ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In a tense game, Jalen Carter and his Philadelphia teammates celebrated after making a critical stop. Buffalo’s Josh Allen, on the other hand, was frustrated. He missed a vital pass on a two-point conversion attempt that could have clinched the win, leaving the Eagles to triumph 13-12.
“Winning’s hard in this league,” said Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, enjoying the moment despite the challenges. His team now holds a solid position in the playoffs with a record of 11-5. They are the first team since the 1987 Patriots to win multiple games despite not completing a pass in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Bills, also at 11-5 and already securing a playoff berth, fell to the AFC’s No. 7 seed. Coach Sean McDermott opted for a high-stakes approach when facing a tough Eagles defense, deciding to go for two points instead of settling for overtime. This decision followed Allen’s late-game touchdowns, which almost turned the tide in their favor.
“I’ve got to make a play,” Allen remarked, acknowledging the importance of learning from the experience. He rushed for two touchdowns within the last five minutes, but his final pass to Khalil Shakir went just out of reach, sealing their fate.
Defensive performances were crucial in this matchup. Philadelphia’s defense, led by Carter’s remarkable return from injury, made key plays, including blocking an extra point attempt after Allen’s rushing touchdown. “He’s a big-time player. Relentless effort,” Sirianni praised Carter.
Notably, Allen’s performance continued to highlight his athleticism. With 301 combined career touchdowns by age 29, he stands out as one of the youngest players to reach this milestone.
Injuries impacted both teams. The Eagles missed linebacker Nakobe Dean, while the Bills were without key players like linebacker Terrel Bernard and tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has faced ongoing knee issues.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will face Washington next weekend, while the Bills prepare to confront the New York Jets. As both teams gear up for the playoffs, this game serves as a reminder of the razor-thin margins of success in the NFL.
For ongoing updates on the NFL, check out the AP NFL news. Sports statistics show that one-score games can dramatically affect playoff positioning—this match proves that every play counts.
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