And here is the playoff bracket as it stands, as I bid you goodnight! What a start to the postseason.
49ers 23-19 Eagles, final score
Another fourth-quarter frenzy sees the 49ers comeback from 16-10 down. A really limp showing from the Eagles to only find 114 yards of offense and two field goals in the second half with the season on the line.
Did Nick Sirriani’s blow up with AJ Brown in the first half affect the outcome? Brown did not make a catch after the first quarter and made a crucial drop in the final drive.
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Eagles turn it over on downs!
49ers 23-19 Eagles 0:40, 4th quarter
Pressure. 11 yards. Hurts is almost picked by Eric Kendricks who knocks it down. Wow. Huge upset for the 49ers coming to Philadelphia and enduring through all their injuries including George Kittle leaving the game with an achilles injury.
49ers 23-19 Eagles 0:43, 4th quarter
DeVonta Smith is stepping up big for the Eagles. Two grabs of 10 and 14 yards move his team into the red zone but the 49ers bring down Hurts behind the line of scrimmage. 2 and 11, Hurts rolls out and throws it away. He just runs away at the first hint of pressure. Not for the first time tonight. On 3rd and 11, Hurts tries for Smith again and the ball hits his hands but he can’t hold on. 4th and 11, it comes down to this. Timeout!
49ers 23-19 Eagles 2:00, 4th quarter
Tom Brady has been screaming for the Eagles to go no huddle all game and he is finally getting his wish. Will AJ Brown see any action? He has been non-existent this half. And he will remain so after a brutal drop across midfield. The throw is perfect and the catch should be made easily. Drop. 4th and 5 now. Huge moment. The pass is caught by Dallas Goedert to keep them going. Two minutes to go.
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TOUCHDOWN! 49ers 23-19 Eagles 2:54, 4th quarter
PURDY! He feels the pressure, steps up, then sees McCaffrey wide open right in front of him. It is so, so, so easy. Only possible because the QB evaded the sack with such great smoothness and skill. Just to add to the madness, Pineiro misses the extra point. You really can’t keep a good Purdy down. He is 18/31 for 262 yards, two scores and two picks. Vintage.
49ers 17-19 Eagles 2:59, 4th quarter
Oooh Cooper Dejean bats one down in the end zone on Jauan Jennings. Excellent play bringing up 3rd and Goal.
49ers 17-19 Eagles 4:32, 4th quarter
Christian McCaffrey picks up a 1st down with a fantastic jump cut then spins for another five on a short run up the middle. Purdy drops back but takes the sack. The penalty flags fly though on a holding call on the defense. Shocker. 1st and 10 for the 49ers from the Eagles’ 20-yard line. McCaffrey brings up 1st and Goal in one bruising run. Philadelphia are crumbling on defense.
49ers 17-19 Eagles 5:52, 4th quarter
Purdy is just the little engine that could. He keeps firing with a scramble up the gut to earn a 1st down then he hits Demarcus Robinson again for a 15-yard gain. 40 yards to go for the 49ers.
It’s GOOD! 49ers 17-19 Eagles 8:00, 4th quarter
J Elliott 33 yard field goal
Now it is Hurts’ turn to throw a terrible pass that was never on. He targets Jahan Dotson who has his back turned to the ball as it wobbles toward the end zone. On 3rd and 9, Will Shipley catches the short pass leaving four to go and the field goal unit comes out.
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49ers 17-16 Eagles 10:07, 4th quarter
Jalen Hurts keeps it and draws the roughing the passer penalty. Looks very soft really as the defender can’t avoid the quarterback running straight at him as his shoulder connects with the helmet of Hurts. Barkley rips off another 10 yards for another 1st down. About 25 yards to go for the touchdown.
PICK! 49ers 17-16 Eagles 11:39, 4th quarter
Interception! Quinyon Mitchell does it again! Poor throw again from Purdy who hangs it up for an age to the backup tight end Tonges. Mitchell just zips to the ball then comes down with it. Too easy. Eagles back on offense at midfield after an eight-yard gain from Barkley.
49ers 17-16 Eagles 13:26, 4th quarter
Another couple of plays, a few yards but still 13 to go on 3rd down. Hurts rolls to his right and throws it out of bounds. The boos are really coming now. Four drives have yielded three punts and a field goal for Philadelphia this half.
