Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks to throw a pass in heavy rain against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images Mark Konezny
Everybody exhale.
The Philadelphia Eagles somehow escaped Orchard Park with a win Sunday afternoon, narrowly defeating the Buffalo Bills by a final score of 13-12. The rain poured, the Eagles offense sputtered again, and Bills head coach Sean McDermott made a gutsy decision that didn't pay off. Let's get right to it.
Sure, the Eagles defense kept on rolling in his absence, but Jalen Carter was still sorely missed as he recovered from procedures on both his shoulders. Well, Carter announced his return to the whole world during Sunday's game, and his impact on the close contest can't be overstated.
Carter made his presence known in the second quarter by swallowing Josh Allen alive:
Jalen Carter is OFFICIALLY back. pic.twitter.com/IibtZ9VkU8
Then Carter came through in what ended up being the most pivotal moment of the game. After the Eagles offense stalled out (more on that later), the Bills finally found the end zone and put points on the board with five minutes left in the game.
Carter (literally) single-handedly prevented the Bills from putting any more points on that board.
Jalen Carter is a FREAK OF NATURE pic.twitter.com/GD9WyRlVsI
The block was essential in the moment, as it kept the Eagles' 13-6 lead at a full touchdown. It was even more essential once the game ended with a final score of 13-12.
Again, the rest of Vic Fangio's defense excelled while Carter recovered, and they played lights out against the Bills as well. But simply put, Carter is a game changer. The Eagles are worlds better when he's on the field.
Do you know how sick I am of making this point? I'm so sick and tired of it. I wish I never had to type "Kevin Patullo" ever again.
But when the Eagles offense nets a grand total of 17 yards in the entire second half... we have to talk about it.
The 2025 Eagles have searched for an identity all season long. Well, I think they've found it: they are the team that can't make halftime adjustments.
Even in difficult weather, the Eagles offense moved the ball in the first half. They gained 179 yards and scored 13 points across five first-half drives. They took advantage of this wacky turnover...
CHAOS in Eagles-Bills😳
Jihaad Campbell won the race for the fumble recovery! pic.twitter.com/VlfLyuHtxn
...and turned it into Dallas Goedert's 11th touchdown of the season.
The Eagles capitalize off Josh Allen’s turnover and score first! pic.twitter.com/yFopwYpdRb
The Eagles actually won the first half's time of possession battle with 16 minutes, compared to the Bills' 14 minutes. They had three chunk plays of over 15 yards. They entered halftime with a 13-0 lead.
And then the second half began.
The play-calling turned mind-numbingly conservative. Nick Sirianni and Patullo opted to protect their 13-point lead at all costs instead of extending it, and the cowardice of that decision showed.
Against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, the Eagles converted just one first down in the entire half. Their offensive line deficiencies were on full display. They went three-and-out on the next four drives. They ran a grand total of 18 plays and only gained the aforementioned 17 yards. Jalen Hurts didn't complete a single pass.
And that time of possession battle? In the second half, the Eagles handily lost that fight. Their 8:45 paled in comparison to the Bills' 21:15. If not for Vic Fangio's defense creating some unreal stops, the Birds would have been toast.
Vic Fangio’s defense REFUSES to let Josh Allen into the end zone❌ pic.twitter.com/WV0YvZuvBc
This Jekyll-and-Hyde style of play isn't sustainable. It gasses the defense, and it lets the opposing offense carry over their rhythm from their previous drive. The Bills game was the Eagles' last test before the playoffs. Fans wanted to see if Patullo could call a complete game against a team not named the Las Vegas Raiders or Washington Commanders.
Well, he couldn't.
But the Birds won anyway, because...
McDermott's choice to attempt a two-point conversion at the end of the game was... certainly a choice!
Allow me to set the scene. The Eagles offense had operated like the walking dead in the second half. The Eagles defense, although it had mostly held strong, was showing signs of fatigue. The Bills offense was moving at will. With just seconds remaining in regulation, Josh Allen ran the ball in for a touchdown himself.
Eagles 13, Bills 12. McDermott had two options.
Option one: attempt the extra point. In all likelihood, the kick is good, and the game goes to overtime. The Eagles offense can't move the ball to save their lives, and the Eagles defense is quickly losing steam. The Bills have all the momentum. Regardless of who gets the ball first, Buffalo has a great shot to win the game.
Option two: trust your quarterback – who isn't playing at 100% – and go for two. The much riskier option, with many more unknown variables. Yes, if the Bills convert, they win. But if they don't, that's it. No do-overs. No overtime. No win.
Disregarding the momentum his team had built, McDermott chose option two. He chose... poorly.
The Eagles hang on for the win! pic.twitter.com/jel7lwvMDZ
It was a good play call. Allen just missed. Sirianni and Patullo should be thanking their lucky stars that McDermott went big and went home. Even though this game goes in Philly's win column, it doesn't feel like a big victory. It doesn't inspire confidence heading into the postseason. It just feels like a not-loss.
The Eagles have one final regular season game left. The 4-12 Washington Commanders will head up 95 to play a meaningless game at Lincoln Financial Field next weekend (exact date and time is still TBD).
Then it's the playoffs, and who knows what could happen then?
