Three massive concerns for Bills heading into Week 9 vs. Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills will look to sweep the Miami Dolphins this season to improve to a 7-2 record. Buffalo very easily could win this game, even with Miami putting up a strong fight. This team looks different both health-wise and who they’ve added on offense. Despite that, there are still matchups and issues on this Bills team to pose a concern if you’re a Bills fan. Whether or not the Bills' flaws come out this week remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. This game could go sideways. And if it does, it’ll be because the Bills gave themselves problems. Let’s take a look at some concerns Bills fans could have this week. 

Will Von Miller be able to pick up where he left off?

Von Miller was finally starting to look like the player Buffalo signed before his injury. With three sacks in four games, Buffalo’s pass rush was starting to heat up and be the force everyone wanted this season. In their last matchup, Von finished the game with two tackles and one of the Bills’ 2 sacks. Getting Miller back to where he started the season is crucial for a pass rush that was already succeeding with Greg Rousseau at the helm. The Bills’ defense has totaled 20 sacks on the season, and getting Miller back for the rest of the season will hopefully bolster that. 

How healthy will Terrel Bernard be?

The Bills played last week's game without their star linebacker, leaving just Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector as the starters. Buffalo’s defense had a stellar day without Bernard, holding Seattle to just 10 points. This week, Buffalo will have Bernard back in the lineup to help contain Miami’s run game. Last week against the Arizona Cardinals, Miami rushed for 150 yards, led by De’Von Achane, who rushed for 97 yards on 10 attempts. Bernard has been all over the field this season, totaling three tackles for loss and 32 total tackles. Against a fast Dolphins offense that can explode at any time, having Bernard back is crucial to win this game. 

Can they stop Jonnu Smith this time around?

Smith has had an up-and-down season thus far, totaling 256 yards and one touchdown, including a 53-yard day against the Bills on seven receptions. In their last three games, Smith has been a focal point of the Dolphins offense, being targeted 21 times. No matter who’s been at quarterback in Miami, Smith has been a favorite, and quite reliable target for them to go to. Smith could have a bigger role on Sunday than any of their other pass catchers, and Buffalo will have to make it a focus to contain Smith throughout the game.

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