As this odd game unfolded in the second half and the Bills stormed from behind to an improbable late lead, it became clear that the Jaguars were ready to be beaten, that they might in fact be the worst team in the entire league. Second-year receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have provided Jacksonville with a consistent downfield passing game. I still look at the Tennessee depth chart and think they’re wasting time on low-talent guys, but it’s their problem, not mine.
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“What we’re seeing in Blake is that he does keep his eyes downfield”, Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said. “His eyes are always downfield looking for opportunities”. The game has an extremely early start time because it takes place in London, and airs on TV channels in a few markets as well as a free live stream online.
The Bills (3-4) were without their starting quarterback (Tyrod Taylor), their two best receivers (Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin) and two starting offensive linemen. The Bills battled back and were able to re-take the lead when Corey Graham returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown with six and a half minutes remaining.
Buffalo got the ball and drove it out from the end zone with a mix of run and pass but stalled at the Jaguars 10.
Bortles was 13 of 29 for 182 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He came back to throw two touchdowns in a comeback effort. Yeldon, who finished with 116 yards. The 7-play, 84-yard drive was capped with a 31-yard heave from Bortles to Hurns in the endzone. Chris Clemons scooped up the pigskin and returned it six yards for the touchdown. The score dictated that the Bills had to get away from the run game, but where was McCoy in the pass game?
And the defense wasn’t done yet.
Manuel gave the Jags the ball once again four plays into the following Buffalo possession.
Yeldon missed Jacksonville’s previous game because of a groin injury.
Then, the defense took over. The Jaguars are also feeling at home in London, with Sunday being the team’s third game in Wembley Stadium.
This is why we try to stay grounded with initial fantasy expectations from anyone returning from a lengthy injury. Manuel showed unawareness in the pocket which led to four sacks for 38 yards in losses, and he was inaccurate on several throws in going 24 of 42 for 298 yards.
“There’s positives and negatives to it, but it’s nice to see this gutsy young group come together and win a close game”, wideout Bryan Walters said.
NOTES: The 58-yard TD pass from EJ Manuel to Marcus Easley was Buffalo’s longest play of the season …
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In the solemn aftermath, as the players dressed in stunned disbelief and equipment men gathered the bags for a swift departure out of the country, Rex Ryan reminded us that one man is never responsible for winning or losing an National Football League game.
