Prior to the game against the Dolphins, Bills coach Sean McDermott said that two important players are now out because
This season, the Buffalo Bills will want to improve to a 7-2 record by sweeping the Miami Dolphins. Even though Miami is playing hard, Buffalo may easily win this game. This club appears different in terms of both their offensive additions and overall health. Even still, if you’re a Bills fan, there are still games and problems with this squad that should worry you. It’s unclear if the Bills’ shortcomings will be exposed this week, but one thing is for sure. This game may take a turn for the worst. It will be because the Bills caused themselves issues if it occurs. Let’s examine several issues that Bills supporters might be worried about this week.
Can Von Miller continue from where he left off?
At last, Von Miller was beginning to resemble the man Buffalo had signed prior to his injury. Buffalo’s pass rush was beginning to heat up and become the force that everyone wanted this season after recording three sacks in four games. Von had two tackles and one of the Bills’ two sacks at the end of their most recent game. For a pass rush that was already performing well under Greg Rousseau’s leadership, getting Miller back to where he was at the beginning of the season is essential. Miller’s return for the remainder of the season could help the Bills defense, which has 20 sacks this season.
What will Terrel Bernard’s health be like?
Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector were the only starting linebackers for the Bills in last week’s game since they were without their best player. Without Bernard, Buffalo’s defense had a fantastic day, limiting Seattle to only ten points. Bernard will return to Buffalo’s starting lineup this week in an effort to slow down Miami’s running attack. De’Von Achane, who carried for 97 yards on 10 tries, led Miami’s 150-yard rush against the Arizona Cardinals last week. This season, Bernard has been everywhere on the field, recording 32 total tackles and three tackles for loss. Bernard’s return is essential to winning this game against the Dolphins, who have a quick attack that might blow up at any moment.
This time, can they stop Jonnu Smith?
Smith’s season has been inconsistent so far, with 256 yards and one score, including a 53-yard day on seven receptions against the Bills. Smith has been a key component of the Dolphins attack in their previous three games, receiving 21 targets. Smith has been a preferred and dependable target for Miami’s quarterbacks, regardless of who has been in the position. Buffalo will need to concentrate on containing Smith since he may play a larger role on Sunday than any of their other pass catchers.
Following a thrilling victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, another AFC powerhouse, six weeks ago, the 1-0 Buffalo Bills traveled to Miami to play the Miami Dolphins after barely defeating the lowly Arizona Cardinals. Six weeks has been a long time. The AFC has changed, with the Bills leading the way once more while the burning remains of the Dolphins and Jaguars seasons loom in the distance.
The Significantly Shifted Miami
Although Tua Tagovailoa’s departure may be largely blamed for the Dolphins’ demise, it’s not that cut-and-dry. In his absence, an offense that included Devon Achane, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and several others averaged just 10 points per game and never scored more than 15 points. They scored the identical ten points against Buffalo in Week 2; Tua was still healthy at the time. Their inability to make any significant use of such guys for four whole games is a critique of their coaching. Two of those losses were against the Seattle Seahawks (lost 24–12) and Tennessee Titans (lost 31–10), teams Buffalo has lately dominated by a combined score of 45 over the previous two weeks while giving up just 10 points each game—a mark the Dolphins are obviously at ease with.
The Buffalo Bills are very at ease this Sunday based on these indicators, which are the most fundamental ones for success.
First Prediction: James Cook Show, 2.0
With all due respect to Ray Davis, James Cook is a fantastic addition to this game that fits the Miami Dolphins defense. In just 53 touches versus Miami during the regular season, Cook has 303 total yards and 5 total touchdowns in 5 games. His skill set has been greatly expanded by his growth as a runner between the tackles, and the Bills offensive line’s increased ability to impose their will in a power-run game would leave the Dolphins’ depleted interior defensive line with gaps the size of mountains. By the time the third quarter arrives, Cook’s unrestricted production on Sunday will only improve the Bills’ passing offense.
Second Prediction: Upright and Deep Throwing
The Miami Dolphins have some vulnerabilities in their defense, but their offense is now generally healthy. Security Cornerback Kader Kohou is sidelined, and Jevon Holland is questionable and not anticipated to participate. The absence of those guys significantly opens up the deep third of the field. This season, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line has allowed Allen some leeway; the Dolphins’ pass rush hasn’t been very strong, so Week 9 shouldn’t be any different. The Bills have been sacked less times than any other club in the NFL, with just nine sacks this season, ranking second-worst. It seems sense that deep shots and long-developing passes are options.
Josh Allen is frequently mentioned as a runner against the Dolphins since he has repeatedly shown that he will exploit their incapacity to stop him. He frequently rushes since there aren’t many open players against a strong Miami secondary, which was a characteristic of their previous defense. That won’t be the case now. Josh Allen will frequently target players more than 20 yards downfield and make at least a couple connections.
Third Prediction: Final Score
We will not expect a blowout in order to show disrespect to the Miami Dolphins. Last season, they came within half a game of winning the AFC East, and they are division rivals. However, a lot has changed. It can seem like it’s make-or-break time as they evaluate their season goals following a dreadful 2–5 start. Regretfully, just ten clubs with a 2–5 record have been able to sneak into the playoffs since 1990. Do we think that the 2024 Miami Dolphins are one of them? At this stage in the game, the Buffalo Bills have a big edge and should be able to throw the Dolphins aside and tighten their grip on the AFC East.