49ers 17-16 Eagles 14:42, 4th quarter
How will the Eagles respond? They have looked terrible on offense save for a couple of plays this half. As I write that Barkley breaks a tackle for a 1st down, until it is called back for holding. 1st and 20. Horrible start to the drive.
TOUCHDOWN! 49ers 17-16 Eagles 14:51, 4th quarter
J Jennings to C McCaffrey for 29 yards
Oh. My. God. Jauan Jennings with a touchdown throw. The trick play starts with the jet sweep to Skyy Moore who then dishes it back to Jennings who sprints out to the right sideline and lofts the pass over Christian McCaffrey’s shoulder. The running back makes the catch and it wasn’t easy but he holds on. What did I just see?! Unbelievably bold to go for that.
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49ers 10-16 Eagles 0:00, 3rd quarter
Run big man, run! Kyle Juszczyk winds up in free space after the check down and he races away for a 27-yard gain. The 49ers have 35 yards to go, next a jet sweep to Skyy Moore brings up 3rd and 1. The sneak from Purdy grabs a crucial 1st down. Just one quarter remains, will it spark into life like Bills/Jaguars?
It’s GOOD! 49ers 10-16 Eagles 2:11, 3rd quarter
J Elliott 41 yard field goal
The struggles continue though as Jalen Hurts throws one in the dirt and Barkley is drooped for a three-yard loss. Hurts picks up a few on 3rd down to bring out Jake Elliott for the field goal.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 3:56, 3rd quarter
Philadelphia finally get going with DeVonta Smith scampering forward for 11 yards and then grab a 1st down with a tush push. The 49ers fly out and drop Tank Bigsby behind the line of scrimmage then take down Smith to bring up 3rd down. Barkley finishes it off for another 1st down.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 7:32, 3rd quarter
The boo birds were out in force after that failure for Philadelphia. Two drives to start the drive have produced a grand total of three yards on seven plays. The defense bring up a quick 3rd down though. Purdy takes the snap, then floats the pass to nobody. Another punt. And it is terrible. The Eagles take over inside the 49ers half. Excellent chance to extend the lead.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 8:17, 3rd quarter
The 49ers defense bails the quarterback out though. A holding penalty on the Eagles puts them way behind then a good stop forces a 3rd and 19. Hurts throws it well short of the sticks. Punt after a second three and out to start the second half. Purdy gets another shot from the 20-yard line.
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PICK! 49ers 10-13 Eagles 10:31, 3rd quarter
Purdy will always give chances for interceptions but this one is criminal. A really poor throw from the quarterback straight to Quinyon Mitchell. That pass was never on.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 11:31, 3rd quarter
Purdy just keeps firing picking up where he left off at the end of the half, well and the rest of the first half really. He finds Demarcus Robinson on the sideline for 14 yards to move the Niners up to the 30-yard line. Steady progress.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 13:31, 3rd quarter
Nick Sirriani says, “Emotions they run high” to the sideline reporter on his set to with AJ Brown, Well, that explains it then. Saquon Barkley starts the second half a touch slower as he drops a ball for the 1st down. Punt. Woah what a boot. 49ers take over on the five-yard line.
One of the moments of the first half was not during the action but between Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and receiver AJ Brown. Sirianni was seen berating his star player with gusto.
The offensive production so far in this one has been explosive passing plays from San Francisco v Saquon Barkley’s rushing for the Eagles. Barkley has the edge with 71 yards on 15 carries and 20 yards receiving on one catch.
Half-time
49ers 10-13 Eagles
Purdy just skates out of bounds with one second left! Or does he? No, the clock runs off as he fumbles before reaching the sideline. Unlucky, they would have had a chance to level it with a field goal.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 0:07, 2nd quarter
Brock Purdy! He saves another 3rd and long by patiently waiting for the play to develop then pump faking and eventually finding the backup tight end Jake Tonges. No timeouts left though means a lot of clock wasted and they are only at midfield.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 1:07, 2nd quarter
Brock Purdy takes a big sack from Jalen Carter on 2nd down. 11 yards to make to move the chains. Purdy finds Demarcus Robinson, who is wide open on the sideline, for 15 yards.
49ers 10-13 Eagles 1:51, 2nd quarter
Jalen Hurts goes for it all with AJ Brown streaking down the field. He just can’t get there. Great effort. The Eagles then give a false start penalty away. 3rd and 9, Brown waits patiently as the ball soars over the defender marking him. Again he can’t bring it down. Eagles punt. 49ers take over on the 20-yard line.
