After a week in which they were doubted and left for dead, the Eagles defensive leaders stepped up in a huge way, combining with a physical Philadelphia running attack to bully the Buffalo Bills on the road. The Eagles man-handled Buffalo into a 31-13 victory, moving to 4-4 on the season and quieting on the doubters and critics.
With the Eagles now headed home for another huge test against the Chicago Bears, before the week 10 bye, here are five takeaways from the Birds impressive victory.
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1. Carson Wentz showed grit and leadership
After weeks of anonymous sources, Wentz was steady and efficient, while playing with grit as he led the Birds to an impressive victory. Wentz was 17 of 24 passing for, 172 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers in terrible conditions. Wentz used his legs to extend several drives and didn’t try to force the ball against the Bills stingy defense.
2. Eagles defensive leaders made a statement
The Birds defenders were ridiculed all week for a lack of leadership and on Sunday, the captains all showed up. Fletcher Cox was dominant, racking up six tackles, a forced fumble and 1.5 sacks on the day. Brandon Graham caused and recovered a fumble, while the Eagles play physical in the secondary, not giving up the big play to Josh Allen. Jenkins finished with six tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit and a nasty attitude from the start.
3. Miles Sanders Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Sanders was able to shine bright on Sunday against Buffalo, as he’s single-handily carried the Eagles offense through the first three-quarters.
After shining in the passing game, Sanders finally flashed his potential as a runner, outrunning the entires Bills defense on an amazing 65-yard touchdown run. Sanders leads ALL NFL rookies with 709 all-purpose yards.
He dinged his shoulder but should be ready for the Bears.
4. Doug Pederson run-pass ratio exquisite
The weather played a factor, but Pederson was on the money with his play-calling. Howard bullied the Bills finishing with 23 rushes for 96 yards and a touchdown. On the Eagles 14-play, 83-yard drive in the fourth quarter, Howard had eight bone-crushing carries, for 34 yards and a three-yard touchdown run to finish Buffalo off. Miles Sanders provided the awe, running away from the Bills for a 65-yard touchdown.
5. Birds dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball
The Philadelphia offensive line showed up and showed out. A much-maligned group so far this season, the Eagles offensive line bullied the Bills vaunted front seven, imposing their will to the tune of 41 rushes, for 218 yards and three touchdowns from three different running backs.
