FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1 CAN SHADY RUN LIKE SHADY? Buffalo Bills running back LeSean (Shady) McCoy practised only on Friday this week, and on a limited basis, after hurting his left ankle last Sunday at Miami. He’s questionable, although NFL Network said he’ll likely play. “We’ll see,” McCoy said Thursday. “I don’t want to make any promises.” Thing is, even if McCoy does play, can he run like only he and a small handful of pro backs ever have, by taxing his ankles and knees in jitterbugging-then-bursting style through his own-created holes? McCoy is Buffalo’s leading rusher and pass-catcher.
IS TYROD A PLAYOFF QB? For years critics insisted that while quarterback Tyrod Taylor might take the Bills to the playoffs one year, his game isn’t suited to win in the playoffs. If Buffalo can’t run it successfully, Taylor probably isn’t capable of passing the team to a post-season win. And bear in mind the Jaguars defence led the NFL in both sacks (55) and passing yards allowed per game (170).
WILL BORTLES PLAY LIKE BORTLES? Jaguars fans in unison are shouting in answer, “Please, for the love of gawd, no!” The Jags quarterback threw the fewest picks (13) and had the highest completion percentage (60.2%) of his four-year career. But his reversion to maddening form in two season-closing losses has locals concerned.
WHICH TEAM IS MORE NERVOUS? Buffalo hasn’t played in the post-season since 1999, Jacksonville since 2007. Both teams are fish out of water here. There will be nerves. Whichever team keeps its composure the longest and plays up to its capability likely wins.
CAN BUFFALO FOIL FOURNETTE? Jaguars rookie running back Leonard Fournette paced a rushing attack that led the NFL with 141 yards per game. Despite missing three games Fournette rushed for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns, and caught 36 passes for 302 more yards and a score.