Jags Week 9 Player of Game vs. Bills: DE/LB Josh Allen

As you would expect, the #Jaguars’ Josh Allen was named the player of the game this week by us.

Another week, another impressive Josh Allen performance. In the infamous battle of the Josh Allens, it was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ former first-round pick who prevailed in a low-scoring, defensive battle.

There wasn’t much offense to speak of, despite the Buffalo Bills entering Sunday’s game as the No.1 scoring offense in the league. Through four quarters, neither team was able to put the ball inside the end-zone; in fact, just two times did the teams even reach the red-zone.

While both offenses were stagnant the majority of the game, the city of Jacksonville had quite the scare when quarterback Trevor Lawrence fell to the ground with an injured left ankle. Luckily, Lawrence was able to return shortly afterward to help put together one last scoring drive to help the team win.

Defensively, the Jaguars had by far their best outing of the season. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin locked down Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs and the rest of the Jaguars secondary flew around the field, too, which made it a rough day for the Bills’ Josh Allen. On the day, the Bills mustered just 301 total yards and averaged 4.6 yards per play. Rudy Ford had the best day of his season as a nickel defender, flying around the field to record his first interception and three pass breakups.

In addition to the secondary, the Jaguars pass-rush repeatedly got home. Led by Josh Allen, the defensive line was all over the backfield, pressuring the Bills quarterback. Taven Bryan and Duwuane Smoot both had great days as Bryan recorded two sacks, while Smoot notched one, as well as a forced fumble.

It was Allen, however, that stole the show. Early on, it was evident, he had brought his A-game. Just before the half, Allen made sure the Bills didn’t grab the lead before intermission, sacking the other Josh Allen on a second-down play for a 10-yard loss.

The Jags’ Josh Allen wasn’t done yet though, as he came out fired up in the second half. Following an early Rudy Ford interception, the Jags former first-round pick jumped a check-down pass from the Bills’ Josh Allen to pick off the Pro Bowl quarterback for the second drive in a row.

Two drives later, the Jags’ Josh Allen finished off his defensive hat trick as Smoot stuffed the Bills’ Josh Allen on a short-run play, forcing a fumble in the process. It was none other than Jacksonville’s Josh Allen who recovered the ball, giving the Jags their third turnover of the day.

 

Allen now has 5.5 sacks on the year and his eight tackles led the team against the Bills. Right now, he is the team’s best player and his continued contribution and level of play will be crucial to keep the Jaguars in competitive games going forward. While Allen had a disappointing 2020 season, he looks locked in and ready to roll in 2021 and is set for a monster year.