It’s been quite a long time since we last blogged on here! Ironically, the last post, a Jags matchup in LONDON. Today we join the blog with a young son, Cian, who’s now roughly 14 months, and it was during his bedtime that Dad got a jolt of energy to write on BLEUMAFIA. We’re somewhat back, but at least now to honor a Bills team that’s battled all year long and earned a right to play in a win-or-go-home matchup. The Yoffs are here, and to be completely frank, I’ve felt numb since the 13-second game. I feel as though until we are in an AFC championship and subsequent Super Bowl, I won’t feel satisfied. I don’t necessarily feel as though it will be an easy task, or even a routine one, beating the Jags or advancing into the AFC Championship.

The bottom line is, all other things considered, the Bills are in the playoffs. So much has happened, there is so much in flux, the NFL world is tilting on its axis. I don’t feel overly confident in this Bills roster, staff, or approach, but I do feel good about all of it. I do think this team could beat anyone in the league if they do what they do properly. This Jags team seems like the type of team to test them, though, and that has me nervous. Here are my notes!

Young

Unlike the Bills, who seem to be being held together with glue, this Jags team seems to be tight, young, and ready to battle. Trevor Lawrence has a new life, and he has finally met his match with his new coach, who seems to have put him in the perfect position to succeed. The force is strong and young, which seems to trouble the Bills sometimes.

Teams like Houston and New England have new young cultures and have proven not to be afraid of the Bills, which demonstrates that the Bills are certainly vulnerable, and these young guns are not afraid of them.

Hungry

Lawrence has improved in many ways, but his hunger to become great has proven to be real. He set the Jaquars franchise record for total touchdowns this season with 38. He has also gotten busy with his legs more strategically, with 9 rushing touchdowns.

The defense is no slouch either. I saw a stat recently in an article that was describing why the Bills would get boatraced by the Jags, and they noted that this Jags D has not given up a 75-yard rusher all season! What???

That’s not a good sign for a Bills team that relies on success in the offensive run game. So much of what Joe Brady, Josh Allen, and the rest of the Bills want to do relies on the success of the hogs up front against the front 7, and the 3 headed monster of James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson. When all 3 Bills RBs get involved in the run and pass game, the Bills are practically unstoppable, by anyone.

The Bills’ RUN GAME VS the Jags’ RUN D will make for a great matchup to watch, and will probably determine the victor.

Hole Pounders

The Jags aren’t afraid to run the ball, which is clearly something that teams have done well vs the Bills D. Despite signs of improvement overall in recent weeks, the Bills’ defensive scheme and personnel have led to several HUGE Runs, so that is always a possibility. With 4 touchdowns given up 50 yards or over this year, it’s not unlikely we see the Jags try to run the ball down the defense’s face. Tank Bigsby is no longer with the Jags, but Travis Etiene is, and he looks healthy and spry. He’s rushed for 1107 yards and caught 292 yards through the air, with 6 receiving TDs.

One key differentiator on the Jags is Parker Washington, a cagey, athletic football player who is a game-changer. He can make big plays that move momentum and can help the Jags crowd explode. The Bills will need to keep the Jags’ big plays to a minimum to keep their own Billsmafia loud and proud in the stands in Jacksonville. The old man, Jordan Poyer, and Cole Bishop are the ones who can make or break those plays from happening. Shaq Thompson has been a delight to watch all year, helping to season the young Dorian Williams. I have faith in this defense to perform.

I will save my prediction as I am trying to keep my emotions balanced, but the Bills need not take this Jags team, staff, or crowd lightly, or it’ll be a quick dinner for the jungle cats of Jax.

GOBILLS