Live from Tottenham: Jaguars Make History vs Bills
The Jacksonville Jaguars came out 25-20 victors against the Buffalo Bills in an electric atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Despite being one of the NFL’s best teams, the Bills looked sluggish and were stifled by a resolute Jaguars defense throughout most of the game and Buffalo were limited to 41% on third down conversions.
Jacksonville took the lead in the first quarter when Trevor Lawrence threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Zay Jones. The Jaguars then had a successful two-point conversion as Travis Etienne found his way into the endzone.
Etienne was particularly important to Doug Pederson’s side who ended up with 26 carries for 136 yards, which allowed Lawrence to find more freedom in the passing game with 315 yards.
Calvin Ridley proved the biggest threat in the air – hauling in 122 receiving yards, while Christian Kirk also played an integral part with 78.
Buffalo eventually found the endzone in the second quarter, as Josh Allen threw to his favourite target, Stefon Diggs, with a 15-yard pass to make it 11-7.
The Bills looked to capitalise on the score as pass rusher A.J. Epenesa stripped the ball from Lawrence, denying the Jaguars the opportunity to extend their lead before the break.
A fairly defense-heavy third quarter set up a dramatic fourth that could’ve seen Buffalo stage what seemed an impossible comeback win.
Etienne put the Jaguars up 18-7 after an impressive drive that saw Lawrence sacked, but managed to gain 26 yards back on the next play after the officials called defensive pass interference as the quarterback attempted to target Kirk.
With just under four minutes remaining, potential season-MVP candidate Allen gave his side hope of a resurgence with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Davis.
However, Jacksonville managed to silence the Bills Mafia with a huge 35-yard rushing touchdown by Etienne, his second of the day, which looked to be the game-winning score.
The Bills put together a quick-fire drive with no timeouts remaining and finished it off with Allen scrambling into the endzone from three yards with the help of his offensive line.
Jacksonville’s next drive ended with a punt, but Buffalo were unable to capitalise – as Allen’s deep throw to Diggs was fumbled and recovered by Travon Walker to end the game.
A disappointing end for the Bills, but a result that ensures Jacksonville are entering the history books – as they become the first team to play and win back-to-back games in London.
? “Just wish we could’ve gave them a win.”
Speaking to Decyfr, @JoshAllenQB reflects on a disappointing day for the @BuffaloBills in London ?? #Decyfr #NFL #NFLUK pic.twitter.com/WO2avOHA3O
— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 8, 2023
Speaking after the game, Allen was visibly dejected but lauded the support his team had received at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“There was great energy in the stadium, they showed out and seemed like there was a lot of Bills Mafia in the house which was great. Just wish we could’ve gave them the win.”
? “Not the result we wanted.” @BuffaloBills head coach Sean McDermott tells Decyfr his thoughts on the Bills’ defeat in London today. #Decyfr #NFL #NFLUK pic.twitter.com/SeRK4SUQRB
— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) October 8, 2023
Coach Sean McDermott echoed Allen’s thoughts on Bills’ fans, saying: “We’re appreciative of the fans that came out, I know it’s not the result we wanted but Bills Mafia was very present and made themselves heard so we appreciate them coming out.”
The Bills now travel back to Buffalo with a 3-2 record while the Jaguars make their way back to Florida with two wins in London, also moving them to 3-2 on the season.
https://decyfrsport.com/live-from-tottenham-jaguars-make-history-vs-bills/
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