4.) James Cook
It was just two weeks ago where Cook ran all over the Dallas Cowboys’ defense (179) but since then, he has not been the threat that he showed he can be for this offense. Cook had a tough matchup going up against the New England defense, but he did not get over 50 yards rushing and he finished the game with -4 receiving yards off of 1 catch (3 targets). The running game could not get established by him and he even had a crucial drop on a drive that could have helped the Bills put up more points on the board.
Cook had scored his first touchdown of the season against the Dolphins in Week 4, but managed to just get 29 yards on the ground. In order for the Bills to keep the Miami offense off the field, they need to run the rock and establish the run. Don’t let the Dolphins take control and get fancy with their play calling.
3.) Greg Rousseau
The pass rush for the Bills has come more from the interior part of the defensive line, rather than from the outside. With Von Miller being a healthy scratch against the Patriots, this would give Rousseau more opportunities on third down situations where the Patriots had to pass the ball. His name would be called just once with one tackle, and managed to get a quarterback hit as well. The pass rush for the Bills has been lacking from guys like Rousseau and Leonard Floyd.
The good news for Rousseau is that he had 2 sacks against the Dolphins in their last meeting, which gives him an advantage to contain the Miami passing offense.