Mailata's Eagles dream ends as Bills, Patriots advance

Giant offensive tackle Mailata became the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl victory last year when the Eagles thumped Kansas City 40-22, but the 28-year-old won't be able to recreate those heroics after his side's exit on Monday (AEDT). 

The Eagles had their chances to make a scoreboard impact, but couldn't get their offence going as Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts was sacked, threw for only 75 yards in the second half and had one touchdown all game. 

Adding to their woes, Philadelphia made just one field goal in the final quarter, while two touchdowns to 49ers Pro-Bowler Christian McCaffrey were the game-defining scores.

San Francisco's star quarterback Brock Purdy threw the go-ahead 6-yard touchdown pass to McCaffrey with 2:54 left to win it.

Although the Eagles did have one more drive, a fourth-down, last-gasp pass fell incomplete.

"It's been a common theme for us this year," star running back Saquon Barkley said. 

"We haven't done a good enough job of playing complete football. Putting two halves together. Sometimes you expect you'll get to this moment, and you'll figure it out."

The result means San Francisco will next face another Australian, punter Michael Dickson and his No.1 Seattle Seahawks, but will be without star tight end George Kittle, who picked up an achilles tendon injury on Monday. 

Elsewhere, New England punched their ticket to the AFC Divisional round, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 to set up a date with either Houston or Pittsburgh.

MVP contender and quarterback Drake Maye (268 yards) threw a crucial touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter, while Andy Borregales kicked three field goals to register the Patriots' first playoff win since 2018.

But it was New England's defence which dazzled the most as they held the Chargers to a mere 207 total yards while sacking quarterback Justin Herbert six times.

Earlier in the day, Buffalo also advanced to the next round with a thrilling 27-24 victory over Jacksonville.

Quarterback Josh Allen led the Bills to their first road playoff win in more than three decades, despite being sent to the injury tent twice due to head, hand, and knee issues.

Regardless, the reigning MVP stepped up, making 273 yards, throwing a touchdown, and running for two more six-pointers to seal the win.

His most crucial moment came with 1:04 remaining when he scored the game-winner on a one-yard keeper.

"To have the wherewithal to not blink, ⁠that's the mantra we've adopted this year," Allen said.

"If we've got time left and we've got the ball, we've got a shot. You saw that there today."

The No.6 Buffalo will play No.1 Denver in a blockbuster next week. 

With AP

Australian Associated Press