The Buffalo Bills are hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at New Era Field in a rematch of last season’s AFC Wild Card round match-up. This game will see the return of two major figures: Josh Allen will be back from injury and Doug Marrone will be making his second return trip to Buffalo. Here are our top headlines for Sunday’s rematch.
Josh Allen back as starting quarterback
Josh Allen returns to the lineup after missing the last four games for the Bills. Prior to that injury, Allen started five consecutive games, completing 69 out of 124 passes for a 55.65 completion percentage. On those 69 completions, the offense gained 758 yards and scored two touchdowns. He also added 129 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. On the downside, he threw five interceptions in those games. There have been flashes of brilliance from Allen but, for the most part, he has not looked great throughout his rookie season. He’ll have the opportunity to change that with six games left on the schedule.
Doug Marrone returns
Former Buffalo Bills head coach, Doug Marrone, will make his second trip back to Buffalo since quitting on the team at the end of the 2014 season. Marrone had no shortage of critics in Buffalo before he left, but the way he left exponentially increased the hatred he receives from Buffalo fans. Since leaving the Bills, Marrone is 1-1 as a head coach against his former team. The victory came, obviously, in the playoff game in Jacksonville last postseason. I’m sure Bills fans will have some signs/words for Marrone on Sunday.
Jalen Ramsey vs. Josh Allen
Jalen Ramsey had himself quite the off-season, including an interview with GQ in which he called Josh Allen “trash.” Allen was not the sole rookie recipient of Ramsey’s trash-talk, but he’ll be the first one to go up against the defensive back and his defense. The Jaguars have lost six straight games, but that is no fault of Ramsey and the defense. Just like the Bills, the team’s overall record does not reflect the defense’s ability—Allen will be tested on Sunday.
Here's a one minute respite from your family. Get ready for the rematch with the Jags. pic.twitter.com/91gmkKEC0Z
— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) November 22, 2018