At a Glance
- Eagles edge Bills 13-12 in a defensive showdown.
- Defense forced 5 sacks and limited the 26-2 Bills to a season-low 12 points.
- Offense stalled, netting only 17 yards in the second half.
- Why it matters: The win keeps Philadelphia’s playoff hopes alive and showcases a defense that could carry the team deep into the postseason.
The Philadelphia Eagles secured a narrow 13-12 victory over the Buffalo Bills in a rain-slick showdown at Highmark Stadium. With a defense that forced 5 sacks and held the 26-2 Bills to a season-low 12 points, the Eagles kept their playoff hopes alive despite an offensive collapse in the second half. The game was decided when Josh Allen’s pass to Khalil Shakir on a two-point conversion attempt was incomplete with five seconds remaining.
Defensive Dominance
The Eagles’ defense forced relentless pressure on every snap. Jalyx Hunt had 2 sacks, while Moro Ojomo, Jaelan Phillips, and Jalen Carter each added one. The unit has amassed 17 sacks in the last nine games, with seven players recording at least three.
- Jalyx Hunt – 2 sacks
- Moro Ojomo – 1 sack
- Jaelan Phillips – 1 sack
- Jalen Carter – 1 sack
Josh Allen was rattled on every dropback, never finding space for a throw. The Eagles’ pass rush forced him into decisions, limiting the Bills’ offense to a single 50-yard pass to Brandin Cooks. The pressure also prevented Allen from executing a critical play that could have secured a win for Buffalo.
Offensive Struggles
Philadelphia’s offense was a nightmare after the first half, producing only 174 yards and 13 points before the rain set in. In the second half, the Eagles were limited to a mere 17 yards, with no completed passes and five punts that yielded minimal yardage. The poor field position forced the team to settle for a defensive win rather than an offensive one.
- 13-yard punt
- No-yard punt
- Two-yard punt
- Four-yard punt
- Minus-two-yard punt
Key Players
Several individuals stepped up to offset the offensive woes, delivering standout performances on both sides of the ball.
Dallas Goedert
Dallas Goedert found the end zone on a 2-and-goal from the 1, marking his 11th touchdown of the season. His total ties for fifth-most in franchise history, placing him alongside legends like T.O. and Tommy McDonald. The tight end’s 10 red-zone touchdowns rank among the most prolific in Eagles history.
Jake Elliott
Despite a rough stretch earlier in the season, Jake Elliott converted a 28-yard and a 47-yard field goal in the rain. He had missed seven attempts in the last nine games, a streak no other Eagles kicker had seen in 38 years. His reliability restored confidence in the kicking game.
Jalyx Hunt
Jalyx Hunt‘s recent performance has been explosive, with 4.5 sacks in the last four games alone. His season total of 6.5 sacks is the highest for the team, setting a new benchmark. The 19-yard sack on Allen shifted the momentum in a close contest.
Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter returned from injury to block a crucial PAT, keeping the Eagles ahead by a single point. His third sack, a tackle for loss, and a pass knockdown highlighted his impact on the field. Carter’s presence proved essential in a game that hinged on defensive plays.
Game Summary
The game was a defensive duel, with the Eagles holding the Bills to a season-low 12 points and forcing five sacks. The decisive moment came when Allen’s pass to Khalil Shakir on a two-point conversion attempt was incomplete with five seconds left. The Eagles’ defense also executed a goal-line stand and a PAT block that sealed the victory.
- Five sacks on Josh Allen
- 17 yards net in the second half
- PAT block by Jalen Carter
- 28-yard field goal by Jake Elliott
- 47-yard field goal by Jake Elliott
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles’ defense proved to be the winning engine, holding a 26-2 power to a season-low.
- Offense struggled, but the team capitalized on defensive stops to secure a narrow win.
- A clutch PAT block and solid kicking restored confidence heading into the playoffs.
With the defense proving its mettle and the offense showing resilience, the Eagles move forward with confidence heading into the playoffs. The win over the Bills demonstrates that Philadelphia can compete against the league’s best teams, even when the offense falters. The next challenge will test whether the defense can maintain this level of play.
