By Jeff Moeller, Florida Sports Wire
Trust the Process.
Repeat the Wash Cycle.
It can be two NFL mantras that the Jaguars can employ this Sunday morning when they tangle with the Bills in their second of two consecutive games in London. Once again, it will be a 9:30 a.m. kickoff.
After a clunker at home against the Texans, the Jags responded in a desperate situation against the Falcons last week. They were sound in all three phases of their game after a sub-par performance in all three.
Now, the question is..can they repeat it against a Bills team that has apparently found its stride.
Trust the Process
Repeat the Wash Cycle
The Jags’ defense particularly responded well. They had two interceptions – Darius Williams’ pick six being an integral play – and also recovered a fumble.
Their D harassed Falcons’ quarterback Desmond Ritter and recorded four sacks, but they allowed 191 passing yards. One glaring miscue was Bijan Robinson’s 105-yard afternoon, and the Birds’ 127 yards on the ground.
Trevor Lawrence arguably had his best game this season aside from the opener against Indianapolis. Lawrence connected on 23 of 30 for 207 yards, but his line of four touchdowns and two interceptions leaves much to be desired.
Lawrence continues to develop his rapport with Calvin Ridley, which will be a big key to the Jag’s overall success this season. Ridley only caught two balls, but one was for a 30-yard connection.
Christian Kirk and Evan Engram continue to be Lawrence’s go-to guys, and the Jags still have the ability to open the offense up further.
Travis Etienne had 20 carries, but he was stifled for 55 yards. The Jags needed to further develop their running game, as they only managed four more carries from the duo of D’ Ernest Johnson and Tank Bigsby. Lawrence scrambled for 42 yards on eight carries.
If the Jags are to keep Josh Allen and his potent passing game off the field, the Jags’ running game will be a start. This will be a simple game of keep away.
Brandon McManus was right where they wanted him last week, as he boomed three field goals, one from 56 yards.
Trust the Process
Repeat the Wash Cycle
Just when you thought Miami was ready to lay claim to the AFC East crown, the Bills thrashed them, 48-20, last week in a game where Josh Allen threw four TDs, three to Stefon Diggs.
The Bills’ defense did sack Tua Tagovailoa four times, yet they allowed him 251 passing yards, and De’Von Achane ran for 101 of the 142 total.
Buffalo has pieced together three convincing wins – albeit a pair of victories against the Commanders and Raiders – and recharged their batteries last week.
Jacksonville still is going into a week where they were expected to be 3-2 after five weeks, likely having the Kansas City and Buffalo games in the loss column.
They’re now forced with another must win against the Bills, and the Texans’ loss could haunt them down the stretch. Yet, this is a beatable Buffalo bunch. It will take the same kind of effort and notch better than they had against Atlanta.
Trust the Process
Repeat the Wash Cycle
They both will be crucial this Sunday across the Pond. Win or lose, the Jags have to be there in the end.
London is calling again, and the Jags must once again answer the call.
