Double Coverage Bills@Dolphins
by dudthestud66 & finfan5357
All Time Records: Dolphins leads 56–40–1
First Game: 9/181/1966 Bills 58, Fins 24
Most Recent: 9/14/2014 Bills 29, Fins 10
Postseason: Bills 3-1 last: 1/2/1999 Fins 24, Bills 17 (Shula’s last game)
Current Streak: Bills 3 wins (2013-present)
This Decade: Bills lead the series 5-4
Lets get down to business:
Miami and Buffalo will both enter this game amongst the league’s best in sack totals. What makes the Bills pass rush so good and how do they slow down Miami’s potent attack?
The Bills defensive line is one of, if not the best in the league. They are just monsters that can beat their men in the trenches and get to the QB. They rarely blitz which just shows how good the DL is. Kyle Williams is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Dareus is a monster and Mario is a freak of nature. Jerry Hughes seems like one of the best trades the Bills have made in recent history. Giving up Kelvin Sheppard, who is now in Miami, to the Colts was a great move and it’ll be interesting to see if they can keep him.
On the other hand the Fins have their own amazing pass rush and with a less mobile QB could have a big game and get to Orton a lot. The Bills OL seemed to hold up well against a good pass rush from the Chiefs which is awesome considering how horrible they have been this season. I think the key is to get that ball out of Orton’s hands as quick as possible.
What do you think of Tannehill’s season so far? Is he the QB of the future?
Well Dud, he’s certainly no Aaron Rodgers but he’s been okay. It’s alarming how poor his deep ball accuracy is though. He has NFL level arm strength but I’m not sold on his arm talent if you follow. That being said, he can play at a really high level when he is protected. He needs to have a strong finish to 2014 and that starts with beating the Bills who’ve been his Achilles heel.
With this game being pivotal for both squads 2014 fates, do you think Marrone is coaching for his job Thursday night?
Possibly but I doubt it. I think barring a huge let down, 7-9 or worse, they will bring everyone back and give them a full season under the new owner. I know the fans don’t like the prospect of that happening but I don’t want my owners to ever listen to the fans just do what they think is right for the team. It’ll be interesting to see what their football guy says when/if they find one to overlook the front office and team.
With Albert going down, how will the OL hold up against the best DL in the NFL?
Pump the brakes there guy. Miami played relatively well against another one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL last week without Albert. Against Buffalo it’s the interior guys that worry me most and fortunately Mike Pouncey will be in the lineup this time against the Bills. I don’t think Miami can win this specific battle, but with a good gameplan that utilizes a lot of quick throws and screens, they could prevent the Bills defensive front from ruining the game.
There are some big time injuries for both teams, but how will buffalo score absent CJ Spiller, with Fred Jackson, Samuel Watkins & Marquise Goodwin hobbled?
As of right now Fred and Sammy seem to have come out healthy so they should be good to go Thursday. How effective they will be is yet to be seen Freddy looked good in his somewhat limited role against the Chiefs while Sammy wasn’t as effective as Bills would have liked.
CJ is missed, but wasn’t as effective as he has been in past years, but with the run game looking, arguably, the best it has all year it would be nice to see what he can do.
Goodwin being injured is nothing knew and he hasn’t really been utilized when he is out there he’s been used as more of a decoy. It has helped the Bills but he’s not a huge loss. Him and Mike Williams have both been bumped down for former Dolphin Chris Hogan who has come up big for the Bills a couple times this year.
In recent history the Bills have owned the Dolphins. Why should we think that will change this week?
You’re talking about a Bills team that hasn’t finished .500 or better since 2004, now there’s some recent history for you! Ultimately this is a make or break game for both teams, the road to the playoffs in the AFC is a gauntlet this year. Miami can’t afford another slow start here, they must utilize a fast tempo, and quick passes/screens to neutralize the Bills front 4. If not, it could be another long day for the tens of 100s in attendance and a demoralizing blow to Miami’s playoff chances.
Much has changed since their last meeting: a new Bills QB, players returning/exiting due to injury and suspension. Which team has improved the most?
Hmm… if I had to say which team improved the most I’d give it to the Dolphins they seem, from the outside, to be getting better and better. But I think the Bills proved in the first week they were a bit better than the Fins already. It’ll be interesting with the Dolphins getting better and getting players back how they will respond to the Bills at home. Orton has no doubt been a better QB than EJ, but besides that they haven’t improved much in other areas. The D has been consistently good, but the OL and run game just haven’t been there except for the last game.
Do you think the winner of this game makes the playoffs?
Simply put no. I think the Dolphins would have a better shot due to their slightly easier schedule (Jets twice, Vikings & Ravens at home, @ Broncos and Patriots) but it may prove too difficult to overcome the loss of Albert. The Bills schedule is brutal, they host the division leading Browns, the dominant Packers, and the Jets, as well as road trips to Denver, Foxborough, and a west coast trip to Oakland. I think the winner of this game breaks the .500 mark (no small feat for either team), but falls short of the playoffs.
CJ is missed, but wasn’t as effective as he has been in past years, but with the run game looking, arguably, the best it has all year it would be nice to see what he can do.
Goodwin being injured is nothing knew and he hasn’t really been utilized when he is out there he’s been used as more of a decoy. It has helped the Bills but he’s not a huge loss. Him and Mike Williams have both been bumped down for former Dolphin Chris Hogan who has come up big for the Bills a couple times this year.
Who will there be more of, Bills fans, Dolphins fans, or empty seats?
Since I already indulged this joke earlier, I’ll go fact mode: per ESPN, Buffalo has sold 94.5% of their tickets for home games thus far compared to Miami’s 93.8% (not including Thursday’s showdown). Looks like the attendance jokes may be taking a hit this year. It’ll be interesting at the end of the year to see who sold a higher percent, but no way I’m wagering my Joey Harrington avatar on that!
Who has the better defense, Miami or Buffalo?
I think they are very close and we fans can argue for days and days about whose better and neither of us really be wrong. I give the Bills the Edge in DL, tie at LB, and secondary to the Dolphins. So, in my very very biased, red white and blue, bison loving, opinion I give the Bills a tiny edge.
Great job guys, very elaborate answers, I am truly impressed how serious you both took this.
We all appreciate your efforts on this, and thanks for helping the site grow!
Let’s get to the bottom of this, who wins?
Bills 23 Dolphins 20
Last second game winning kick by Carpenter, a former Dolphin, just to rub it in.
Final score: Miami 27 – 13
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