It’s GOOD! 49ers 10-13 Eagles 2:50, 2nd quarter
E Pineiro 36 yard field goal
Christian McCaffrey trips himself up on 3rd down, d’oh! The 49ers are going for it on 4th down, shock! Does anyone not go for it anymore? Kyle Shanahan calls the timeout to mull his play call over. He stalks the sideline. And hey look at that, the field goal unit come out. The headline from that drive is George Kittle leaving the field on the cart.
49ers 7-13 Eagles 3:58, 2nd quarter
Brock Purdy doesn’t mess about. He puts a perfect pass on Jauan Jennings who catches in between three defenders then races away for a 45-yard gain. In an instant the 49ers are in the red zone.
49ers 7-13 Eagles 5:58, 2nd quarter
George Kittle makes a grab but doesn’t get up from the five-yard gain. Not good looks like a serious leg injury.
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49ers 7-13 Eagles 6:08, 2nd quarter
That was such a punishing drive from Philadelphia. The 49ers defense looked completely knackered after the Eagles marched 94 yards down field in 16 plays and nine (9!) minutes.
TOUCHDOWN! 49ers 7-13 Eagles 6:08, 2nd quarter
J Hurts to D Goedert for nine yards
Tank Bigbsy follows his running mate’s lead and smashes the Eagles to just 10 yards out with two punishing runs for 16 yards total. On 2 and 3 they run it again with Barkley who loses two yards. They run AGAIN and come up short. 4th and 2, Hurts keeps and rolls out to his right … TOUCHDOWN … to Dallas Goedert. Only it isn’t, intelligible man downfield on Cam Jurgens. Wait, it IS a touchdown. The referees pick the flag up. Make your mind up.
49ers 7-6 Eagles 8:51, 2nd quarter
So close. Saquon Barkey almost hits the home run from a short pass. He waits patiently for the play to develop and holes to move and shift for him to race through only for the last defender to snag him by the ankles to save the touchdown. He gains 20 yards and the Eagles have about 26 to travel for the score. Monster drive from the five-yard line.
49ers 7-6 Eagles 11:07, 2nd quarter
Philadelphia edge down the field as Hurts launches one on 3rd and 15 to DeVonta Smith. The receiver can’t quite make it over the line to gain and the Eagles stay out on offense and bag a 1st down with the tush push. They are about five shy of midfield.
49ers 7-6 Eagles 0:08, 1st quarter
Another three and out for the Niners. Great response from the Eagles defense after giving up such an easy touchdown on the opening drive. An unbelievable punt puts Jalen Hurts on the five-yard line to restart on offense.
49ers 7-6 Eagles 1:33, 1st quarter
Darius Cooper picks up a 1st down while a low throw is just caught by AJ Brown to move Philadelphia over midfield. Jalen Hurts then takes a deep shot … to no one. 3rd and 2, the 49ers stuff Saquon Barkley. The offense stay out there, the blitz comes and Upton Stout jumps the route and bats the pass down. Turnover on downs!
49ers 7-6 Eagles 5:01, 1st quarter
Well you need some valleys to make the peaks that bit more epic, the 49ers throw up a quick three and out. Punt.
Meanwhile the Fox broadcast share that Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead guitarist who died on Friday aged 78, was a huge 49ers fan.
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TOUCHDOWN! 49ers 7-6 Eagles 6:16, 1st quarter
D Goedert rush for one yard
Can these playoffs just never end? The jet sweep works a treat as Dallas Goedert takes the handoff and sweeps back around the line from right to left and into the yawning end zone. Not satisfied with that drama, Jake Elliott hits a post and misses the extra point! Doink.
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49ers 7-0 Eagles 7:10, 1st quarter
Barkley gets it on 3rd and 3, he keeps the legs churning to make 1st and Goal. The 49ers will be a bit gutted not to bring him down as they had men in around him. Clever from the running back to just keep dancing this way and that.
49ers 7-0 Eagles 10:51, 1st quarter
The big plays just keep coming. Philadelphia’s turn this time as Saquon Barkley rips off 29 yards out to the left. He bounces outside and finds the edge. The Eagles are on the 49ers 30-yard line just like that.
