Game Preview: Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars

by Jonathan Loesche on Sep 12, 2008 6:13 PM EDT

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Where: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, FL

Kickoff/TV: 1pm CBS

Weather Forecast: 94 degrees with humidity with light wind

Last meeting: Week 12 2007 Jaguars 36 Bills 14

So week one didn't go as well as we hoped. On the bright side we have our home opener that isn't blacked out. Buffalo is coming in here after a big win that puts them in the mix in a suddenly Tom Brady-less AFC East. Though the score seems like the Jaguars blew out the Bills last year, entering the 4th Qt is was only 19-14 Jaguars. How will the teams do this year?

What to watch for: Jacksonville Jaguars

1. Offensive Line: I was thinking of filing this under the "Duh" column but it does start here. We saw what happened last week with the lack of the O-line. With Marcus Stroud coming back and looking to make an impact, it is imperative that we have a solid performance from the group.

2. Running Game: Going back to the playoff game against Pittsburgh, the running game has been virtually non-existant. If the O-line can hold its own, we need to get a big day out of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.

3. David Garrard: He made several careless throws he didn't make last season. Was it because he was under constant pressure or is it part of a larger trend?

4. Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves: Outside of a good pick by Harvey, they were nonexistant against Tennessee. Can they make a big play happen this week?

What to watch for: Buffalo Bills

1. Marshawn Lynch: The 2nd year back is looking to become a force in the NFL. Will the Bills spread the field as the Titans to try and get Lynch holes. As he goes so does the Bills offense.

2. Marcus Stroud: You can bet he'll be wanting to make an impact on his homecoming. While I wish him the best of luck usually, not this time.

3. Roscoe Parrish: A dangerous punt returner, the reason we were still in the game last week was because of strong special teams play. We will need another good showing this week to avoid a cheap touchdown.

4. Possible letdown: Following a win over Seattle, could the Bills read abit too much of their press clippings?

Prediction: Jaguars 23 Bills 17

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Comments

Yo, John and Chris... Thoughts on new O-line?

What are your expectations for performance by our new O-linemen and who do you think will be starting this week against the Bills? My money is on Uche and Milford, but the mild injury to Uche’s knee may hold him out… What do y’all expect to see… I bet Greg Jones stays back to block quite a bit too.

-Collin

by silencecs on Sep 12, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions

I picked us to win so I think they’ll be serviceable. Though I do agree either Greg Jones or an extra TE will be used alot of the day for an extra blocker.

-John

by Jonathan Loesche on Sep 13, 2008 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Here's my guess

Because Uche has been practicing I think he will start. As for Reyes I’m a little more skeptical, but I think it depends on the game plan. If we are gonna try to run a lot on Stroud and the rest of the Bills D line Milford will probably be our best option instead of Reyes. I think Greg Jones will be a key player in this game. He may be the most important. He’s going to have to block, run, and catch. The line may have problems opening up lanes for running, so that makes Freddy T less effective. MJD is the guy the Bills keyed in on last time we played them. He will be better used as a blocker and decoy, and maybe a tandem return man along with Spoon. It’s harder to kick away from 2 guys. MJD could even serve as a lead blocker, although I wouldn’t want to risk MJD getting hurt blocking. The second most important player of the offensive skill positions (keep in mind the QB doesn’t count because he’s always the most important player.) is Marcedes Lewis for obvious reasons. I wonder about Porter’s impact, assuming he has one…

by Ewdtrey on Sep 12, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions

I think Porter will be used sparingly...

He most likely won’t have the entire offense down so I suspect he’ll be used on predetermined sets and plays… Matt Jones may turn out to be a key player again this week and I think you’re dead on about Greg, I doubt we’ll see any runs from a single back setting… I would like to see MJD like up at WR a couple of times as well.. he’s our most dynamic player and is a game changer.

-Collin

by silencecs on Sep 12, 2008 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions