2 Jaguars players that Bills fans need to be worried about

The Buffalo Bills matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars is always fun, even if the Bills have lost the last couple. Buffalo will play on their home field this time and are a bit healthier than last time around. In the history of these two teams facing each other, the Jaguars are 10-9 over the Bills since 1996, according to The Football Database. Despite that, there are still Jacksonville players the Bills have to look out for on both sides of the ball this week. Let’s take a look at two Jaguars players that Bills fans need to worry about. 

Defensive end Joshua Hines-Allen

He may have changed his name, but he’s still the dominant pass-rusher the Bills just saw a year ago. Buffalo almost always seems to have trouble against the other Josh Allen. In 2021 he totaled eight tackles, one sack, and an interception. 2023 was much better though, as he totaled just one tackle. Josh Allen has only been sacked two times, with both coming against the Arizona Cardinals. The Jaguars pass-rush may be the best Buffalo has seen so far this season, with Hines-Allen and Travon Walker coming off the edge, as together they’ve combined for three sacks to begin the season. Spencer Brown and Dion Dawkins have been spectacular as of late, but Hines-Allen in particular is the X-factor on defense. 

This new-look Bills offensive line has looked much better than any Bills/Jaguars matchup, which should bode well for the Bills. Hines-Allen is still a matchup nightmare for any opposing tackle, and the Bills will have their hands full this week, no matter how improved the line is. 

Running back Travis Etienne 

The Bills have had issues defending the run lately, allowing Devon Achane 56 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts last week as he was their whole offense for a good portion of the game. In one career game against the Bills, Etienne totaled 26 rushing attempts for 136 yards and two touchdowns, including 48 yards on four receptions. The Bills' defense has been healthier and improved since that game, and having DaQuan Jones back will help clog up any rushing lanes. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be a factor in the passing game, because he will be. 

The Jaguars, despite their 0-2 record, have serious receiving threats and the Bills won’t be able to guard everybody. If Buffalo can lock up their receivers, Brian Thomas Jr and Gabe Davis, Etienne may be able to sneak out of the backfield at times.