Get to Know Buffalo Bills Week 3 Opponent: Miami Dolphins
By Adam Hayward
Can the Buffalo Bills continue their dominance over the AFC East in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins?
The Buffalo Bills have been on a tear to start their 2022 campaign. After blowing out the Los Angeles Rams 31-10 on opening night, the team obliterated the Tennessee Titans 41-7 in their Monday Night Football matchup. It’s worth noting that the Rams and Titans, respectively, are the defending Super Bowl champs and last year’s number one seed in the AFC.
Now the Bills will take their talents to South Beach for Week 3, as they face the Miami Dolphins. Dolphins lead the all-time series with the Bills, 61-54-1. Miami has also enjoyed a great start to their season, as they too have a 2-0 record. After prevailing over the New England Patriots, the Dolphins defeated the Baltimore Ravens 42-38 thanks to a comeback bid by Tua Tagovailoa.
With former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels at the helm, the Dolphins’ offense has been much improved. They’re second in the NFL in total offense, and 4th in points scored – 31 points scored per game. Tua currently tops the passing list, leading all quarterbacks with 739 passing yards; meanwhile, Tyreek Hill (284) and Jaylen Waddle (240) are first and third on the receiving list, respectively.
Injuries Piling Up For the Buffalo Bills
The Bills received a major injury scare during their game vs the Titans, on Monday. Cornerback Dane Jackson, a third-year player out of Pittsburgh, was struck by teammate Tremaine Edmunds while making a tackle. Jackson was later taken to the hospital via ambulance with a neck injury and was fortunately released a day later, with all movement in his extremities.
With Jackson likely on the injury report, it’s worth noting that Tre’Davious White is on the PUP list and is ruled out for the first four games of the 2022 NFL season. Micah Hyde, meanwhile, had to leave Monday’s game with a neck injury. Many pundits believe that the Dolphins’ receivers will feast on the Bills’ secondary with White out – and the potential absence of Hyde and Jackson may make it more likely.
Aside from Hyde, there are other notable players who were injured in the Titans game. Jordan Phillips was ruled out for the rest of the game with a hamstring injury, while Matt Milano was ruled out with a stinger. Defensive tackles Ed Oliver and Tim Settle, as well as receiver Gabe Davis, missed Week 2 and their status for this week is still unknown.
It will be interesting to see if the Bills can continue their dominance with so many players on the injury report. The Bills-Dolphins showdown in Week 3 is one of the more intriguing early-season matchups and will be a huge test not only for the Dolphins – but for the Bills as well.
