The Buffalo Bills roll on in their 2024 regular season journey with a matchup at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Highmark Stadium.
All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of these two AFC foes.
In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.
And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for.
With that, are eight things to watch for during Monday’s Bills-Jags matchup:
Facing friends
[Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Welcome back, Gabe and Mitch.
Center Mitch Morse and wide receiver Gabe Davis both signed in Jacksonville this offseason after they spent the past few seasons in Buffalo. There will be off-field excitement on both sides for this storyline.
On the field, these two know their former teammates very well… and visa versa. Could the Bills or Jaguars use this to their advantage?
Filling big shoes
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The Bills defense has played very well after two games… in stunning fashion because of a slew of injuries. Particularly at linebacker, Buffalo is shorthanded but you wouldn’t know it. At that spot, Dorian Williams was already replacing Matt Milano (bicep). Now Terrel Bernard (pectoral) will miss multiple games. That puts a spotlight on Baylon Spector.
While yes, they have played well, teams are going to try and exploit them regardless. Could the Jags manage to do so despite tight end Evan Engram being listed as questionable at this point?
Jags are a funk
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The Jaguars have started the season at 0-2 for a reason. Just ask Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who proclaimed, “we suck” after their latest loss.
In all seriousness, it’s been a tough start to the year for the Jags and Lawrence specifically. He has one touchdown pass–a far cry from the highly-touted prospect he once was. The Jaguars will probably get it together at some point, it’s a long season… but will that happen in Buffalo…?
Any rust?
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Having an extended period off is a two-sided coin.
Rest can mean better health and more energy.
It can also mean rust.
Which is your team will the Bills be?
Lockdown secondary?
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It’s only two games but the secondary in Buffalo is looking very good. Linebackers stepping up was mentioned but the cornerback duo of Cam Lewis and Ja’Marcus Ingram should be noted as well.
The secondary has slowed down the likes of some top talent through two outings in 2024. Arizona Cardinals rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. was invisible in Week 1. The Miami Dolphins’ star in Tyreek Hill was silent last week, too.
You’ve got to give Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott this: He can coach a secondary.
Containing Josh
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Josh Allen… Josh Hines-Allen** (The Jaguars defender changed his name this offseason) has played well against the Bills and… Josh Allen.
Had to make that connection, of course.
The Jags’ Allen needs to be contained by Buffalo’s offensive line but he is not alone. Travon Walker and Arik Armstead are a couple of other names that need to be dealt with so the Bills’ Allen and running back James Cook can find space in the backfield.
Highmark fortress
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The Bills will want to make Highmark Stadium a fortress in 2024… like every season. Playing on prime-time football in front of Bills Mafia will always help, but the home team has done a good job lately in Orchard Park.
Buffalo is looking to extend their home winning streak to five-straight games dating back to last season.
With the home-field advantage under the lights coming into the equation, the Bills could be in for a fast start.
How ya feeling, Ty?
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We are officially on Tyler Bass watch.
The Bills worked out a pair of kickers this week. No one was signed… but it was a sign in itself. Bass needs to perform better and prove his doubters wrong. He has been inconsistent dating back to last season.
