After clinching a close Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, the Buffalo Bills are back in action on a short week. They have almost no time to rest as they prepare for a Thursday night road matchup against the Miami Dolphins in South Florida. The last time these teams met, the Bills stole the AFC East away from the Dolphins in Miami and took away home field advantage for them.
The Dolphins are coming off a field goal clinching win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, so both teams did not get a blowout win this past weekend. The Bills have dominated the Dolphins since Josh Allen’s arrival, having lost just twice since 2018 to them. The first loss came because Charles Clay couldn’t catch a wide open endzone pass that would have clinched a Buffalo win. Then the second one came two years ago when Buffalo lost a great amount of their roster due to the scorching heat that they had to endure on the sideline.
As Buffalo and Miami will prepare for each other, we had the chance to catch up with Phin Phanatic Site Expert, Brian Miller, who covers the Dolphins. Miller was able to provide some insight about the Dolphins as this Week 2 division matchup rapidly approaches.
Bills vs. Dolphins insights heading into Week 2
1.) Based off of their Week 1 victory, what strengths must the Miami Dolphins utilize to beat the Bills?
The best thing that came out of week one is the play of the defense. Miami got rid of Vic Fangio for Anthony Weaver and it paid off on Sunday. The Dolphins defense wasn’t perfect but in the second half they shutout Jacksonville. Miami played much more physical than they have in the past. Key areas of concern, most notably the defensive line played exceptionally well. Calais Campbell looked like he was in his 20s. This is what the Dolphins need to have to beat the Bills Thursday night. They have to play disciplined football. Miami knows that if they want to advance beyond a one-and-done playoff team, they have to learn to beat the Bills.
2.) What are some areas of weakness of the Dolphins that Buffalo can attack?
Miami’s biggest weakness is the offensive line. The Dolphins couldn’t run block and they could barely protect Tua Tagovailoa. The Bills have to take advantage of their mismatch with the Dolphins line. If they can hold Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins receivers to shorter gains, Tua won’t have the time to let routes develop in front him. On Sunday against the Jaguars they didn’t have a running game to be proud of and that won’t likely change this week. If Buffalo can’t get pressure on Tua and can’t stop the Dolphins rushing game, the defensive line has problems.
3.) Who will be the Dolphins’ x-factor against the Bills and why?
I’m not sure that any singular player will stand out as an “X-Factor.” This team is truly built to win and lose as a team. Everyone knows that to stop the Dolphins you have to stop Tua, Tyreek, and Jaylen Waddle. If the Dolphins are going to win on Thursday night, they have to contain Josh Allen. The Dolphins should be able to keep pressure on him but he tends to do more damage when he gets out of trouble and runs the ball. This might be an opportunity for linebacker David Long, Jr. who may need to shadow Allen all game long.