6. A first half to treasure for the Eagles
The Eagles led 13-0 after two quarters, and it was just something to behold and hope they duplicate throughout the playoffs. The defense, great all game, limited Buffalo to 121 total net yards and six total first downs. Amazing. Buffalo averaged 158.9 rushing yards per game in leading the NFL through 16 weeks and had just 25 in the first half. Meanwhile, the Eagles had 174 total net yards of offense, 10 first downs, and converted three of eight third downs. Brown had five catches for 68 yards on six targets. Hurts was 13 of 20 for 110 yards and the touchdown in awful conditions. Leading 13-0 and taking the Bills Mafia out of the game? That’s huge.
7. Running game continues to produce
Yes, the offense bogged down in the second half, and the Eagles need to be better for 60 minutes in the postseason. But they had some moments running the ball in this one and the running game is on the upswing. Barkley had 51 rushing yards in the first half and finished with 68 on 19 attempts. That is more encouragement heading into the postseason.
8. A milestone kind of game
Just some notes: Goedert has 11 touchdowns, a single-season record for Eagles’ tight ends, topping Pete Retzlaff’s 1965 season. Brown went over the 1,000-yard mark receiving for the season, and the Eagles pushed their record to an amazing 42-2 when winning the takeaway battle under Head Coach Nick Sirianni.
