Bills at Jaguars • 1 p.m. today • Ch. 4 • 96.9 FM
Bills-Jags scouting report
Published: November 22, 2009, 12:09 am
Story tools:
Share this story:
A breakdown of the Bills-Jaguars matchup.
Fantasy stud
The Jaguars' offense revolves around RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who in his first year as the featured runner is fifth in the NFL in rushing with 860 yards and has a league-high 12 touchdowns. He has 530 yards and seven TDs in the past four games. The 5-foot-7, 210-pound Jones-Drew is a surprisingly physical runner with a low center of gravity that allows him to stay on his feet after contact. The Jags like to pound opponents into submission with Jones-Drew, and will attempt to do the same against the Bills, who have allowed six 100-yard rushers this season. By establishing Jones-Drew, the Jags hope to be able to hit some big pass plays off bootlegs and play-action fakes.
Join an in-game chat and more
Back in the saddle
QB Trent Edwards' return under center didn't last long. After one game back from a concussion, Edwards was benched in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick. It's not as if Fitzpatrick lit it up in his previous two starts. In fact, the Bills' offense had two of its worst performances in those games. But the Bills won once, and they're hoping Fitzpatrick can provide some kind of spark that Edwards didn't. The Bills had rare success throwing downfield last week. The Jags' secondary is vulnerable without Pro Bowl CB Rashean Mathis (groin injury). Because they don't have a good pass rush, Fitzpatrick may have time to take shots downfield to WRs Lee Evans and Terrell Owens.
1-2 punch(less)
The Bills have gotten little out of their running game in recent weeks. RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson are like racehorses stuck in their stalls because the offense can't sustain drives long enough to get them established. The two backs have fewer than 10 carries apiece in each of the Bills' last two games. The Jags got gashed for 228 yards by Tennessee's Chris Johnson. Lynch and Jackson would be glad to have that between them. If they are effective, the Jags would have to devote another defender at the line of scrimmage and make it easier for Fitzpatrick to make plays in the passing game.
Dual threat
Jags QB David Garrard is very athletic with a strong arm and outstanding mobility. He can make throws in the pocket, but he's more dangerous on rollouts and bootlegs. The Jags' rookie OTs, Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, are inconsistent pass protectors, but the Bills' rushers must be disciplined so Garrard doesn't find escape routes. Former Rams star Torry Holt was signed to be the No. 1 receiver, but the 11-year veteran has taken a back seat to second-year pro Mike Sims-Walker, who has team-highs of 39 catches, 603 yards and five touchdowns. TE Marcedes Lewis is a big (6-6, 260) target in the red zone and has speed to stretch the deep middle of the field.
Calling the shots
Bills interim coach Perry Fewell is a lot more animated than predecessor Dick Jauron. As defensive coordinator Fewell was a fiery leader and motivator who got his players to compete on every down. But this is his first time running an entire team, so he has to show he can manage every aspect of the game. The Jags have won three of the last four by getting back to the physical, smash-mouth style that coach Jack Del Rio prefers. The Bills will play hard for Fewell, but with four of their next five games at home, the Jags see today as an opportunity to establish themselves as a playoff contender.
Prediction
How long will it take for Fewell to get first NFL coaching win? Jags, 20-16.
Newsletters
Sign up now for daily and weekly newsletters from BuffaloNews.com and get quick links to the info you want delivered directly to your inbox.Reader comments
Log into MyBuffalo to post a comment
MyBuffalo is the new social network from Buffalo.com. Your MyBuffalo account lets you comment on and rate stories at buffalonews.com. You can also head over to mybuffalo.com to share your blog posts, stories, photos, and videos with the community. Join now or learn more.
Comments have been disabled.
Due to a high volume of submissions that violate The News’ guidelines, commenting is no longer available on this story. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this story, click here to get information on contributing to The News’ opinion pages.