3 offensive players who need to shine for Buffalo Bills in Week 3

Coming back home from their Week 2 dominant performance on the road in Miami, the Buffalo Bills have had and will have a great amount of time to prepare for Week 3. This part of their schedule is in their favor, seeing as how they played on Thursday night and will not play until Monday night in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, that could also mean that some rust may come up and it could show on the field unless preparation is done correctly. The Bills have to make sure that this extended time of rest doesn’t come back to haunt them.

In their last two games, we have seen the Buffalo offense struggle as well as get into scoring position. Josh Allen looked like an MVP candidate in Buffalo’s comeback win against the Cardinals, and the defense completely shut down Miami’s offense in Week 2.

Going into their Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup against the Jaguars, the Bills have to take this game seriously due to the fact that Jacksonville has had their number in their last two meetings. Part of the reason as to why they have is because of Buffalo’s offense either getting off to a slow start or not going at all.

There are three offensive players for the Bills that need to step up if Buffalo wants to move to 3-0. While it is a team effort, Bills fans are going to need to keep an eye on these three specific players.

LT Dion Dawkins

That’s right, blindside protection for Josh Allen is going to be one of the factors in this game. Dion Dawkins has been a consistent left tackle since he became a starter, and he has evolved into one of the best in the league. However, Jacksonville has two ferocious edge rushers in Josh Hines-Allen and Arik Armstead, who can cause disruption from the outside.

Allen is able to do some improv outside of the pocket, but he can’t do anything if he is getting hit from where he can’t see the pressure. Whether it is Hines-Allen or Armstead lining up over Dawkins, he will have his hands full to make sure Allen doesn’t have to scan the entire defensive line while trying to make a play.

WR Khalil Shakir

Coming into this season, Shakir was the only true wide receiver on the roster that caught a pass from Josh Allen the season prior. Up to this point, he has recorded 8 total receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. He has caught every target that has come his way this season.

The fact that Shakir has been more of a security blanket through two weeks than Dalton Kincaid, Shakir could see some more targets on broken plays to move the chains. While he can be a deep threat, it would be smart to have Shakir act as a slot receiver against Jacksonville to allow Allen to checkdown if needed rather than force a big play.

WR Keon Coleman

Going from leading the Bills in receiving yards in Week 1, to only getting one target in Week 2 is a rough going. The rookie wideout from Florida State was affected by Josh Allen’s hand injury that he was dealing with going into Week 2 and didn’t see much action. However, we are starting to approach the time where the Bills are going to need Coleman to step up. Jacksonville is a perfect test for the rook.

Coleman is still developing as a player, but he needs to show that the Bills made the right decision in drafting him with the first pick of the second round.