Jaguars face Bills: Three bold predictions for Sunday
By David Levin
Can the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Buffalo Bills and defeat a team they faced 11 months ago in AFC Wild Card round? Will Jacksonville finally end their six-game losing streak?
If someone told the Jacksonville Jaguars a November matchup in Buffalo would be for pride rather than winning their seventh or eighth football game, they may have laughed the reporter out of TIAA Bank Field. Instead two 3-7 teams meet after Thanksgiving with a sliver of hope the playoffs are still on the docket as they meet on Sunday.
Quarterback Blake Bortles told the media on Wednesday the issues with this team is no different than with teams in the past. Playing through them and fixing the problems on the offensive and defensive side of the ball will remain the focus of this franchise.
"“There are problems and challenges and you either have to find a way to overcome them or you don’t, and you live with the consequences one way or the other,” Bortles said.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdomJaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect nowJaguars News: This division rival might be making a big moveFormer Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways“I think this is a challenge for me. I think for everybody individually and for us as a team and a unit. I have all the confidence in the world that we can fight through this thing together and come out on the other side.”"
Facing the Bills this time around means the Jaguars will see a rookie quarterback in Josh Allen. The defense could have a big day hassing the neophyte while giving the offense more opportunities. This would help Bortles and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett potentially get back on track, at least for one week.
The Jaguars need this win on Sunday. So do the Bills. Here are three bold predictions for the game.
A.J. Bouye gets two interceptions – Last week, I predicted the same thing for Jalen Ramsey and guess what happened? The Bills vertical game isn’t as dangerous as the Steelers had, but the results could be the same.
Jacksonville picked off Ben Roethlisberger three times. Allen has not been consistent and facing the Jaguars pass rush could be problematic. A.J. Bouye made the secondary much tougher on Sunday. This is his turn to have a breakout game.
Running game gets 250 yards on the ground – To give you an idea of how dominant the Jaguars were last week rushing against Pittsburgh, the team had 43 carries for 179 yards. The Steelers ran for 26 yards the entire game.
Leonard Fournette looked completely healed from a hamstring injury that has plagued him all season. If he runs for 95 yards against the Steelers defense, does this mean he explodes for over 100 yards against Buffalo?
Carlos Hyde was effective as well in the run game and could get a few more carries this week. The Jaguars have two effective running backs to use the remainder of the season.
Shutout – The Jaguars had the Steelers on the ropes for the majority of the game. The Bills may not have the weapons to overcome a deficit.
Todd Wash’s unit played a solid game sans penalties that continue to plague this team at unopportune times. The run defense was effective, but Pittsburgh only ran the ball 11 times on Sunday. The Bills will use LeSean McCoy effectively once again.
This week, I think the defense once again comes out to prove a point and holds Buffalo scoreless, giving Jacksonville the win and hopefully momentum coming home.