TOUCHDOWN! 49ers 7-0 Eagles 11:51, 1st quarter
B Purdy to D Robinson for two yards
This is what the 49ers can do. Pure dynamite. Purdy just loves slinging it, he hurls one back to Robinson at the back of the end zone who holds on. That drive was breathtaking.
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49ers 0-0 Eagles 12:35, 1st quarter
The Eagles boot it away. Brock Purdy and the Niners are out there starting on their 25-yard line. Tom Brady says they need their game of the season while Christian McCaffrey is swarmed on behind the line of scrimmage.
OK that was a so-so start … UNTIL … Purdy lays one to midfield for Demarcus Robinson who has no one behind him to bring him down. He races down field for 61 yards! What?! CMC then grabs a 1st down and the 49ers are 1st and Goal in the blink of an eye,
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The 49ers are feeling themselves as they storm out on to the field in Philadelphia accompanied by a geezer with a massive novelty boom box. Stylish.
The report from Jacksonville and the image that sealed their fate, Cole Bishops’s game-winning interception.
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After that mega Buffalo win, here is how the playoff bracket is looking.
Coming soon …
Final score: Bills 27-24 Jaguars
What a frenetic finish. The 36-yard throw under the gun is the play of the game for Josh Allen that seals Sean McDermott’s first road playoff win as head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Trevor Lawrence and the Jags had a minute to get within field goal range but lady luck stepped in. And that is all she wrote.
49ers v Eagles up next!!! That is 3/3 on absolute playoff crackers, let’s make it four!
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PICK! Bills 27-24 Jaguars 0:59, 4th quarter
GAME OVER. The pass hits Jakobi Meyers’ hands and into the loving arms of Cole Bishop after the play on Meyers by Tre’Davious White. Buffalo win!
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TOUCHDOWN! Bills 27-24 Jaguars 1:04, 4th quarter
Trevor Lawrence is warming his arm up on the sideline … while Allen bumps over for the score and another lead change rather than burning any clock. The Jags just let them score so they give the quarterback enough time to go and win it or Cam Little to tie it up with a long range field goal.
That lead change now ties the most ever switches in NFL history in the fourth quarter of a playoff game with four. Scenes.
Bills 20-24 Jaguars 1:04, 4th quarter
Buffalo edge down field and bring up 3rd and 4. Still loads of time left with three timeouts. This is the game now. Allen slants it to Khalil Shakir who fights to the line through a defender and is short. 4th and inches. Everything is riding on this. The tush push gets the inches, then they RUMBLE in for the score. WHAT?! They had no business pushing the QB that far, there was 10 yards to go and they just carry him forward and IN! Or is he? The call on the field is touchdown but they come back and say Allen is short. Isn’t that a better outcome though? They can get the score on the goal line and use more clock. Drama!
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Bills 20-24 Jaguars 2:00, 4th quarter
Wow. The Jags heat up Josh Allen but the QB lets fly and finds Brandin Cooks … WIDE OPEN … 36 yards. Thank you very much. What a massive shot that was on Allen. He eats it up, the throw is perfect even so. Nails. 20 yards to go to retake the lead and win this nail-biter? If they do make it, that ability to withstand everything a defense can throw at him and make the big play is what makes Allen so special.
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Bills 20-24 Jaguars 2:42, 4th quarter
After a sixth lead change of the day, Josh Allen is back out there and picks up a 1st down on the tush push, maybe? Virtual measurement says ... 1st down at midfield.
TOUCHDOWN! Bills 20-24 Jaguars 4:03, 4th quarter
T Lawrence to T Etienne for 14 yards
The touchdowns just keep coming. Buffalo’s defense just wilts totally as Lawrence rolls to his right and lofts one to his running back Travis Etienne. A defender has a great chance to bring him down but whiffs the tackle completely. Jacksonville take the lead again with Lawrence’s third touchdown pass of the day.
Bills 20-17 Jaguars 4:51, 4th quarter
Parker Washington is having a day. Lawrence finds his man again for a 31-yard gain and Liam Coen throws the ball back to Washington on the next play with a design run. Jacksonville are in the red zone now and grab another 1st down with a wildcat snap to Travis Etienne.
Bills 20-17 Jaguars 7:10, 4th quarter
Buffalo force a quick 3rd down as the blitz gets to Trevor Lawrence and bats down the pass. Eight yards remain to move those sticks. Lawrence drops back deep and rolls … the throw is off but Christian Benford is burned for defensive holding. That could be costly, needless hold.
