All-22 Analysis: Spencer Brown vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars

Buffalo Bills fans probably still haven't gotten over this euphoria Monday Night Football So let's try to keep the excitement going a little longer by taking an all-22 dive into one of the many top performers.

There's a funny statistic floating around about offensive tackle Spencer Brown. Rumor has it he hasn't made a single pressure in three games. That sounds pretty impressive. Will his streak continue in Week 3 when the Bills take on the Baltimore Ravens? Let’s take a look at what he did last Monday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Game 1 – Peripheral Vision and Bow

One thing I like to see, especially from offensive linemen and tackles, is the use of peripheral vision to secure a play. Up top, Spencer Brown used his arm to keep an eye on defender Travon Walker (44) and used his left arm to direct Walker when necessary. Brown's order then took him way out of bounds. Check out how Brown managed to keep the pocket wide by following an arcing path. Antonio Johnson's quick attack (26') was countered by a sudden attack from Brown, who caught the defender with his hand – who then slipped to the ground.

Game 2 – Handfighting

This was a direct hit on Travon Walker, and Brown's handfight resulted in a big win. Brown's left hand separated from Walker's right hand. It's harder to see from this angle, but Brown's right hand pinched the bicep of Walker's left arm and the combination of both hands and a quick release caused the stumble.

Play 3 – Smarts

Spencer Brown's attitude (and almost everything about this piece) suggests that this was a planned action. Brown immediately turned his shoulders after contact to prevent Walker from advancing inside and up to pursue quarterback Josh Allen. The use of the left hand served to give Brown a clue as to when Walker recognized the ruse and attempted to return to the ball, and also allowed Brown to slow Walker down. Note that offensive holding is not defined as grabbing. You are allowed to grab as long as there is no twist, jerk, tackle, etc. You can see that Brown grabs but lets go before any rotation occurs.

Game 4 – More conversation about holding

Another nuance of the blocking rules and offensive holding is that blocking players on offense are allowed to make contact with any “side” of the defender that is presented to them. Because Walker had his back to Brown and appeared to be running backwards into him, Brown was allowed to maintain contact with his back. You can see again that Walker was backing away and Brown knew when to let go and avoid the flag.

Play 5 – Run Game

The Bills tried to get a hat-on-hat at the end, pushing left to see if a lane might open up. One did so quickly, but as James Cook tried to break through, he was hit by a couple of jaguars. Watch this a few times, Brown maintained his block.

Game 6 – Not everything is perfect

That didn't technically count as pressure, I don't think, but zero pressure doesn't mean Brown was completely flawless. That quick jump to standing is never a good thing. Brown lost his leverage after Walker tossed him upfield. The result is usually the same as this: the lineman is pushed back.

Game 7 – Better than the Dip

Travon Walker tried to get around Brown in the direction shown. Brown agreed with the direction, but it's also notable that Brown was able to use his hands to prevent Walker from holding on. Similar to Play 2, Brown's sudden release caused Walker to fall.

The last straw

Spencer Brown showed some nifty technique against the Jaguars to keep Josh Allen clean. There's definitely some truth to the excitement surrounding Brown, and it seems clear why the Buffalo Bills wanted to keep him in town for a while longer.

Add to that Josh Allen's ability to find his way in a pocket, extend plays and be a thorn in the side of league defenses, and you have a combination that can dominate your opponents when the going gets tough.

Against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the Bills will need all of that and more. Are they up to the task?