The Jacksonville Jaguars are 3-2 after outlasting the Buffalo Bills for a much-needed 25-20 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Buffalo entered the game as hot as any team in the NFL after three straight blowout wins by at least 28 points. But a Bills offense that was averaging 34.8 points per game couldn’t get going until late in the game against the Jaguars.
Buy Jaguars TicketsThe Jaguars offense similarly took time to get going, but orchestrated two lengthy, clutch touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to hold off a suddenly potent Bills offense.
Here’s how it all went down in the Jaguars’ wild five-point win:
Jaguars MVP of the game: RB Travis Etienne Jr.
TRAVIS!! @Jaguars extend the lead at exactly the right time 😱
📺: #JAXvsBUF on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/khpc0POPQ6— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023
Etienne banged his head against a wall for much of the game before finally finding room late in the game. But when the creases in the Bills defense started forming, the Jaguars running back didn’t hesitate to take advantage.
He finished with 136 rushing yards, 48 receiving yards, and two much-needed fourth quarter touchdowns to keep the Bills out of reach.
Bills MVP of the game: QB Josh Allen
Just what we needed!
📺: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/0foVlJLWYU
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 8, 2023
The Jaguars defense did well to keep Allen in check for most of the game, but they couldn’t shut him down for 60 minutes. With a tremendous fourth quarter, Allen finished with 359 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also added 14 rushing yards and a 3-yard rushing touchdown.
Jaguars play of the game: Trevor Lawrence's 6-yard touchdown pass to Zay Jones
7 is different ‼️@zayjones11 | #JAXvsBUF on FOX/NFLN pic.twitter.com/LipsmLNJI1
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 8, 2023
With a pass rusher in his face, Lawrence delivered a pass that only Zay Jones had a chance at catching in the back of the end zone. Jones answered the call and made a great play to get the Jaguars on the scoreboard.
A roughing the passer penalty on the play also set up Jacksonville with field position to make it 8-0 with a two-point conversion.
It was over when ... Travon Walker recovered a fumble
What a way to end it @Jaguars 👏
📺: #JAXvsBUF on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxPWA pic.twitter.com/3jhSQ8wppC— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023
Even with the Bills needing 95 yards in 22 seconds, the game didn’t officially feel like it was in the bag considering the way Buffalo’s offense was cooking in the fourth quarter.
It came to its true end when Stefon Diggs tried an ill-advised hook and ladder that turned into a fumble in the middle of the field. Travon Walker recovered it to finally put the game on ice.
Stat that says it all: Jaguars 29 first downs, Bills 18
A wild fourth quarter somewhat dulled a fantastic performance by the Jaguars defense. At the end of the day, Jacksonville got the win because it took the Bills way too long to get going and they were simply outplayed by the Jaguars.
The Jacksonville offense moved the chains effectively with 10 third down conversions, while Buffalo couldn’t find a rhythm for the majority of the game. Trevor Lawrence finished with 315 passing yards.
What's next?
The 3-2 Jaguars will be back home in the United States and they’ll get right back to business with a divisional matchup against the Colts at EverBank Stadium. Jacksonville opened its 2023 season with a 31-21 Week 1 win in Indianapolis.
The 2-2 Colts are set to host the 2-2 Tennessee Titans this afternoon.