Bills 20-17 Jaguars 8:38, 4th quarter
Gabe Davis has been carted to the locker room. The Bills receiver had his head bowed with a towel covering him up. An injury to his left knee, the same knee he has hurt before.
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TOUCHDOWN! Bills 20-17 Jaguars 8:56, 4th quarter
J Allen to D Kincain for 15 yards
Another lead change! After Allen converts the 4th down, the QB fakes a screen pass then pings one at his tight end Dalton Kincaid. The big man has a few steps and just makes it into the left corner of the end zone before being smashed out on to the sidelines. Perfect timing on the throw to find Kincaid in space before reaching the waiting defender.
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Bills 13-17 Jaguars 9:56, 4th quarter
Buffalo go play action. It works a treat. The linebackers all crunch down and Dawson Knox is wide open to make a 24-yard grab. Next Gabe Davis does Gabe Davis things and lets a catch bounce off his chest anticipating contact. Davis was unfortunately right about the viciousness of it as he has to be helped off the field. With about 30 to go a short pass brings up 3rd and 6. Allen takes off on the scramble … but he slides and they give the 1st down. Looks dodgy and the Jags challenge.
Bills 13-17 Jaguars 12:09, 4th quarter
Jacksonville are heating up on defense as pressure forces Josh Allen to throw it away on 2nd down. With four to get Allen lays one to Dalton Kincaid on the sideline. 1st down.
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49ers v Eagles injury news
Left tackle Trent Williams is starting for the 49ers but wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is out with a knee injury.
TOUCHDOWN! Bills 13-17 Jaguars 12:55, 4th quarter
T Lawrence to P Washington for six yards
Another brilliant throw from Trevor Lawrence gets exactly what it deserves. Parker Washington streaks from left to right across the middle of the end zone and the throw is perfectly placed ahead for Washington to run on to. The defender was right on him but he hangs on while flying through the air. He’s got six catches for 76 yards and the go-ahead score.
Bills 13-10 Jaguars 14:04, 4th quarter
Washington gets another grab and inches the Jags close to a 3rd down with about seven to go for a score and the lead. On 3rd and 1 Lawrence dives over for 1st and Goal.
49ers v Eagles injury news
Starting right tackle Lane Johnson is OUT for Philadelphia.
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Bills 13-10 Jaguars 0:00, 3rd quarter
Trevor Lawrence gets sneaky on 3rd down and targets a backup cornerback who is in the game for Jordan Poyer. Poyer will not return with a hamstring injury and his replacement Jodran Hancock is burned for 18 yards. Buffalo bring up another 3rd down. Buffalo send the house and Lawrence gets it out again targeting Hancock. Parker Washington picks up 14 yards on the catch. Inside the red zone now as the 3rd quarter ends. This is tense.
SACK! Bills 13-10 Jaguars 3:58, 3rd quarter
Josh Allen is pulled down and loses 11 yards. All of his guys are covered up. Josh Hines-Allen brings him down for the Jags’ first sack. Spooky. The punt is shanked putting Trevor Lawrence on his own 38-yard line. Decent starting position to take the lead.
Bills 13-10 Jaguars 5:44, 3rd quarter
White was watching that ball all the way and nearly picked the pass. Jacksonville are struggling on 3rd down, only one picked up on five attempts.
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It’s GOOD! Bills 13-10 Jaguars 5:44, 3rd quarter
C Little 43 yard field goal
Trevor Lawrence tries to get in on the act and bumps into the line for no gain. Full marks for effort, I guess. 3rd and 10. Oooooooooh a touchdown to Brenton Strange is knocked down by Tre’Davious White. What a play.
Bills 13-7 Jaguars 6:44, 3rd quarter
The Jags start running the rock again and it works a treat. Travis Etienne slashes through the Bills for 26 yards leaving 26 yards to go for the score.
It’s GOOD! Bills 13-7 Jaguars 8:12, 3rd quarter
M Prater 47 yard field goal
Cook carries on 2nd down, he has 12 now for 37 yards. This Jags running defense is something else. On 3rd and 5, false start offense. Ouch. 3rd and 10, Allen slings it for a few. Matt Prater ends the mammoth near seven-minute drive with three points. Over to you, Trev.
