Bills vs. Jaguars: 7 things to watch for during Week 5’s matchup
The Buffalo Bills continue their regular season journey across the pond in London against Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
Once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind.
Here are seven things to watch for during Sunday’s Bills-Jaguars matchup:
Jet lag
London is far away.
When you travel somewhere far away, you can experience jet lag from the time difference.
Do the Bills have that against the Jags? Jacksonville often plays in London… but this is the first time they’re doing so on back-to-back weeks. They could have an advantage here against the Bills because they are well adjusted.
A fast start from Buffalo would quickly negate this idea.
Momentum builder for Diggs?
It’s not to say Stefon Diggs was doing poorly through the first three games of the year. He has been good each and every week.
But that type of three-touchdown performance he had against the Miami Dolphins could be a springboard for a massive 2023 season…which might begin against the Jags and is something exciting to watch out for.
Does Von play?
We’re not going to get any insight from the Bills at all. Head coach Sean McDermott is going to keep his cards close to his chest and not reveal if Von Miller is going to play against the Jaguars.
But Buffalo’s top pass rusher is back at practice. Whether or not he finds a way out on the field in London is of massive interest.
New-look secondary
Tre’Davious White’s season is over. He tore his Achilles against the Miami Dolphins. On paper, most will know the plan: now it’s Dane Jackson starting in place of him.
Former first-round pick Kaiir Elam, who has been inactive throughout the start of the year, will now be active. He could get meaningful snaps as well.
The first test for the new secondary, which will also now feature Christian Benford as the No. 1 cornerback, is on Sunday.
Watch for Josh Allen x2
It’s the Spiderman finger pointing meme game for Josh Allen.
Both teams feature a player with the same name. It’s a bit funny and unique.
But in a serious manner, let’s hope the Bills do better in this round. The Jacksonville Josh had a sack, interception, and a fumble recovery in the last matchup.
Two takeaway-loving teams
The Jags are .500 team and mirror that in many categories.
Total offense: 329.3 yards per game (15th)
Points scored per game: 20.0 (20th)
Total defense: 333.0 (17th)
Points allowed per game: 20.5 (12th)
Their best team stat is clearly their takeaway total. Jacksonville has a turnover differential of plus-four. They’re right behind Buffalo at plus-six.
The Bills have been much cleaner over the past few weeks. While Josh Allen is celebrating another Player of the Week honor, his most impressive play has been his lack of turnovers… and even turnover worthy plays. The Jags will pounce if he reverts back.
Home-field advantage?
Bills Mafia always travels well, do they in London?
Bonus: The venue is Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The company that designed it is working on the Bills’ new stadium.
