The Buffalo Bills experienced a 25-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday morning, resulting in a 3-2 season record.
Despite their best efforts, Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense fell short in the closing moments of the game, unable to execute the game-winning drive from their 6-yard line.
The Bills’ defense faced numerous challenges during the game. Injuries to key players like Matt Milano (knee), DaQuan Jones (pec), Greg Rousseau (foot), and Christian Benford (oblique) severely impacted the defense’s performance. The absence of Tre’Davious White, who suffered a torn Achilles the previous week, further depleted the defense, leaving the Bills with a significant handicap.
Trevor Lawrence took full advantage of the weakened defense, amassing 315 passing yards. The Jaguars’ wide receiver made significant contributions with seven receptions for 122 yards, sustaining crucial drives.
Jacksonville maintained control of the game by dominating the time of possession, holding the ball for 38 minutes and 10 seconds compared to the Bills’ 21 minutes and 50 seconds.
Despite the defensive challenges, the Bills made notable plays. A.J. Epenesa emerged as a standout performer with 2.0 sacks, a tackle for loss, three passes defensed, and a forced fumble and fumble recovery. His pivotal strip of Lawrence secured the Bills’ first turnover of the game.
The second turnover occurred after a grueling 17-play drive by Jacksonville, which consumed eight minutes. Ed Oliver, with a sack and a forced fumble, and Tyrel Dodson’s recovery, gave the Bills another takeaway.
The Bills finally found the end zone late in the first half with an 86-yard, 11-play drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown reception by Stefon Diggs. The drive was sustained by a key 19-yard pickup by Deonte Harty.
Their second touchdown came on a 75-yard drive aided by penalties on the Jaguars’ defense. Although an initial touchdown pass to Gabe Davis was nullified due to an offensive pass interference call against Diggs, Allen connected with Davis for a 19-yard score on the following play.
Running back Travis Etienne seemingly sealed the game with a 35-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. However, the Bills responded with a 45-second touchdown drive, highlighted by a powerful run from Allen.
Despite their best efforts, the clock worked against the Bills, preventing them from setting up a game-ending scoring drive.
The Bills will return to Western New York to face the New York Giants next Sunday at 8:15 p.m.
Key Stats and Highlights Buffalo Bills:
A.J. Epenesa’s exceptional performance featured 2 sacks, setting a career-high.
Stefon Diggs recorded eight catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, reaching fifth place in team history for receiving yards and tying for the fifth-most receiving touchdowns.
Josh Allen’s fourth-quarter rushing touchdown established a new record for the third-most career rushing touchdowns by an NFL quarterback.
Gabe Davis scored a touchdown in the last four games, setting a career-high touchdown streak.
Dawson Knox moved up the ranks with three receptions for 17 yards, surpassing Rueben Gant for the fourth-most receiving yards from a tight end in Bills history.
Zay Jones, who scored the first touchdown for the Jaguars, was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars now lead the all-time head-to-head matchups against the Bills, marking their 10th win out of 19 matchups, including playoff games.
Scoring Plays:
1st Quarter: JAX 8, BUF 0 – Trevor Lawrence’s pass to Zay Jones for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN, followed by a two-point conversion by Travis Etienne.
1st Quarter: JAX 11, BUF 0 – Brandon McManus’ 44-yard field goal.
2nd Quarter: JAX 11, BUF 7 – Josh Allen’s pass to Stefon Diggs for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4th Quarter: JAX 18, BUF 7 – Travis Etienne’s run for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4th Quarter: JAX 18, BUF 13 – Josh Allen’s pass to Gabe Davis for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN (ATTEMPT FAILS).
4th Quarter: JAX 25, BUF 13 – Travis Etienne’s run for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4th Quarter: JAX 25, BUF 20 – Josh Allen’s run for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.