Bills 10-7 Jaguars 10:48, 3rd quarter
Another 3rd down comes and goes for the Jags defense. The quick pass to Gabe Davis on the sideline moves the chains.
Bills 10-7 Jaguars 12:48, 3rd quarter
“The team that attack better will win this game,” says Tony Romo on commentary. Wise words as 3rd down comes up for Buffalo. Khalil Shakir takes the short pass. He looks like coming up well short until a spin move shakes a defender and he makes it over the line to gain. A great throw again to Shakir on play action moves Buffalo to midfield. Allen takes a big shot as he throws it. No fear.
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In 49ers news, left tackle Trent Williams is expected to start against the Eagles. Excellent news for Brock Purdy after San Francisco managed three points last week without him.
Buffalo Bills 10-7 Jacksonville Jaguars, half-time
What do we think then? Not the high-octane affairs of yesterday (yet). Very delicately poised though. Maybe Liam Coen needs to get Bhayshul Tuten back in the game. He has not had a touch since four rushes for 51 yards put the Jaguars on the goal line for their only points. Buffalo’s run stopping looked pretty shoddy.
It’s NO GOOD! Bills 10-7 Jaguars 0:00, 2nd quarter
It’s all happening! A huge 34-yard gain from Lawrence to Parker Washington puts them in range but they don’t get down the field in time and the snap is too late!? No, they just get it off and the defense is not set properly. The penalty allows a field goal chance with one second on the clock. Cam Little misses to the left on the 54-yard try. Another deflating moment for Jacksonville.
Bills 10-7 Jaguars 0:32, 2nd quarter
Oh Trevor! Nice moves. He spins away from what have been a safety and goes full gazelle mode up field to bite off 18 yards. Long field goal record holder Cam Little doesn’t need as much room as most.
Bills 10-7 Jaguars 1:05, 2nd quarter
A long pass to Brandin Cooks is overturned for an incompletion putting the Bills on 3rd and 7 at midfield. The short pass has no chance. What to do on 4th and 4? A timeout for the Jags adds to the thinking time … the musing on Allen’s throwing hand continues. Give it a rest lads. They are going for it or so they would like the Jags to believe. Delay of the game and punt. Lawrence has a minute to drive with two timeouts. What a punt that was though right into the corner to the two-yard line!
I’ve got mail! David chimes in with a sobering reminder of this pair’s last meeting in the playoffs back in 2017.
“Well, this already has more points than the previous Bills-Jags wildcard game, an infamously attritional 10-3 scrap that I mostly remember for my husband (who supported the Jags at the time) being the most drunk I’ve ever seen him, including after his dad died a few months later.
Honestly quite glad he doesn’t follow the sport now ...”
Well, that escalated quickly. Me too though, drinking and NFL do not mix. It just lasts too long!
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Bills 10-7 Jaguars 3:45, 2nd quarter
Josh Allen is clearly bothered by the pain in his throwing hand. A first throw since the injury sails way past the intended target. The next finds Gabe Davis a yard short of the 1st down. Tony Romo is impressed and reckons everything is going to be OK. And breathe. James Cook bundles over for the 1st down.
Bills 10-7 Jaguars 4:35, 2nd quarter
Another wobbler from Lawrence as the Bills throw a blanket over his receivers. Punt puts Buffalo driving from their 30-yard line. What a change in momentum with Trevor’s shin the difference between what could have been a 14-3 lead to now Josh Allen driving with a huge amount of clock left to work with. The Jags need a lift from their defense here.
Bills 10-7 Jaguars 4:47, 2nd quarter
Allen is watching along fairly happily and almost very happily as Trevor Lawrence throws a tipped ball. It falls just short of Shaq Thompson who might have had a pick six had he been standing a few feet closer. Or so Tony Romo says.
TOUCHDOWN! Bills 10-7 Jaguars 5:37, 2nd quarter
J Allen rush for two yards
Well, it doesn’t matter if you have a sore throwing hand if you just smash in with your legs. He looks to have twisted a knee though as he reaches for it on the deck. Buffalo have the lead but their QB has been evaluated for a concussion, has a sore throwing hand and now has banged up his knee a bit and heads to the blue tent and out again for a second time. But a flesh wound.
