The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to solidify their NFC lead against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, but they will need to make some changes in the locker room after trailing 17-7 at halftime.
The Eagles scored their only touchdown with the help of three Buffalo penalties, leading to a Brotherly Shove touchdown for Jalen Hurts. Despite this, Philadelphia only had 99 total yards, punted three times, and turned the ball over twice. Meanwhile, the Bills committed 10 penalties in the first half.
During the first half, Hurts went 4 of 11 passing for 33 yards with one interception, and rushed six times for 23 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, his tipped interception and a fumble on a missed hand-off helped the Bills gain momentum, resulting in 14 points off turnovers.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen outplayed Hurts in the first half, finishing 19 of 32 passing for 209 yards and one touchdown. He also added four carries for 40 yards and a nine-yard rushing score, giving Buffalo a 10-7 lead and later finding Stefon Diggs for a 13-yard touchdown right before halftime.
Both teams quickly went three-and-out at the beginning of the game in the rain. The Bills almost scored on a drive but were thwarted by a fumble and penalties. Despite the Bills’ penalties, they were able to keep the Eagles under pressure.
Buffalo ended the first quarter with six penalties, the most by any team this season, but their defense continued to keep Hurts and the Eagles in check. After the Bills scored a field goal, they intercepted Hurts’ pass and scored another touchdown, taking a 10-7 lead.
The Eagles will receive the second-half kickoff.
Related: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Sets NFL Record with Rushing TD vs. Bills