Buffalo Bills: 3 keys to beating the Miami Dolphins in Week 4

Buffalo Bills need to win time of possession

A season ago, the Bills ranked last in time of possession, holding the ball for only 477 minutes. Whether it was losing the turnover battle or struggling to find consistency in the run game, the Bills were letting the opposing team hang around — win or lose.

When any team is facing a dominant offense, part of their strategy is controlling the clock and keeping the opposing offense from finding its rhythm. While the Bills struggled in that department, at least at times, last season, they've been much improved in the past couple of games.

The Bills have possessed the football for more than 100 minutes this season, enough to climb the ladder to third place in the NFL through the team's first three games. Against the Raiders in week two, the Bills amassed 183 rushing yards en route to controlling the ball for 40 of the games 60 minutes of football.

In a perfect world, the Bills will lead the Dolphins early on before leaning on their improved rushing attack — and more careful style of play — to keep Tagovailoa and company on the sidelines. After turning the ball over four times in the season opener, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has only thrown one interception and hasn't fumbled between his past two starts.

This weekend's game is going to be a difficult test for the Bills, but if they can keep the Dolphins offense on the sideline for long stretches, they will certainly find themselves in the driver's seat.

Look for the Bills entire running back room to be heavily involved, particularly second-year breakout running back James Cook who ranks third in rushing yards with 267 in three games. If — keyword, if — another solid rushing performance can compliment Allens current streak of mistake-free football, the Bills should find themselves the victors.