The Philadelphia Eagles are fighting for their season on Sunday when they visit the 5-1 Buffalo Bills, owners of one of the NFL’s top defensive units. Philadelphia was supposed to have one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, but with DeSean Jackson set to miss his sixth straight game, big plays have been hard to come by for the Birds.
Sunday’s game is huge for both teams, and there are a number of key matchups to watch when the two teams square off Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Here are the six most important to watch:
Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery vs. Bills CB Tre’Davious White
The Bills have one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL in third-year stud Tre’Davious White. White has three interceptions through six games this season while limiting opposing passers to a 44.8 completion percentage and leading the league in defender passer rating at 26.6.
White will definitely spend time matched up against Alshon Jeffery, who is averaging 9.7 yards per catch, a career-low. Look for Wentz to target Jeffery early and often because of his size advantage.
Josh Allen vs. Eagles’ defensive coordinator
The Bills second-year star should be ripe for a difficult performance, but with the Eagles secondary struggling to cover, Allen could be in for a huge afternoon. On the season, Allen has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,324 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions and he could gash the Eagles with his ability to run and prolong plays. Schwartz will have to be creative with dialing up the pressure, but not leaving the Eagles linebackers exposed.
Brandon Graham vs. Cody Ford
Graham is ripe for a huge afternoon against Ford, who has struggled in pass protection for Buffalo this season. Ford and Ty Nsekhe split time at right tackle and Graham could have his way both men on Sunday.
Carson Wentz vs. Tremaine Edmunds
Wentz has been efficient, but Edmunds presents a different challenge. Standing 6 foot 5 at middle linebacker, the athletic former Virginia Tech star has rounded into one of the MIKe backers in the NFL. Edmunds leads the Bills with 43 tackles, five TFLs, five passes defended, and will almost become a third safety at times.
Eagles LT Andre Dillard vs. Bills DE Jerry Hughes
Dillard has had his growing pains against some pretty good edge rushers, and Hughes will present another difficult challenge. Hughes is a known pass rusher and will look to record his first sack against the young rookie.
Eagles DT Fletcher Cox vs. Bills RG Jon Feliciano
Fletcher Cox will battle the Bills in Buffalo with two undrafted free agents and he’ll need to be dominant at times. Feliciano is a decent right guard and could provide moments of frustration for Cox with his uber-aggressive play upfront.
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