Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills Halftime Report

Breaking down the first half of the Philadelphia Eagles- Buffalo Bills tilt.

WHAT WORKED

• Brandon Graham did a great job of setting the edge on the Bills attempt at a reverse on their first drive. Sammy Watkins was unable to pick a lane and was held to just a one-yard game. Graham’s proficiency as a pass-rusher has been well-documented, but that may have been his best play against the run all year.
• The Eagles first drive may have been their most impressive of the season. Nine plays, 61 yards and a touchdown on a drive that lasted 2:50. All three running backs contributed and Bradford even got Nelson Agholor involved. It was a prime example of Kelly’s scheme still working.
• Byron Maxwell had a nice pass breakup on third and long, knocking the ball out of Watkins’ hands on his way down. Maxwell has been inconsistent, but when he is put in a position to make a play, he usually does.
• Kiko Alonso had nice coverage on LeSean McCoy on a deep pass on third down. Alonso has struggled all season as he has tried to work his way back from injury, but in the past few weeks he has gone from being flat-out terrible to inconsistent, which is a step in the right direction. As his knee continues to heal, he will start to perform like the guy who won Rookie of the Year in Buffalo.
• Incredible play by Bradford and Agholor, hooking up for a 53-yard touchdown pass after Bryan Braman recovered a muffed punt. Bradford did a good job of keeping his eyes down the field and climbing the pocket. The rookie then made a great play, nabbing the ball in tight coverage and racing into the end zone. That has to be good for the rookie’s confidence which has waned as he has struggled with injuries and drops.
• Bradford did a great job to lead the team into field-goal position before the end of the half, which Sturgis drilled. It’s always better to be up by a full posession at halftime, especially when you are getting the ball to start the half.

WHAT DIDN’T

• I’m sure Bradford surprised everyone with his decision to go deep to the Eagles’ first play from scrimmage and he made a great throw that Riley Cooper hsa to come down with. Although it was obvious Cooper dropped the ball, not one of the reply angles clearly showed the ball hitting the ground. I don’t know how you can overturn the call without clear visual evidence.
• I really don’t understand what kind of coverage the Eagles were running on Watkins’ 47-yard touchdown catch. The Bills stacked their receivers and the Eagles defensive backs followed suit, but Maxwell was unable to get a jam on Watkins at the line of scrimmage and then instead of passing him off to his teammate lined up five yards behind him, he chased Watkins downfield and never made up any ground. Either the safety has to get over quicker or Maxwell needs to pass the guy off. Nether happened and the Eagles got burned badly.
• It has been a lot of fun watching McCoy today. He’s been an effective runner and did a great job in pass protection, picking up Walter Thurmond on a backside blitz.
• There is no reason for Bradford to be throwing deep to Seyi Ajirotutu.
• Penalties by the Eagles offensive line continue to halt drives.

HALFTIME ADJUSTMENT

The Eagles defense has to tighten up, especially on the back end. They have held the Bills offense in check most of the game, but it seems like Tyrod Taylor has had Watkins open all day. McCoy’s success and Taylor’s elusiveness makes it hard for Bill Dais to call conservative plays, but the Eagles cannot be beaten by the big play. The Eagles have also struggled to get consistent pressure on Taylor who is smart enough to know when to hang in the pocket and when it is time to make plays with his legs.

Next: DeMarco Murray Eyeing Dallas Return?

SECOND HALF X-FACTOR

Much has been made about DeMarco Murray‘s struggles this week, but if he wants an increase in touches, he will have an opportunity in the second half. Neither Ryan Mathews or Darren Sproles has really outplayed the rest of the group and it looks like there will be a lot of carries to go around in the second half if the Eagles can keep their lead. Murray hasn’t been great, but this may be his last chance to prove to Kelly and Duce Staley that he is worth getting a good amount of carries.