The Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday in Week 14 with a lot on the line for Sean McDermott. While the Bills' record stands at 9-3, many of their wins come against less competitive teams. Next weekend's matchup with MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and the Ravens could be a true testament to Buffalo's contention.
Bills third-year head coach Sean McDermott is aware of how difficult it will be to contain the 22-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner Jackson on Sunday.
Per Matt Parino of NYup.com on Twitter:
“(Jackson's) very unique. Very talented player and (they have) a very unique approach offensively. I don't think there's been a defense that's cracked the code, so to speak, to this point.
McDermott on facing Lamar Jackson: "(He's) Very unique. Very talented player and (they have) a very unique approach offensively. I don't think there's been a defense that's cracked the code, so to speak, to this point." #Bills
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) December 2, 2019
While the Bills are coming off three consecutive wins, including a Thanksgiving Day victory over the Dallas Cowboys on the road, nothing compares to playing Jackson, who leads the NFL this season in passing touchdowns (25) and is a fearsome out-of-pocket threat, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground so far.
The NFL may never have seen such a dual threat quarterback like Jackson, and it will be McDermott's job to limit the damage on Sunday.
Luckily for the Bills, the top AFC Wild Card club has the third-best passing defense, with 2,350 yards relinquished through a dozen games. Buffalo also also given up the second-fewest number of throwing touchdowns at nine. Despite being a middle-of-the-pack rushing defense, the Bills have a chance next weekend by blanketing Jackson's receiving targets and forcing him to run.