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Bills 3-7 Jaguars 5:45, 2nd quarter
Keon Coleman finds space by hitting the brakes after beating the first DB. A wonderful piece of presence of mind buys a 36-yard gain on the grab and Buffalo are 1st & Goal. The price of the play though is Josh Allen smashing his throwing hand into a lineman’s helmet. He looks to be in a lot of pain. James Cook is stuffed on the first two shots near the goal line. Two more attempts on the way for the Bills to take the lead.
Bills 3-7 Jaguars 7:45, 2nd quarter
Cook is back out there at midfield after an amazing grab by Brandin Cooks. The running back hesitates to shake a defender at the line of scrimmage but Travon Walker ain’t buying. 2nd and 10, the Bills call a timeout.
Bills 3-7 Jaguars 9:21, 2nd quarter
Here we go. The Bills get James Cook moving finally with a toss to the left. He picks up 11 yards and the 1st down. He just may have picked up an injury too though as he hobbles away after a big hit to his legs.
Bills 3-7 Jaguars 11:21, 2nd quarter
Reversed! Josh Allen and company trot back out with 90 yards to travel. Lots of drama with three turnovers already so far with both teams playing strong defense.
Bills 3-7 Jaguars 11:21, 2nd quarter
Lawrence keeps it and dives over. Did he make it? We have a virtual measurement. The robots say … beep boop … YES! 1st & Goal … but will Buffalo challenge? Yes. And thank heavens Sean McDermott did as Jim Nantz was about to go down to the sideline and sort him out if he didn’t. Looks like Trevor’s shin hits the turf before he gets over and a huge turnover on downs may be on the way.
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Bills 3-7 Jaguars 11:25, 2nd quarter
Jakobi Meyers keeps the chains moving, or did he? The daisy-cutter catch for 12 yards looks a little iffy but the Jags snap the ball quickly. With 17 yards to go Lawrence takes a sack on 2nd down. Great chance to force a field goal with 12 yards … Lawrence sets off on the scramble but just comes up short! Head coach Liam Coen says go for it on 4th and 2. Pressure! Well, until Coen calls the timeout.
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Bills 3-7 Jaguars 13:45, 2nd quarter
Ray Davis the guilty party who looks to be a little hurt after the fumble. Jaguars takeover on offense at Buffalo’s 36-yard line. Travis Etienne picks up seven on the ground to start this drive.
Bills 3-7 Jaguars 14:05, 2nd quarter
OK Buffalo, what have you got? A fumble on the kick return. JAGS BALL!!!! Oh my. Buster Brown lays on the hit to knock the ball out.
TOUCHDOWN! Bills 3-7 Jaguars 14:14, 2nd quarter
T Lawrence to B Thomas for three yards
On 1st & Goal Brenton Strange goes nowhere on a short pass. Not to worry as Trevor Lawrence throws a dime to Brian Thomas hovering just inside the endzone. The ball is thrown up and away from the receiver for him to grab away from the defender. Easy.
Bills 3-0 Jaguars 0:00, 1st quarter
Two bruising runs from Bhayshul Tuten of 20 and 14 yards smash the Jaguars into the red zone. Looks like Buffalo were expecting pass. It doesn’t come for a third time as Tuten bowls them inside the five-yard line with another 13-yard run to end the quarter. He’s flying!
Bills 3-0 Jaguars 1:32, 1st quarter
Josh Allen is out with tablet computer in hand. All looks to be OK. Phew. The Jaguars pick up a 1st down with a short pass to Brenton Strange then another to Travis Etienne puts them at midfield.
Sideline reporter says Allen is officially cleared of concussion while Jaguars receiver Parker Washington is being evaluated for a concussion too.
It’s GOOD! Bills 3-0 Jaguars 2:54, 1st quarter
M Prater 50 yard field goal
Big stop from the Jaguars who throw up a brick wall with a three and out. Trevor Lawrence will be feeling a little brighter on the sideline. Meanwhile Josh Allen is in the blue tent after being tackled on 3rd down. Bad news, Bills. Let’s hope he returns to the game on their next drive.
PICK! Bills 0-0 Jaguars 5:02, 1st quarter
Ooooh so close! After moving the sticks Lawrence is almost picked off as a wobbly throw bounces off Parker Washington’s hands and almost into a defenders. The next effort is PICKED though. Shaq Thompson on the money with the interception and a 22-yard return. Disguised coverage outfoxes the QB completely and Thompson makes the easy catch. The Bills about 30 yards out from the opening score.
