In a driving rain on a day when Kelly Green returned to Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles did what they’ve done all season: They played with resilience, heart, poise, and when it came time to make the big plays and win an important game, they did just that, defeating the Buffalo Bills 37-34 to improve to 10-1 in this amazing season.
The stars? There were plenty in this total team win – quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back D’Andre Swift, the wide receiver corps, an offensive line that overcame the absence of right tackle Lane Johnson, Brandon Graham’s record-setting moment, a terrific special teams performance, and, oh boy, the list goes on and on.
Some takeaways from another big one, another heart-stopper, another classic at Lincoln Financial Field …
1. Let’s begin with quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is scrutinized for every step he takes. His first half was not one to remember – 33 passing yards, the offense unable to convert on four third downs, just 99 total net yards and 73 of them on one drive. He looked completely at ease sitting on the bench when the defense was on the field, just sitting there in the pouring rain. Like he was meditating. Like he knew what was about to come. Hurts got things going for sure in the second half and overtime with 14 completions on 20 attempts for 167 yards and 3 touchdown passes. He also ran 12 times for 43 yards and the quarterback draw that he had late in overtime for 12 yards and the winning points. He set a new career high with five total touchdowns. The guy just gets it done in the most supernatural way. He has now won 14 straight games against teams with winning records.
“Once we held them to a field goal in overtime and our offense took the field, we knew Jalen would find a way to put the ball in the end zone,” safety Kevin Byard said. “No doubt at all.”
2. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus had just one reception, but it was amazing. He caught a 29-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to give the Eagles a lead in the fourth quarter, 28-24 after Jake Elliott’s PAT, and he said it was just a matter of staying alive.
“I saw Jalen scramble and he was looking for someone to get open,” Zaccheaus said, “so I was able to slide away from my man and create an opening and Jalen put it right there. It was a great ball and I went up and got it. Felt great to help us win.”
3. OK, so let’s talk about Jake Elliott and yet another big-time late-game kick from way, way out there. His 59-yarder made him 6-of-7 from 50-plus yards this season and he’s 25-of-36 from 50-plus yards in his career. Elliott has nailed 19 of 21 field goals this season and the one he had on Sunday was not easy – the rain was constant throughout the late afternoon and evening and there was a bit of a left-to-right wind on his kick.
“I wanted to make solid contact, like always,” he said. “Great snap, great hold, and I hit it well and got it in there. The wind wasn’t really too bad; I knew what to expect. I felt totally confident. I’ve said this before that I want it to come down to me. I love those moments.”
4. The Eagles ran for 185 yards after gaining 69 in the first half and D’Andre Swift continues to be a great piece in this offense. His 16-yard gain to set up the Hurts game-winning touchdown was a thing of beauty – he was patient, he showed great vision, and he was elusive and decisive. Just a great run and Swift has been outstanding. Just like Monday night when he had a jet sweep run for 31 yards to jar the offense into shape, he gained 36 yards on the first play of a third-quarter drive that ended with a Hurts to A.J. Brown touchdown pass and the offense was off and flying.