4 Ways the Bills Offense Can Plow Through a Weak Jaguar Defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the second worst defense in the league. While the Buffalo Bills aren’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, they should have no trouble dismantling the Jaguars at home on Sunday.

Jacksonville clearly recognizes that its defense—which is pathetic against both the run and pass—needs new personnel. The team claimed a solid defensive end in Jason Babin on Wednesday.

For now, however, the unit is about as weak as they come. Buffalo should be able to plow through it on Sunday, and start the very manageable remainder of its schedule on the right foot.

Here are four ways the Bills can get it done.

Establish the Run Immediately

Though the Jaguars are weak against both the run and pass, the Bills are significantly better at running the football. On Sunday, they should look to establish the rushing attack early in order to control the game from the start.

With a pair of capable backs in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, Buffalo can easily pound away at a Jacksonville front line that allows 136 rushing yards per game.

Now that both Spiller and Jackson are healthy, the Bills stand to improve upon a rushing attack that is already seventh best in the league. Spiller carried for over 100 yards last week for the first time since Week 2, and should be able to do it again against Jacksonville.

Both he and Jackson should get plenty of work and be effective on Sunday.

Short Passes to Spiller and Jackson

Both of Buffalo’s running backs are also capable receivers. Spiller and Jackson each rank among the Bills’ top five in terms of receiving yards so far this season.

On Sunday, Ryan Fitzpatrick should look to them often. While the running game will be most important, Buffalo will obviously need to mix it up by throwing the football. When they do, check downs and screen passes to Spiller and Jackson should be a priority.

Both backs will be able to make plays against Jacksonville’s defense, and passing to them will keep Fitzpatrick’s accuracy issues—Buffalo’s quarterback has thrown 11 interceptions this season—to a minimum.

Big turnovers are one thing that could keep the Jaguars in the game, so sticking with the run and short, safe passes is the Bills’ best bet.

Play Action Passes to Steve Johnson

While Buffalo’s passing attack is far from prolific, Steve Johnson is quietly on pace for his third consecutive 1,000 yard receiving season.

As Buffalo establishes the run against Jacksonville, the Jaguars will be forced to overcompensate. When they do, simple play action should give Johnson plenty of room to get open and allow Fitzpatrick the time to find him.

Once Spiller and Jackson have established themselves on the ground, look for Buffalo to air it out a few times for Johnson deep. 

Red Zone Looks for Scott Chandler

Though Scott Chandler generally only gets a couple catches per game, they’re often in the end zone. With just 31 receptions on the year, he leads the Bills with five touchdown catches.

The big tight end should see some targets when Buffalo gets into the red zone on Sunday. Again, with Jacksonville overcompensating to stop the Bills’ rushers, Chandler could find some space to work.

Look for Fitzpatrick to find Chandler for at least one score against the Jaguars, utilizing one more weapon that the awful Jacksonville defense will have no answer for.