2 reasons why DT Ed Oliver will be Buffalo Bills' X-factor in Week 3

Say what you want about the Buffalo Bills’ Week 3 opponent in the Jacksonville Jaguars, there is a ton of pressure on the Bills. Even infront of the home crowd, the Bills will feel more pressure to succeed because the Jaguars just seem to always find a way to beat the Bills. In their last two matchups, the Jaguars have dominated the Bills on the field but have only beaten them by a combine eight points (9-6, 25-20).

However, Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense does just enough to keep pressure on Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense which can force unnecessary mistakes and help Jacksonville’s defense. Lawrence cannot get comfortable in this game, meaning that Buffalo’s defense will need to continuously get in his face. That starts with defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

It has been a quiet two weeks for the star defensive tackle, recording just one sack and three total tackles. Not to mention, he is part of a run-defense that is giving up over 100+ yards on the ground in back-to-back weeks. He will need to shine and become Buffalo’s X-factor in this primetime matchup.

1.) Interior pressure on Trevor Lawrence creates opportunities for Buffalo

Lawrence has been taking hits left and right these last two games, being sacked seven times already. Oliver and company will have the chance to bump that number up even more. Former Buffalo Bill Mitch Morse is now anchoring the Jacksonville offensive line but he has struggled these last two games. Oliver and Morse know each other well so Oliver should know what weaknesses to attack to cause interior pressure.

It’s quite simple, get into Lawrence’s face in the middle of the pocket and that will force him to roll to the outside and deal with Von Miller and Greg Rousseau.

2.) Stopping the Jaguars' rushing attack puts pressure on the passing game

The Bills’ defense has been below average at best when it comes to stopping the run. They have given up over 130 yards per game on the ground the last two weeks. Their run defense has been close to nonexistent which cannot be the case this week against the Jaguars.

The Jacksonville offense has rushed for 127.5 yards per game the last two weeks, meaning that they are not afraid to run the ball with Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. If Oliver can lead the charge and help plug up the middle of the line of scrimmage, this should greatly help the defense keep the run game limited and force Lawrence to win the game through the air.

The good news is that if Jacksonville has to rely on their passing attack to win, they are going up against a solid secondary that has Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford who have been tremendous corners the last two weeks. Oliver has a real chance to be a difference maker and be one of the reasons why Buffalo gets off to a 3-0 start this season.