What we learned from Monday’s double game

COMPLETE RESULTS

Grant Gordon’s findings:

1. Allen creates a spectacle at prime time. Maybe it’s too early to get into discussions about the most valuable player. Just don’t tell the Bills Mafia, who chanted “MVP! MVP” all day Monday, as long as Josh Allen went reckless and took Buffalo to completely destroy the Jaguars. This was undoubtedly one of the most impressive individual performances and team victories by a club this young season. The Bills stormed out of the gates and never looked back, with Allen leading the way the entire time. On the opening drive of the “contest,” the Bills marched 70 yards in 10 plays with James Cook and finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown run. It was the first of five first-half touchdown runs in as many chances for Buffalo. The last four all ended with Allen touchdown passes. Allen was 22 of 28 for 247 yards, four touchdowns, a 143.0 rating and 22 rushing yards – in the first half! Buffalo led 34-3 at halftime. There were 30 minutes left in the game, but this game – an absolute masterpiece by Allen – was over at halftime. By that point, Allen and the undefeated Bills had shattered any notion that their Super Bowl window was closed.
2. Dark times for the Jaguars. Jacksonville’s first two losses of the season cost the Jaguars a total of eight points. It was a poor start to the season, but they were in the game in both games. On Monday night, they were overwhelmed from kickoff. The defense was beaten at every level and perhaps most problematic, at least from a visual perspective, was the Trevor LawrenceThe Jaguars-led offense couldn’t come close to keeping up with Josh Allen and Co. Despite getting no help, Lawrence was abysmal: 21 of 38 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown, one ugly interception, and a 65.5 rating. The Jaguars have never made the playoffs after an 0-2 start, and since 1990, only four of 162 0-3 teams (2.5%) have made the playoffs. These aren’t the best of times for Lawrence, who was once viewed as a generational talent who would transform the franchise or the Jaguars after a very troubling Monday night.
3. Hamlin is back and then some. It was on a Monday evening 630 days ago Damar Hamlin suffered one of the worst injuries in NFL history when he went into cardiac arrest during a game against the Bengals. This Monday night was a celebration for Hamlin, as he caught a poorly thrown ball from Lawrence in the second quarter, making his first interception. Upon his return to the field in the 2023 season, Hamlin was barely active, playing in just five games on the season with two tackles. Now he continues to be an inspiration, but he has also become a crucial part of the Bills’ defense, starting every game and recording 18 tackles and a monumental INT so far. Hamlin’s story of perseverance has reached its most successful chapter on the field.
4. A story about two supporting actors. Remember all the worry and hype surrounding the sale of the Bills Steve Diggs? Well, 10 Bills caught passes on Monday, with Khalil Shakir (six catches for 72 yards and a touchdown on Monday) is establishing himself as Allen’s main target for wide receivers and James Cook (87 scrimmage yards, TD) is developing into the No. 2 offensive weapon behind Allen. Since Allen took over as center, he has never had a back who has played as crucial a role as Cook. That is an indication of Cook’s talent and the approach of offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Both were crucial to Buffalo’s good start. The Jaguars are doing just the opposite. Thanks to garbage time Travis Etienne exceeded the 60 yard mark for the first time this season and the promising pass receiver trio of Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr. And Gabe Davis was largely a disappointment, apart from some lightning strikes from the rookie first-rounder. Without an injured Evan Engram was also notable. Heavy is the helmet that wears the crown, and so Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson must answer for the difficulties, but the battle bus is full of Jaguars.

Insights into the Jaguars-Bills next generation stats (via NFL Pro): In his first game against Bills QB Josh Allen since the name change from Josh Allen to Josh Hines AllenHines-Allen had only one QB pressure and a pressure rate of 3.8%.

NFL Research: The Jaguars have lost eight games in a row with Trevor Lawrence as their quarterback, which is the longest losing streak in the NFL, and has done so since last season. The Jaguars QB is the only quarterback, along with Jim Plunkett, who was drafted No. 1 in the Common Draft Era and has had multiple losing streaks of eight or more games in his career. Lawrence lost eight games in a row as a rookie in 2021.