Doug Pederson: ‘We got to be able to run the ball effectively’ vs. Bills

The Jacksonville Jaguars struggled to find much running room last week against the Atlanta Falcons. While Trevor Lawrence broke free for a few good gains, Jaguars running back Travis Etienne managed just 2.75 yards per carry.

It didn’t matter much in the 23-7 win, but Jaguars coach Doug Pederson knows they can’t expect a similar result with an ineffective ground game against the Buffalo Bills.

“Travis is a really good running back and we trust what he does,” Pederson said Friday. “Against a team like this, you’ve got to try to at least run the football a little bit. You just can’t drop back and throw it every down, or they’re going to get you. They’re too good over there, they create sacks and that’s what they’re good at, rushing the passer.

“We got to be able to run the ball effectively and efficiently, stay on the field and stay out of third-and-longs.”

While Buffalo has been in every other facet this season, the team is dead last in rushing yards allowed per attempt (6.3). The Bills’ opponents haven’t been able to stick to the run while getting buried by the Buffalo offense, though.

Jacksonville ranks 26th in rushing yards per carry through the first four weeks. Etienne is averaging 3.8 yards after finishing the 2021 season at 5.1 yards per attempt, and rookie Tank Bigsby is even worse at 2.8 yards per carry.

It’d be a significant problem for the Jaguars if they can’t find running room against the Bills defense, though, especially after returning Cam Robinson to the starting offensive line.