By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia Eagles faced off with a hungry Buffalo Bills squad who were looking to keep their playoff hopes alive by beating them. Both teams traded blows throughout this game, but the Eagles were able to outlast Buffalo, beating them 37-34 thanks to a Jalen Hurts walk-off touchdown.

Philly played like a team that had a short week and the Bills took full advantage of them being tired and turning the ball over twice. The Bills converted both of those turnovers into two touchdowns and Josh Allen was slashing the Eagles defense up like they were teenagers in a slasher movie. He completed 29/51 passes for 339-yards, completed two touchdown passes, and had one interception. They had the Eagles on the ropes and had numerous opportunities to pull off the upset but whether it was late game interception, or miscommunication with receivers the Bills late game execution left a lot to be desired and is the main reason they did not win this game. Allen had a chance to connect with Gabe Davis in the overtime period but he got turned around and missed an easy touchdown reception. That left the door open just enough for the Eagles to bust through.

Jalen Hurts put the team on his back in a game where he and the offensive unit did not have it throughout the first-half. However, they made the adjustments and were able to use the quick passing attack and D’Andre Swift in the rushing game to gash the Bills. They overcame a 14-minute plus time of possession disadvantage to win this game. The Eagles remained calm under pressure as Hurts was able to find his receivers at pivotal moments, he made an amazing 20-plus yard touchdown throw to Philly native Olamide Zacchaeus to put Philly back in front in this game. That was one play of many that Hurts made tonight that kept the Eagles in the game. On their final drive he overcame two false-start penalties by Jason Kelce to set Jake Elliott up for a 59-yard field goal that sent this game into overtime. When the Eagles needed it most with the overtime period coming to a close, he took the ball and scored a walk-off touchdown to beat a game Buffalo squad. If Hurts can continue to play like he did tonight and limit his turnovers then Philly not only will make a return trip to the Super Bowl, but they will bring another parade down Broad Street.

On Jalen Hurts’ play tonight, “You know that he’s clutch. He’s been clutch for us. He’s been clutch for this city and clutch for this team for the last 3 years now,” said Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni.

The Eagles will now prepare for an NFC Championship rematch with the San Francisco 49ers who will be looking to exact some revenge from last year’s playoffs. The Eagles will have to find a way to put pressure on Brock Purdy and get off the field on third down. Their inability to get off the field on third down almost cost them this game tonight and they will need to limit the number of offensive opportunities the Niners potent offense has to score a touchdown. Additionally, the Eagles will need to use D’Andre Swift more he will be a very potent weapon against an aggressive San Francisco defensive front that can be add in the screen game and in the middle of the field. If they can implement these things, they should be able to get their 11^th victory of the season and shore up the number one seed in the loaded NFC Conference.