Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen spoke to the media on Wednesday, detailing the defense that he'll be going against on Monday Night Football. However, and I mean this respectfully, Allen wasn't quite accurate. For Bills fans, that's good news.
Let me explain.
Here's what Allen had to say:
"I think statistically, they're the best defense in the league right now. You know, they're front seven – they get after it. They got two really supreme edge rushers. I'd even go out and say three. The last couple times we've played them, they've gotten the best of us. So taking that to account, obviously a new D-coordinator there, but they're flying around. They're playing real solid together on defense. They've got guys with a lot of motor, and they don't let up. So we're gonna have our hands full."
I'll start by giving Allen the credit where credit is due. Yes, the last two matchups against the Jaguars have not gone the Bills' way. In 2021, they played in Jacksonville in what was a battle of kickers, losing 9-6. Last season, the Bills hosted Jacksonville up in Buffalo, losing 25-20. Credit due - the last two outings haven't gone great.
Also credit due – the other Josh Allen, Jaguars edge Josh Hines-Allen, along with Travon Walker, are two very good players. Last year, Hines-Allen had a massive season, logging 17.5 sacks, an interception, and two forced fumbles. Walker, the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had a breakout season of his own, recording 10 sacks.
"He's big, strong, fast, anytime you get a D-end that's like that, they present problems. But again, I think the motor that he has, he doesn't let up. He finds ways to continue to get to the quarterback. He's done that over the last few years. He's one of, like I said, one of the premier edge rushers in the league because of it. And you know, we gotta be aware of him at all times," Allen continued about Hines-Allen.
When looking at this year's Jaguars' defense, it's absolutely important to remember what they're capable of. No opponent can be taken lightly.
Here's where I think it's important to point out just where Allen might be giving his opponent a little too much credit, at least based on what we've seen through two weeks.
The Jaguars have the fourth-lowest pressure rate (25.6%), have allowed the 11th-most yards per game (348.5), and the 11th-highest EPA per play allowed. They've also allowed the ninth-highest EPA per pass. Opposing quarterbacks through two weeks have had the eighth-highest average time to throw at 2.88 seconds. Comparatively, Allen has gotten the ball out, on average, in 2.79 seconds. Jacksonville has also allowed the third-most passing yards per game through two weeks. This will largely be skewed by their game against the Miami Dolphins, but the Jaguars have also allowed the most yards after contact.
Statistically, Allen isn't quite accurate here. At least, not based on what the Jaguars have put forth this season.
Related: Buffalo Bills RB James Cook finds a way to dominate Week 2 nearly a week after playing
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp .
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