Bills 0-0 Jaguars 6:51, 1st quarter
Josh Allen felt the pressure there and had to get rid of it with an inaccurate throw to his tight end. Trevor Lawrence has a second crack and the drives stalls a touch after a penalty forces the Jags back to 2nd and 12. The quarterback is not best pleased.
Bills 0-0 Jaguars 7:51, 1st quarter
The Bills want a pass interference call as Dalton Kincaid dives to make a grab but misses on 3rd down. Buffalo punt at their 40-yard line, Parker Washington raises his hand for the fair catch at his 20.
Bills 0-0 Jaguars 9:22, 1st quarter
There is a seriously charged atmosphere in Jacksonville. The jeers are popping off while Josh Allen picks up another 1st down with a 10-yard pass to Brandin Cooks on the right sideline. Before that a Bill and Jag were locking facemasks. Spicy.
Bills 0-0 Jaguars 11:22, 1st quarter
On 2nd down Josh Allen drops back to his own goal line to give himself room to find a receiver but Khalil Shakir is swallowed up. He does so again on 3rd down but this time they move the chains with a 14-yard gain from Tyrell Shavers. A neat curl route shook Shavers loose.
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Bills 0-0 Jaguars 13:42, 1st quarter
Buffalo force a quick three and out after stuffing the run behind the line of scrimmage on 1st down. The punt is a good one, despite almost being blocked, and will start Josh Allen on the five-yard line.
Bills 0-0 Jaguars 14:28, 1st quarter
Buffalo have kicked off. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense get going around the 33-yard line. Let’s go!
Here he is … just a few minutes away from kick-off now!
Meanwhile, ESPN analytics share the opinion that this is possibly too close to call. They say Buffalo have a 49.8% chance to win and Jacksonville have a (100-49.8=???) 50.2% shot at the W. Thank heavens for analytics, we would be up the creek without you.
“Be you” has been the message from Jaguars head coach Liam Coen to quarterback Trevor Lawrence this season. The simple mantra appears to have unlocked his potential in running the ball as well as through the air in a career year in the NFL. Lawrence scored nine rushing touchdowns, almost double his previous best of five from 2022, while throwing a career-best 29 scores too, four better than 2022. Buffalo are going to have be pin-sharp on defense to stop him.
So how about those Bears then?! A first playoff win since 2010 featuring the largest comeback in franchise playoff history while inflicting the biggest blown lead in Packers history is really rather impressive, isn’t it?
Head coach Ben Johnson’s first year in Chicago has transformed the team from a rabble into never-say-die warriors. So how far can this rising force go? Who they face next is, of course, crucial. If the 49ers beat the Eagles then they host the Rams next weekend and if the 49ers lose then the Eagles head to Soldier Field. If forced to choose you might think Caleb Williams and company would prefer a visit from the Eagles. We shall see.
On the CBS broadcast Nate Burleson is billing Bills v Jags as pressure v opportunity. A rather apt way of looking at it considering where these teams are at. Another juicy nugget they dropped was how important Jacksonville’s trade for Jakobi Meyers has been. The Jaguars are 8-1 since acquiring the wide receiver.
Preamble
Well, well, well … if it isn’t wildcard weekend as I live and breathe! The Rams and Bears kicked off proceedings rather well last night, didn’t they? Dramatic doesn’t even begin to cover it so we can chop up yesterday’s action a bit in a mo. Before that let’s just hope the tone has been set for another pair of thrillers to pour over for the next few hours. First up we have maybe the most delicately poised matchup of the first round in the AFC’s bracket starting at 12pm CST/1pm EST/6pm GMT:
(6) Buffalo Bills v Jacksonville Jaguars (3)
Then another close call in the final wildcard battle from the NFC at 3.30pm CST/4.30pm EST/9.30pm GMT:
(5) San Francisco 49ers v Philadelphia Eagles (4)
Who are we picking to come out on top? A prediction on either feels a bit like waving a finger in the air. However, if pushed I like the Bills and Eagles to find a way. The magic Josh Allen can produce in the tightest of spots for Buffalo and Philadelphia’s mighty defense schemed up by coordinator Vic Fangio (who owns a 3-1 record over 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan) are the factors just tipping the scales, in my scratchy opinion.
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