Buffalo Bills: Position grades from the win over the Miami Dolphins

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Sep 19, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) celebrates with defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) and defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Jacoby Brissett (not pictured) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Ends

There is no question that this group is going to be special after their performances in the first two weeks. In the game against the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa and Jacoby Brissett had almost no time in the pocket with the way the Bills were able to put pressure on him and the defensive ends were setting the tone.

This group was led by Greg Rousseau (five tackles, two sacks) and A.J. Epenesa (1 tackle, 2 QB hits) which is great to see as they are going to be the future of this group. Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison also contributed with three total tackles and one QB hit between the two.

Grade: A

Defensive Tackles

The Buffalo Bills welcomed back Star Lotulelei, who played in his first game since the 2019 season, and it shouldn’t be any coincidence that the defense had their best game against the run dating back to last year.

Another bright spot at the position was Justin Zimmer, who had three total tackles and one sack. The Bills were able to generate pressure from the edge, interior and bringing players down to the line of scrimmage.

Grade: A

Linebackers

Last year when the Buffalo Bills played the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, the team was without both starting linebackers, Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano, due to injury. In that game, the Dolphins were able to move the ball pretty easily and Mike Gesicki had one of the best games of his career with eight receptions, 130 yards and one touchdown.

However, this year with Edmunds and Milano the Dolphins struggled to do much of anything and Mike Gesicki had a quiet day with only three receptions for 41 yards. Milano, in particular, had a really good game with five total tackles, a sack, and two QB hits

The depth also was on display in this game as Edmunds had to leave the game due to cramps and was replaced by A.J. Klein. However, this didn’t stop this position group from having a good game.

Grade: A

Secondary

The Dolphins really couldn’t get anything going through the air in this game against the Buffalo Bills. It was due to a combination of a constant pass rush but excellent play by this secondary.

The Bills secondary set the tone early with two sacks on the first three plays (one by Taron Johnson and Micah Hyde) and was making plays at the right moments. Even on plays where they made a mistake, like Levi Wallace being penalized for taunting, he came right back and made a great play by picking off Jacoby Brissett.

Grade: A+

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