Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen extends advice to Trevor Lawrence

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen respects Trevor Lawrence highly, describing him as a great talent earlier this week.

But he also offered the Jaguars' No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft a few words of advice.

''Obviously, when you're drafted that high, you know those teams are picking there for a reason,'' Allen said. ''And you just got to learn to grow with the bumps and bruises that come along with it.''

Those bumps and bruises for Lawrence is a 1-6 record going into the Sunday's game against the 5-2 Bills.

Live updates: The latest from Jaguars vs. Bills

In Sunday's 31-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Jaguars protection was less than stellar. Lawrence was pressured and often hit in the pocket, even though he was sacked just once.

Because the Jaguars trailed 17-0 in the second quarter, and the running game was non-existent after running back James Robinson was forced out of the game with a bruised heel, Lawrence put a season-high 54 passes.

With proven veteran talent around him, Allen and the Bills are making a playoff push. The former first-round pick in the 2018 draft out of Wyoming has the Bills in first place in the AFC East, winners of five of their last six games.

Allen has totaled 112 touchdowns in his first 50 starts in the NFL, which is tied for the third-most ever by a quarterback with that many starts. Allen trails only the Kansas City Chiefs and former Miami Dolphins great Dan Marino. Allen's 28 rushing touchdowns is tied with Cam Newton for the most by a quarterback in their first 50 starts.

''I don't want this to come off the wrong way, but I always thought I would be in this position,'' Allen said. ''You know, having that self-belief in that you trust in yourself and thinking that you're going to be able to accomplish the things you want.

''It took a long time and a lot of work to get here. But I didn't think anything else - just very internally motivated.''

Homecoming

Buffalo Bills linebacker Andre Smith will be returning home Sunday to play against the Jaguars. Smith is a former Trinity Christian prep standout who played collegiately at the University of North Carolina. Smith, the Bills' backup weakside linebacker, has registered four tackles after five games.

At the top

The Bills defense rank first in the NFL in fewest points allowed per game (269.0) and points per game allowed (15.6). The Bills have two shutouts - Miami Dolphins 35-0 in Week 2 and Houston 40-0 in Week 4.

NFL leader in takeaways since 2017

The Bills lead the NFL with a plus13 turnover differential. They are tied for the lead in the league with 18 takeaways. Since 2017, Buffalo leads the NFL with 119 takeaways.

First downs streak

The Buffalo can extend its streak to 24 consecutive games with at least first 20 first downs Sunday. If it happens, the Bills would tie for the second-longest streak in NFL history with the New England in 2016-17.

Beasley misses second consecutive day of practice

Bills receiver Cole Beasley missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday because of a rib injury. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders also did not practice but it was non-injury related because he received a veterans day off.

However, tight end Dawson Knox missed his second consecutive day of work because of a hand injury. Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano also was held out for the second consecutive day due to a calf injury, and offensive lineman Spencer Brown was held out for the second consecutive day because of a back issue. Defensive tackle Justin Zimmer ended up on the injury report with a foot problem but he has practiced the past two days.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen offers advice to Trevor Lawrence