Defense Powers Buffalo Bills To Surprising Halftime Lead Over Philadelphia Eagles

The Buffalo Bills have given the Philadelphia Eagles' prolific offense fits in the first half en route to a 17-7 lead.

Under the cold and rainy conditions at Lincoln Financial Field, the Buffalo Bills seem poised to shock the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL world by proxy.

After 30 minutes, the Bills have taken a surprising 17-7 lead over the defending NFC champions thanks to some outstanding defense.

Philadelphia started out strong by marching 73 yards on 10 plays for a touchdown on their second possession, but since then, Buffalo's defense has been absolutely stifling. In fact, seven of the Eagles' eight first downs came on that one drive, showing how strong the Bills have been on the defensive side of the ball.

While the Eagles' ground game has been relatively effective, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, the Bills have completely shut down any semblance of an air game. Jalen Hurts was essentially a non-factor as a passer, completing just four of 11 passes for 33 yards and two turnovers (one interception and one fumble).

Bills pass-rusher Leonard Floyd chases Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts / © Bill Streicher, USA TODAY

Buffalo has also been quite impressive on the offensive side of the ball, especially facing one of the league's better defenses. The Bills responded to the Eagles touchdown with a field goal of their own, but after a pick by Terrel Bernard, the flood gates truly opened up, scoring a touchdown on the ensuing drive. They were in great position to add to the lead just before halftime, but the Eagles blocked Tyler Bass' field goal to keep the deficit at three.

At least it seemed like that would be the case until Greg Rousseau pounced on Hurts' fumble to give the Bills another chance. This time, they'd make it count with Josh Allen hitting Stefon Diggs for a 13-yard score with just 12 seconds left, stunning the home crowd.

WATCH: Josh Allen Powers Bills in Front vs. Eagles

Allen completed 19 of 31 passes for 209 yards and a score while adding 40 yards and a touchdown on four carries. Diggs had a good half as well with five catches for 60 yards on six targets.

Buffalo will start the second half on defense as it looks to protect its lead.