- A formidable one-two punch at running back, featuring all-purpose backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, who is just now getting back into the swing of things after having served a three-game suspension. * Big-play wide receiver Lee Evans, who's been a Jaguars-killer of sorts in his career. Evans delivered the big blow in the Bills' win in Jacksonville early last season and he has five touchdown catches this year. * Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick gave the Jaguars fits last year when he led the Bengals to their first win of the season. Fitzpatrick is smart, mobile and resourceful.
Yeah, the landscape looks good for the Jaguars. I expect them to be 6-4 heading to San Francisco, but playing without Mathis is reason for concern. Here are 10 things the Jaguars have to do to beat the Bills.
- Tackle the man with the ball—The Jaguars' tackling has improved greatly since the loss in Tennessee.
- Run, run, run—And then run some more.
- Keep Fitzpatrick in the pocket—He's at his best on the run.
- Play your best—That's the formula for playoff-contenders. It's about building to peak performance in December.
- Start fast—It's worked the past few weeks.
- Fall down in the end zone a lot—That'll help avoid having to fall down at the one late in the game.
- Get a couple of sacks—The Bills are bad at pass-blocking.
- Know what this is—It's a home game, one of four home games in the next five games. These are must-win games.
- Be good at quarterback—David Garrard is playing at a high level. It's the one thing common to all playoff contenders.
- Win the battle of the hitting—Teams out of playoff contention in the second half of the season can be easily discouraged.
