Without question, the Buffalo Bills offense will be facing their toughest defensive unit of the season. The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has been a dominant squad since Week 1. In almost every Jaguar win, the defense had the biggest impact in those games. They have a great overall defense and have at least one star player on the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary.
A defense that controlled Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger and Russell Wilson showed that no matter who is at quarterback, they are coming at a full force. The Bills offense has an advantage in the running game against the Jags defense but that’s about it. If the Bills aren’t able to get LeSean McCoy ready, it’s going to hurt them.
The Sacksonville Defensive Line
Earning the name “Sacksonville” is a well-given name for the defense especially for the defensive line. Racking up 55 sacks for the season, as well as having Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue, both who are in the top ten for most sacks this year by a player, this defensive line is arguably the best in football. Campbell and Ngakoue are followed by Malik Jackson, Dante Fowler Jr., and former Buffalo Bill Marcell Dareus.
Tyrod Taylor cannot hold the ball for long in the passing game. While his offensive line has progressed throughout the season, this defensive line that they are up against are just too dangerous to take the risk.
The Jaguars are vulnerable against the run. Ranked near the bottom of the league against the run, if the Bills can have McCoy’s services, the Bills may focus on running the ball as often as possible.
Linebacker Unit
The Jaguars linebackers’ are not a big threat to the Bills, but they do play physical. Telvin Smith and Myles Jack lead the team in tackles and can play well in coverage. Veteran linebacker Paul Posluszny has been serviceable for that defense since arriving in Jacksonville and he’ll get to face his former team as well.
The linebackers have played a role within the defense, but because the Jaguars defensive line has been great, they have not had to produce as much, seeing as how Campbell and company lead the way.
Scary Secondary
After acquiring A.J. Bouye and Barry Church through free agency, this secondary showed promise with an already young star in Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars are a top pass defense and finished second in interceptions in the regular season. The great combo of Bouye and Ramsey have been dangerous all season long. Between the two, they have ten interceptions combined and Church has four himself.
Kelvin Benjamin and the Bills receiving core faces a tough matchup. Tyrod Taylor struggles in the passing game so it’ll be interesting to see how this offense takes on the Jags.
This defense can be the Bills’ worst nightmare early. There is too much to worry about for the Bills. Protecting Taylor, getting the run game going, and how will the passing game turn out? The Bills cannot afford any mistakes on offense. If they can at least get into field goal range, this game could stay fairly close.
Brandon Ray is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the Buffalo Bills. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_ray79 and @FPC_Bills for Buffalo Bills Coverage.