Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles first half open thread

The Buffalo Bills (6-5) and the Philadelphia Eagles (9-1) are set to face off today in what was a game that some figured could serve as a Super Bowl preview entering this season. However, with the struggles Buffalo has endured throughout, that hasn’t exactly looked as if it is going to be the case. After a 3-1 start, Buffalo’s offense hit a monthlong malaise that just broke last week with a 32-point outburst against the New York Jets .

The Eagles, for their part, have been solid all year long, racking up nine wins against quality competition. Their one loss came against a Jets squad that split with Buffalo. The Eagles have won close games with a strong defense and excellent run game, but they’ve also had a fantastic season from their quarterback, Jalen Hurts. The fourth-year man has 15 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions on the season, both numbers that trail Buffalo’s quarterback, Josh Allen (22 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions).

Buffalo has not won a game in Philadelphia since November of 1996, which is so long ago that Bruce Smith had a sack in that game, Jim Kelly threw a touchdown pass, and Thurman Thomas had a rushing score. Speaking of sacks, the Eagles are without All-Pro offensive tackle Lane Johnson, and they’re just 10-22 when he misses a game since 2016. Buffalo’s defensive line has the opportunity to exploit Johnson’s absence this afternoon.

Your first-half thread is here, friends. Please remember to be civil to each other. Remember to toggle the comments to “oldest” for that classic game-thread feel. And, most importantly, enjoy the game wherever you’re watching it.

Go Bills!