Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Three Keys to the Game
By DJ Eberle
Attack Jacksonville on the ground
If there’s one thing the Jaguars do well, it’s defend the pass.
Jacksonville ranks fifth in the league against the pass, however just 23rd against the run. That is an area the Bills should look to take advantage of Sunday.
Whether LeSean McCoy plays or not Sunday – Tyrod Taylor said the veteran running back looked full go and had no problems catching the ball Wednesday – or even Mike Gillislee, who missed practice Thursday after injuring his hamstring at the end of Wednesday’s practice, for that matter, the Bills still need to rely on their running game. The Buffalo offensive line looked more than capable without Eric Wood last week against a stout run defense in the Bengals and need to keep the ball rolling against weaker Jacksonville squad.
#Bills QB Tyrod Taylor says LeSean McCoy (thumb) told him he's "full go" for Sunday's game vs #Jaguars.
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) November 23, 2016
If Buffalo can continuing running the ball, and Taylor can keep Jacksonville on its toes with his legs, there should be some plays downfield in the passing game. With Sammy Watkins possibly returning, Percy Harvin with another week of game action under his belt and mixing in the speedy Marquise Goodwin the Buffalo receiving corps should have some opportunities to be on the receiving end of a couple deep balls from Taylor.
With Gillislee looking more and more like he’ll miss Sunday’s game, this could be a big week for Jonathan Williams. The rookie back looked good last week, in limited time, averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
In its Spread picks for every NFL Week 12 game, Pro Football Focus expects McCoy to be the difference in this one.