ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Here are my five thoughts on the Buffalo Bills game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday:
1. As much of a get-well win as last Sunday’s 32-6 thrashing of the New York Jets might have been, this game serves as a far greater opportunity for the Bills to say they’ve turned things around.
Beating the lowly Jets didn’t prove all that much beyond providing a desperately needed end to a two-game losing streak and the best showing the Bills have had in seven weeks.
Beating the Eagles, with an NFL-best 9-1 record, would demonstrate that the Bills have worked themselves back to being at least closer to the serious contender form they were expected to show this season.
Jalen Hurts is easily the most dynamic quarterback the Bills will have faced to date. He offers every bit as much of the big-play passing and running ability as his counterpart, Josh Allen.
The Eagles also have a talented and strong offensive line that could overpower the Bills’ smallish defense, especially when it sticks with nickel coverage. Additionally, they have a physical defensive line that could limit the Bills’ ability to strike a balance with an effective running game.
2. Josh Allen can do plenty to add to his revived confidence with another solid performance.
That means another game where he throws for or close to 300 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers (his one interception against the Jets was on a Hail Mary). Allen leads the NFL this season with 15 giveaways and has thrown an interception in seven consecutive games.
The Eagles’ defense is vulnerable against the pass. They’ve allowed the NFL’s second-most passing touchdowns per game (2.1), while the Bills are tied for the league’s second-most touchdowns per game (2.0). The Eagles’ five interceptions are tied for second-fewest in the NFL. Add it up and you have the essence of why Philadelphia does so poorly on third down and in the red zone.
Look for Allen to make some big plays with his arm to Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Kahlil Shakir, and Dalton Kincaid. Diggs is overdue for a big game. Kincaid has maximized his opportunity to replace injured Dawson Knox as the No. 1 tight end. Kincaid gives the Bills a more explosive target at the position. He’s a superior route-runner and shows excellent instincts when finding seams in coverage.
3. Interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady gets another chance to build his case to become the Bills’ full-time OC after the season.
He doesn’t necessarily need to do anything more than he did against the Jets, whose defense is generally on a par with the Eagles’. Brady just has to put together a game plan and select plays that help reduce Allen’s urge to put too much of the offense on his shoulder.
Brady’s scheme against the Jets allowed the quarterback to make good use of his supporting cast, which included 38 rushing attempts for 130 yards. The Eagles do a good job of stuffing the run, thus making it more important for Brady to remain committed to moving the ball on the ground.
4. Defensive injuries continue to be a major concern for the Bills and figure to increase the already difficulty of slowing down Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Eagles’ offense.
The secondary will have Taron Johnson, who has been cleared from concussion protocol, but it will be without cornerback Dane Jackson (concussion) and safety Taylor Rapp (neck). Rapp’s absence could have a ripple effect because his ability to step in at safety allowed the Bills to put Jordan Poyer closer to the line of scrimmage to provide run support for a defense that is allowing a hefty 4.53 yards per carry. That could prove troublesome against running back D’Andre Swift, who ranks third in the NFL with a career-high 690 rushing yards.
The Dolphins have a pair of game-breaking receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
5. The Bills’ bye could be coming at an ideal time, particularly if they can emerge from Philadelphia with a victory.
A win Sunday would give the Bills a major momentum boost while they get an extra week to rest and heal after 12 straight games of NFL wear and tear.
Having a running start entering the final five games on the schedule after the bye could very well give the Bills a fighting chance in their efforts to secure a playoff spot. Surpassing Miami for the AFC East title is possible, but given that the next two games after Sunday are at Kansas City and home against Dallas, a wild-card berth seems more realistic.