Buffalo Bills’ Path to Victory: Keys to Beating the Jaguars in Week 3

Buffalo Bills QB, Josh Allen and Jacksonville Jaguars QB, Trevor Lawrence
Buffalo Bills’ Path to Victory: Keys to Beating the Jaguars in Week 3 - The Wandering Buffalo

As the Buffalo Bills prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bills Mafia should be feeling confident with a 2-0 start. The Jaguars, sitting at 0-2, have already shown signs of unraveling. However, don’t let that record fool you—Jacksonville has had a knack for being a thorn in Buffalo’s side in recent years. Remember the 9-6 game back in 2021? With a Monday night showdown in Orchard Park, let’s break down the key factors that could ensure the Bills come out on top and send the Jaguars to 0-3.

1. Offensive Line Must Dominate the Edge Rush

The Bills’ offensive line has looked solid through two games, but Week 3 presents a tougher challenge. Jacksonville’s pass rush, led by their version of Josh Allen and No. 1 pick Trayvon Walker, has the potential to disrupt. Our tackles, Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, will need to meet this moment and keep our Josh Allen upright.

Through the first two games, Allen has been kept relatively clean, but Jacksonville brings more juice than either Arizona or Miami. The Bills need to ensure that Allen has the time to push the ball downfield, and we know he’s at his best when he’s not constantly running for his life. This is a great test for our newly extended right tackle Brown and the veteran Dawkins. Win the battle at the line, and the rest will follow.

2. Beating the Jaguars’ Heavy Man Coverage

Jacksonville is leading the league in man coverage, running it more than 63% of the time through two games. This presents a unique challenge for the Bills’ receiving corps. While Stefon Diggs is a proven man-beater, this game might require others to step up, especially with Jacksonville’s Tyson Campbell expected to miss the game.

Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and rookie Dalton Kincaid could be critical in exploiting this man coverage, especially if Jacksonville leans on lesser-known corners. This could also be a game where Josh Allen’s mobility becomes a factor. Man coverage opens up running lanes, and if Allen can take off on third downs and extend drives, the Jaguars’ defense could be in for a long night. Look for Allen to use his legs a bit more this week, provided his minor left-hand injury doesn’t limit him.

3. Keep Jacksonville’s Offense in Check

Jacksonville’s offense has struggled mightily in their first two games, despite the talent they have on paper. Trevor Lawrence, who was supposed to be their savior, has been inconsistent, showing moments of brilliance followed by costly mistakes. Bills fans should be wary of their new weapon, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who has been a bright spot and could test our secondary.

The Bills’ defense, still adjusting to life without key pieces like Tre’Davious White and Taron Johnson, will need to be disciplined. Doug Peterson is a creative coach, and the Jags will likely pull out all the stops in an effort to avoid an 0-3 start. Expect some trick plays and attempts to exploit mismatches. If our defense can stay disciplined and not bite on misdirection or gadget plays, we should be able to contain Lawrence and his crew.

4. Don’t Let This Be a Trap Game

Despite Jacksonville’s poor start, this game has “trap” written all over it (just like the other Jags games over the past few years). The Jaguars are desperate, and they’ve proven to be a tough out for the Bills in recent history. Remember the London game last year and that ugly Urban Meyer season when they still managed to beat us? Jacksonville might be struggling, but the Bills can’t afford to overlook them.

Doug Peterson’s team has been plagued by turnovers and mistakes, particularly from key players like Christian Kirk and Travis Etienne. But this team still has talent. Lawrence has a big arm, Etienne can be explosive, and Thomas Jr. can stretch the field. The Bills’ defense needs to keep everything in front of them, win third downs, and capitalize on any mistakes Jacksonville makes.

5. Control the Game with a Balanced Attack

One of the biggest improvements in Buffalo’s offense this season has been the commitment to a balanced attack. James Cook has been effective in the run game, and it’s taken some pressure off Josh Allen to do everything himself. This needs to continue against Jacksonville.

If the Bills can establish the run early, it will force the Jaguars to respect it, which could open up the passing game for Allen. Against a Jaguars defense that will be missing its top corner, look for opportunities to pick apart their secondary while maintaining that balance. It doesn’t need to be a 400-yard passing game from Allen—smart, efficient football can get the job done.

Bills Mafia, we’re in a great spot at 2-0, but this game is no gimme. Jacksonville is desperate, and they’ve played spoiler to us in the past. But if our offensive line holds strong, we win the man coverage battles, and our defense stays disciplined, there’s no reason we shouldn’t walk away with a convincing win on Monday night.

Go Bills!

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Jakob Merkel
CO-FOUNDER - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - GRAPHIC DESIGNER
www.jakobmerkel.com