Eagles overcome hurdle they created for themselves to beat Bills in massive Week 17 clash
The second half was ugly for Philly.
The Philadelphia Eagles flirted with a breakdown in Week 17. They dominated the Buffalo Bills in the first half of their AFC/NFC clash, but the latter half of play was a much different story. Unfortunately for Eagles fans, it was a familiar, way-too-conservative experience for the offense donning white and green.
Eagles overcome horrific second half for their offense to beat Bills
The Eagles offense came to a screeching halt in the second half of play against Buffalo. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was 0/7 in the second half. The passing game found zero success, and the play-calling for it was conservative – at best. Dallas Goedert wasn’t a factor after tons of success in recent weeks when the game has been on the line for Philly.
The Eagles totaled 16 yards of offense in the second half. That is just an unacceptable reality for a team that moved the ball fairly well at times during a sloppy first half for both squads, partially due to the weather. The continuous rain and colder temperature certainly made it more difficult for each passing game, but the fourth quarter struggles for Philadelphia were inexplicable.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo may not catch too much flak from this game since the Eagles came out victorious, but it was crystal clear that the Eagles chose to keep the ball on the ground, no matter what sort of success they found in the second half. They just wanted to keep the clock ticking and force the Bills to flip the field.
That sort of plan may win you a game here in the regular season, but that passive play-calling may be their achilles heel once they play in better conditions late in the postseason. It’s possible they get on their heels a bit too early and blow a lead due to offensive issues down the stretch.
All in all, this was a good overall game from Philly (especially on defense), given the environment and the opponent. That being said, you have to wonder if we are a better pass from Josh Allen on a two-point conversion away from a massive and understandable meltdown from the Eagles fan base.
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