The Philadelphia Eagles' 13-12 win over the Buffalo Bills was the perfect example of a season full of frustrations offensively. While Philly has found ways to win, there is no denying just how ugly it has been and how much blame offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has earned. One clear example of this is a predictable run game that was utilized to allow the Bills to get back into the game late in Buffalo. Philly was in complete control but opted to run the ball for the first two plays in four of its five second-half possessions (h/t @JimmyKempski).
It is another clear example of Patullo refusing to be aggressive and almost costing Philadelphia a game. The Bills were a failed two-point conversion away from winning and putting the Eagles into an even more concerning spot. It is important to note that quarterback Josh Allen missed the Bills receiver in the back of the end zone, who was streaking open for what could've been the game-winning points.
A situation that could've been easily avoided if Patullo simply been willing to keep his foot on the gas and not been predictable.
While the rain was relentless throughout the afternoon, it didn't prevent either quarterback from giving their receivers a chance. Ignoring the weather as a factor wouldn't be fair to Patullo; however, it didn't require bland play calling and having zero faith in Jalen Hurts, who is the defending Super Bowl MVP.
Eagles' Offensive Frustrations Reach New Boiling Point After 2nd-Half Implosion
Pointing out just how unproductive the passing game was in the second half, The Athletic Football Show's Robert Mays offered the following: "There have been 10 games this year where a team had fewer than five passing yards in a half. The Eagles have three of them." This is truly disheartening for a franchise with a proven quarterback and a trio of incredibly talented pass-catchers in A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert.
While it is nice that the Eagles have won each of these games, they aren't going to have the same margin for error when the playoffs roll around. Opposing teams are loading the box and focusing on stopping the Philly run game, daring anyone else to beat them.
Patullo, knowing this and still opting to run the offense the way he did on Sunday, is truly disheartening heading into a potential playoff run. Having an offensive coordinator you cannot trust to make basic adjustments or provide any significant wrinkles is alarming. Philadelphia fans can't help but miss former play-caller and current New Orleans head coach Kellen Moore.
Not since the coordinator departed at the end of last season has it felt like Eagles fans could count on this team to show up and play a complete game. Yes, the franchise has found ways to win and leaned on defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit, but this becomes less viable in the playoffs.
Defending their Super Bowl run from a season ago will require taking risks and being willing to open up the offense, keeping the Eagles' foot on the gas until the game is out of reach. Simplistic changes that Patullo has yet to prove himself capable of making, leaving every reason for concern as we turn the page to January.