As the National Football League enters Week 17, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves facing a significant challenge in their final regular-season game. They are set to go against the formidable Buffalo Bills, one of the top teams in the AFC, in what marks the Eagles’ last away game of the season. A victory could position Philadelphia favorably should they advance to the Super Bowl, where they might meet the Bills again.
Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who spent the early part of his career with the Miami Dolphins in the AFC East, brings a wealth of knowledge about Buffalo. Having faced the Bills twice each season over the last five years, Phillips expressed his familiarity with the team and its star quarterback, Josh Allen. “They’re a dynamic team. Obviously, Josh Allen is incredible at what he does, maybe the best in the world at it. So, it’s always a challenge in itself to stop him,” Phillips stated, underscoring the difficulty of containing Buffalo’s offensive threats.
Reflecting on his time with Miami, Phillips remembered a rare victory against Buffalo that was celebrated by the Dolphins after a long period of losses. This past experience could provide the Eagles with valuable insights as they strategize for their Week 17 encounter. “If you can’t stop [Allen], then you deal with James Cook. [You] have to stop him, too, but at that point, that’s pretty much their whole offense,” Phillips noted, emphasizing the importance of controlling both the run game and Allen to increase their chances for success.
Playing in front of a raucous Bills Mafia presents another layer of difficulty for the Eagles. While Philadelphia fans are known for their passionate support, the challenge of facing a vocal home crowd can shift the dynamic significantly. Phillips acknowledged the strong home-field advantage Buffalo enjoys, but he remains optimistic about the Eagles’ ability to handle the atmosphere.
Interestingly, Josh Allen has achieved victories over 30 NFL teams, yet he has never defeated the Eagles. Philadelphia leads the historical series between the two franchises, holding nine wins against six losses in 15 meetings, including five of the last six.
As the Eagles gear up for this crucial matchup, they hold onto the hope that their experience and previous successes against the Bills will guide them through this challenging test. The spirit is high as they aim to secure their place in the playoff race and potentially beyond.