win:

Philadelphia’s defense gearing up for deep playoff run

Philadelphia’s defense accomplished two large feats against Buffalo: Containing Allen in the pocket and slowing down Cook.

Allen only rushed for 27 yards, while Cook gained 74 on the ground.

On the first drive of the game, Eagles edge rusher Jalyx Hunt came on a stunt with defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, beat the guard inside and slammed Allen to the turf. On the same drive, linebacker Zack Baun got through on a blitz and sacked Allen, though a defensive holding was called.

Buffalo picked up a few explosive plays on Philadelphia’s defense, but it struggled to sustain drives, which is a credit to the Eagles.

The best example came late in the third quarter after Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was called for pass interference and then gave up a 32-yard catch to Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers, setting up Buffalo’s offense at Philadelphia’s 7-yard line. Philadelphia’s calm and steady defense proceeded to make four consecutive stops for a goal-line stand.

In total, the Eagles held the Bills to 331 yards and sacked Allen five times.

The Eagles’ defense is peaking at the right time, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. They could realistically beat anyone.

Superstar Jalen Carter changing the dynamic

After missing the last three games due to multiple shoulder injuries, Carter dominated in his return against the Bills, especially when he swiped Bills guard O’ Cyrus Torrence’s arm down to get up field for a quick sack of Allen.

Getting the best version of Carter will make Philadelphia’s defense even more dangerous in the playoffs. When Carter is on, he’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Carter blocked an extra-point attempt with 5:11 left in the fourth quarter, another big play that saved the Eagles from a collapse.

Now that Jordan Davis is playing at an All-Pro level and Moro Ojomo has become one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the league, Philadelphia could have the best interior defensive line come January.

Jalen Hurts’ up-and-down night

On a list of offensive concerns, quarterback Jalen Hurts ranks somewhere in the middle of the list.

Hurts had some great moments in the first half, including two great throws on the team’s second scoring drive. His first throw was an 11-yard completion on third-and-4 to wide receiver DeVonta Smith with Bills safety Cole Bishop in tight coverage. Then, on third-and-10 from the Bills’ 41, Hurts escaped pressure, stepped up in the pocket and completed a 19-yard pass on the run to receiver A.J Brown, who was covered tightly near the right sideline.

But Hurts did not complete a pass in the second half, going 0 for 7. On the day, Hurts completed 13 of his 27 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown.

He typically plays his best toward the end of the season and into the playoffs. If he plays well again in big moments this year, the Eagles could return to the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year in February.

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