Eagles survive Bills comeback: Who stood out in defensive masterclass?

The Philadelphia Eagles escaped with a Week 17 win over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. But they needed a stellar defensive performance to avoid a crushing loss.

The Eagles took down the Bills in a 13-12 rock fight that came down to the wire at Highmark Stadium.

Philadelphia’s defense was unbelievable, frustrating the reigning league MVP all day and holding firm on a game-deciding two-point conversion with just seconds left.

Philadelphia’s defense had to be outstanding with how putrid the offense was. The Eagles failed to score in the second half and picked up only one first down.

The game plan was conservative to say the least from offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and head coach Nick Sirianni, who will have some questions to answer about both the offense and his clock management.

But the Eagles survived thanks to a handful of standouts. Let’s take a look at them.

DT Jalen Carter: Welcome back, No. 98. Carter missed the last three games after nonsurgical procedures to both of his shoulders. In his first game back, he reminded everyone why he was an All-Pro last year — and why he’s such a feared interior pass rusher. Carter destroyed Bills guard O’Cyrus Torrence one-on-one before swallowing Allen for a second-quarter sack. Carter also had a crucial blocked extra-point attempt in the fourth quarter. Carter getting going on defense and special teams before the postseason is a good sign.

Specialists: The Eagles left last week’s win vs. the Commanders with a kicker problem. But Jake Elliott calms those nerves with a pair of first-half field goals in the elements at Buffalo, including a perfectly-drilled 47-yarder. But it wasn’t just Elliott. Braden Mann, who’s had an up-and-down season, was exceptional. He bombed punts of 54, 65 and 62 yards, and the 65-yarder stopped dead at the 1-yard line. It was a shame Cam Latu touched it with his foot on the goal line. But Sunday was a confidence builder for the specialists.

Red-zone offense: The Eagles entered Sunday with the NFL’s best red-zone TD conversion rate. It’s been one of a few areas Patullo has thrived. And in a low-scoring defensive battle, the Eagles cashed in when they needed to. Patullo schemed tight end Dallas Goedert wide open for a first-quarter score, giving the Eagles a lead it wouldn’t surrender. Goedert has been a red-zone weapon; his 11 TDs is a single-season Eagles tight end record.

DE Jalyx Hunt: Hunt has arrived. The second-year edge rusher has been dynamite for the Eagles recently, and that was the case again on Sunday with seven tackles, three QB hits and two sacks. Hunt now leads the Eagles in sacks (5.5), QB hits (22) and pressures (55) this season. The 2024 third-rounder is hitting his stride.

Team defense: Carter’s return obviously played a factor. But this Eagles defense was dominant without Carter, and that continued to be the case with him in the lineup.

Vic Fangio’s unit played unbelievably. The Eagles held Allen and the Bills scoreless through three quarters. That included a goal-line stand, stopping Allen inches shy of the end zone on fourth down.

Everyone was flying around. Jaelan Phillips and Moro Ojomo each had a sack. Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean and Zack Baun were laying the wood. Jihaad Campbell had a heads-up hustle play to scoop an Allen fumble. And Fangio was dialing it up. It was a collective effort, one that should reinforce the idea that the Eagles can make it back to the Super Bowl behind this defense — even with the offensive struggles.

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