The first Amazon Prime game of the season is tonight with the Bills down in South Beach to take on Miami in an AFC East clash. Both the Bills and Dolphins are coming off come-from-behind victories. The Bills erased a 14-point deficit with Josh Allen’s heroic four touchdowns on the day. While Miami overcame a 17-7 halftime deficit to beat the Jaguars 20-17.
There is no shortage of storylines coming into this game. Jordan Poyer faces his old team for the first time since leaving Buffalo this offseason. Injuries to Miami running backs may come into play. Josh Allen’s left-hand injury may be a cause for concern. There is plenty to look at but both teams are coming into tonight on a short week, and it’s the first big divisional test for each side.
While there was a lot to like in the Bills win over Arizona, there were some things to not like also. Game management is seemingly always a question when the Bills are mounting a comeback or holding a slim lead. There is also the pass defense and how it will hold up against a quick-strike Miami pass attack. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing in Week 1 with 338 yards. The Bills held Kyler Murray to 167 yards passing but Arizona is not Miami.
Here are two big concerns for Buffalo in Week 2 vs. Miami
Tua’s ability to throw quickly can neutralize the pass rush
With Raheem Mostert (chest) ruled out of this game and De’Von Achane (ankle) a game-time decision, Miami isn’t short of weapons. Tyreek Hill torched Jacksonville with 7 receptions for 130 yards and a score. Jaylen Waddle added 5 receptions for 109 yards of his own. Each man had a reception of 50 plus yards. The Bills ability to rattle Tua is going to be vital to limit these big plays.
Greg Rousseau had a great showing Week 1, he’s going to need to be all over tonight. If the quick passes from Miami result in short yardage situations, then Buffalo might be in trouble. Being down 14 points to Arizona is one thing, being down to this Miami team is a place you rather not be. Josh Allen being 10-2 in the regular season against Miami helps ease the nerves but Josh Allen doesn’t play defense.
“Everybody eats” leaves someone wanting more
Josh Allen has said that this iteration of the offense is more of a “everybody eats” type of offense. Which based on Week 1 was great. Keon Coleman led the team in receiving yards (51). James Cook had 32 yards receiving coupled with 71 yards rushing. Kahlil Shakir (42), Mack Hollins (25), and Dawson Knox (23) all got some of the yards. The notable stat for me is Dalton Kincaid having 1 reception for 11 yards.
Kincaid will get his numbers this season, the offense itself is too good not to allow that. But tonight against Miami needs to be Kincaid’s night to shine. Kincaid can be that terror up the seam, drawing linebackers and safeties with him which would open up everything else the Bills offense wants to do. Josh Allen nursing a hand injury is another reason he shouldn’t be a big runner in this game. Let Kincaid feast first so everyone else can eat.