The Buffalo Bills will look for their second-straight win and sixth of the season on Sunday when they take on the Jaguars in Jacksonville at TIAA Bank Field.
Here are my three keys to the game for the Bills, plus notes and stats:
1.) Air Allen?
The Jaguars are giving up 74% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks this season, which is the second-worst rate in the NFL.
Jacksonville only has two interceptions this season, tied for second-lowest in the league, and they have only 11 sacks, also tied for second-lowest.
This game is a tremendous opportunity for the passing game, and specifically Josh Allen, to take advantage of a poor secondary.
2.) Stop the run
The old adage, “run and stop the run” really comes into play in this game. If the Jaguars are going to have a chance to pull off the upset, they’ll try to do it with their running game, which is currently ranked third in the NFL in yards per-play, averaging 5.08 yards per-carry.
It’s unknown whether or not their leading rusher, James Robinson, will play. He’s questionable with a heel injury. That will obviously impact their ability, but the Jaguars will still want to control the clock and keep the Bills offense off their field by doing what they do best.
Buffalo’s defensive front needs to make sure that doesn’t happen.
3.) Hey, rookie!
For the second time in four games, the Bills will face a rookie quarterback under center. Buffalo made life extremely difficult for Houston Texans rookie Davis Mills back in Week 4 at Highmark Stadium.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was the top overall pick in this year’s draft. He ranks near the bottom in most major passing categories, completing 59.6% of his passes (30th), with eight touchdowns (tied for 22nd) and nine interceptions (29th).
Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier’s veteran and top-ranked passing defense will want to confuse him and force him into mistakes.
NOTES AND STATS:
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