Jacksonville Jaguars hold off late Buffalo Bills rally in London

LONDON, ENGLAND (WHEC) – The Buffalo Bills started out slow in their international game with the Jacksonville Jaguars – and never quite shifted gear.

Final score: Jaguars best Bills, 25-20

Fourth Quarter Takeaways:

Jackson Roberts: Bills never seemed to wake up

Coach Sean McDermott said after the game that they’d want to reevaluate arriving earlier if when they go back to London. We’re still waiting to hear how badly injured Matt Milano is and his status.

Mat Mlodzinski: Jet lag issues

Clearly, the Bills needed more time to get ready for this game. You have to wonder if they should have arrived a day earlier.

Third Quarter Takeaways:

Jackson Roberts: Bills defense doing enough to keep them in the game

Bills defense has been getting beat at times, but holding Jacksonville when it matters most. No points allowed says something, but it also does for your offense, as well. Big drop by Gabe Davis on one of the drives lead to Buffalo having to punt. Offense needs to get moving.

Mat Mlodzinski: Kaiir Elam is a problem

Sunday was Kaiir Elam’s chance to show the Bills why he was worth playing. Injuries amounted and the former first round pick was given a chance today. Elam seems to have lost that opportunity. Jacksonville continues to throw his way and he hasn’t been able to make plays in coverage. Still, the Bills are only down four points heading into the fourth quarter.

Halftime Takeaways:

Jackson Roberts: Offensive line helping Buffalo stay in it

The Bills ran 16 players on their first four drives combined. They ran 11 on that ensuing touchdown drive right after. The O-line gave Allen protection and he found the open man. Rinse and repeat until they got into the end zone. Also, AJ Epenesa, making a big play? It’s become ordinary.

Mat Mlodzinski: Buffalo settling in

An 11-7 halftime score shows that the Bills were able to settle in to the game. Injuries and a slow start didn’t look good at first, but a late touchdown drive got Buffalo on the board. Then, the Bills stopped the Jags from responding, making it a one score game at halftime.

Buffalo Bills 1st quarter takeaways

Jackson Roberts: Loss of Matt Milano a big issue

The loss of Matt Milano is probably the scariest thing to me. I’ve said before that I think he is the best player on this defense. Credit to Buffalo’s defense for stopping Jacksonville and holding them to a field goal once. But with other injuries that have piled up and Jacksonville’s offensive prowess, it’s not surprising they found the endzone at least once.

Mat Mlodzinski: Defensive injuries becoming a problem

The Jaguars lead after the first quarter, and one of the reasons is a thin Bills defense. Buffalo entered the game without Tre White (out for season), and without usual starters and key players Christian Benford, Greg Rousseau, and Shaq Lawson. Since the game started, Matt Milano (knee) and DaQuan Jones (pec) have also been sidelined.