Bills_Jags_AFCWC_Jan.11

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The Buffalo Bills defeated the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Sunday in the wild-card round, 27-24.

The Bills were led by playoff-Josh Allen, who had an amazing day through the air and on the ground. Buffalo’s defense was hurt but not deterred, playing physical and forcing two turnovers to help the Bills advance.

The Bills are set to take on the Broncos in Denver in the AFC divisional round this coming weekend.  

The good  

Josh Allen  

Allen played amazing and led his team to a win. Allen led another fourth-quarter comeback, and a game-winning drive which put Buffalo in front late in the game. Allen played mistake-free football, which was one of the keys for the Bills’ success.  

Allen finished with 273 passing yards, completed 28 of his 35 pass attempts, and had a passing touchdown. Allen finished with a 108.7 passer rating against Jacksonville, his highest since Week 15 against New England. Allen was also effective on the ground against the Jaguars, finishing the game with 11 carries for 33 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Allen did what he had to do and led Buffalo to a wild-card round victory on the road. Now Allen and the offense will prepare for another road game in the AFC divisional round as they head to Denver.  

Khalil Shakir  

Khalil Shakir led Buffalo in receiving, finishing the game with 12 targets and hauling in all of them for 82 receiving yards. Shakir was Allen’s most reliable target on Sunday and continues to be an outlet for Allen downfield. Shakir became just the eighth receiver all-time to have 12 targets and catch all of them, which is also a career high in receptions for him. If Allen and Shakir continue their consistent play together in the playoffs, Buffalo’s offense will have success.  

Brandin Cooks  

Following Shakir in receiving yards was receiver Brandin Cooks, who joined the Bills in Week 8 and has started to become a reliable weapon in the offense. Cooks was targeted by Allen five times on Sunday, hauling in three of them for 58 yards. Cooks was a big-play target for Allen, and he delivered with big time receptions, with his longest reception being 36 yards in crunch time.  

Shaq Thompson  

With signal-caller linebacker Terrel Bernard inactive, the Bills had to rely on veteran Shaq Thompson, who had a great game. Thompson flipped the momentum in Buffalo’s favor early on with an interception off Trevor Lawrence. He was a vital part of the Bills defense, as he led the team in tackles with eight totals and six solos.  

Greg Rousseau  

Bills edge rusher Greg Rousseau is now in his fifth season and has been playing great football as of late. Rousseau led the Bills pass rushers with six total tackles, four solo tackles, two tackles for loss, one pass defended, two quarterback hits, and one sack. Rousseau continues to be a threat off the edge for Buffalo and they will need more of it heading into the AFC Divisional.  

Tre’Davious White  

Bills veteran cornerback TreDavious White had himself a great game against Jacksonville, being a key piece to Buffalo’s win.

White is now in his ninth year in the NFL. After bouncing around for a few seasons due to injury, he rejoined the Bills and has been playing at a high level. Against the Jaguars, White finished with two total tackles along with three pass breakups, one that was touchdown saving, another one that sealed the game. White has seemed to turn back the clock, with hopes that the Bills secondary can get fully healthy to assist him.  

Cole Bishop  

Bills second-year safety Cole Bishop has progressed this season in Buffalo’s secondary alongside veteran Jordan Poyer. Bishop made the game sealing interception late in the fourth quarter off a pass breakup from White. Bishop finished with two total tackles and one pass defended. Bishop continues to be a reliable safety for the Bills and has stepped up when it matters.  

The bad  

Run defense  

The Bills run defense struggled against Jacksonville’s run game with Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten, which allowed the Jaguars to stay in the game late. Buffalo’s run defense allowed 154 total rushing yards on 23 distributed carries, allowing Etienne to go for 67 rushing on just 10 carries. The Jaguars success in the run game allowed them to setup touchdowns in the pass game which hurt the Bills down the stretch. Buffalo will look to clean up their leaky run defense as they look ahead at the Broncos.  

Containing Parker Washington  

The Bills secondary struggled to contain Jaguars receiver Parker Washington, who led the game in receiving yards with 107 on seven receptions. Washington was Lawrence’s number one target on Sunday and for good reason, as he found space in Buffalo’s defense and made big plays downfield. Buffalo’s secondary allowed Washington 15.3 yards per reception and surrendered a touchdown to him in the fourth quarter. 

Injuries  

Following the Bills win over the Jaguars, Buffalo has some injury concerns going into the game against the Broncos. One of the major injuries for the Bills on the offensive side of the ball was receiver Gabe Davis, who left Sunday’s game with a knee injury following a hard hit. It was confirmed by head coach Sean McDermott that Davis suffered a torn ACL to his left knee and will be out for the remainder of the season.  

Bills safety Jordan Poyer exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury and has been ruled week-to-week. The Bills will look to reserve safeties such as rookie Jordan Hancock, who came in against the Jaguars, to fill the strong safety role alongside Cole Bishop.  

Tyrell Shavers has been the most recent receiver to be placed on injury reserve due to a torn ACL that he suffered in the second quarter of the Jaguars game.

About The Author

Daniel Adams

Writer for Built In Buffalo News. English and Journalism Student at St. Joseph’s University.

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