Here’s a have a look at how the Miami Dolphins (2-0) and Buffalo Bills (2-0) match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s Week 3 sport at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: Miami received its floor sport going a little bit bit for 4.8 yards per carry in final Sunday’s 42-38 win over the Baltimore Ravens. It simply didn’t splash extra as a result of there have been restricted alternatives enjoying from behind a lot of the afternoon — to not point out the Ravens ate up 11 minutes on one first-half drive they didn’t even rating on.
In Week 1, it was Chase Edmonds that received the majority of the carries in opposition to New England. Against Baltimore, it was Raheem Mostert. Who is favored within the workload will rely upon matchups coaches discover advantageous. Right sort out Greg Little, who will likely be filling in for Austin Jackson (ankle), had an amazing block on Edmonds’ late 28-yard run that set Miami up for the successful rating vs. the Ravens.
Buffalo, nevertheless, to nobody’s shock, is the league’s top-ranked run protection via two weeks, and the Bills simply shut down Tennessee Titans operating again Derrick Henry on Monday night time. With veteran All-Pro Von Miller now in Buffalo setting one edge and Greg Rousseau, the first-round pick of Miami in 2021, on the opposite, plus Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano at linebacker, the Bills possess a stout defensive entrance. Buffalo is banged up on the inside of the defensive position, although, with Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips out for Sunday. It may current the Dolphins some alternatives within the run sport, however they want left sort out Terron Armstead (questionable, toe) to be out there. Edge: Bills
When the Bills run: Buffalo’s trio of South Florida operating backs will likely be salivating on the considered scoring a landing again dwelling, particularly as neither of the three have scored but via the Bills’ two blowouts. Devin Singletary (American Heritage-Delray High, FAU) is the beginning tailback, however rookie James Cook (Miami Central High) and Zack Moss (Hallandale High) break up carries with him, so all of them keep recent.
Quarterback Josh Allen is at all times a operating risk, as nicely, and he has 66 yards on 11 makes an attempt plus a landing so far in 2022. Veteran Rodger Saffold, the Pro Bowler in 2021 with the Titans, was introduced in to play guard in a powerful left facet of the road subsequent to sort out Dion Dawkins.
The Dolphins have been stable in run protection in Baltimore outdoors of the 79-yard landing allowed to quarterback Lamar Jackson. Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler will likely be counted on on the line of scrimmage with Jaelan Phillips and Melvin Ingram setting the sting. Miami already is aware of it is going to be in for an amazing problem in opposition to Allen via the air. They must at the very least maintain the Bills one-dimensional. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins move: Tagovailoa is coming off his all-time finest efficiency, incomes AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 469 yards and 6 touchdowns in main Miami to the thrilling comeback from down 21 factors. After being held in test for 2 touchdowns and two interceptions via three quarters, he was lastly in a position to expose the Ravens’ banged-up secondary with the 2 lengthy touchdowns to Tyreek Hill on busted coverages and one other pair of drives.
The Bills are additionally coping with accidents to their defensive backs. All-Pro Tre’Davious White is out on the reserve/physically-unable-to-perform checklist. Fellow cornerback Dane Jackson and security Micah Hyde are additionally out, with security Jordan Poyer questionable. Buffalo, nonetheless, ranks second within the league via two weeks in move protection, even whereas enjoying from forward so usually when opponents can pad their stats late. But will they be as efficient with rookies Christian Benford and Kaiir Elam masking the Dolphins’ elite receiving combo?
You don’t need a bunch of hobbled guys in protection tasked with maintaining with Hill, who completed with 190 receiving yards in Baltimore, and Jaylen Waddle, who had 171 and two touchdowns of his personal, together with the game-winner. Buffalo can nonetheless rush the passer, although, with Miller and Rousseau on the sting, amongst others. That will likely be a problem for Miami’s offensive tackles as Armstead offers with a toe damage and Little continues to fill in for Jackson on the best facet. Edge: Dolphins
When the Bills move: Allen has been recognized to torch the Dolphins, however Miami made progress in that regard in two conferences final 12 months, retaining him to passer rankings of 75.2 and 100.2, his lowest since his first look in opposition to the Dolphins as a rookie. His 5 outings in between all noticed him submit a passer score above 110. Allen, in eight video games in opposition to Miami, has 21 touchdowns to 5 interceptions as he enters on a seven-game win streak versus the division rival.
This season, he has accomplished 52 of 69 passes (75.4 %) for 614 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. His prime receiver, Stefon Diggs, is having one other monster season with 20 receptions for 270 yards and 4 touchdowns. Gabe Davis and tight finish Dawson Knox are questionable heading into Sunday.
It’s a nasty signal for the Dolphins that cornerback Xavien Howard sat out Wednesday’s drills with a groin damage, however he and cornerbacks coach Sam Madison are assured he’ll be prepared. He made it via the win over the Ravens however didn’t appear like himself when he received beat for a protracted landing by Rashod Bateman, couldn’t catch as much as Jackson on his landing scamper and dropped a pick-six. The Dolphins should strain Allen after their blitzes have been ineffective in opposition to Jackson and the Ravens. Edge: Bills
Special groups: Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass is ideal on three discipline objectives and 9 further factors. Sam Martin, the punter who is never used as a result of the Bills offense is so productive, is averaging 48.5 yards on his punts. Buffalo makes use of South Florida product Isaiah McKenzie on kick returns and Jamison Crowder on punt returns.
The Dolphins gave up a 103-yard return for a landing on the opening kickoff in opposition to the Ravens, so particular groups coordinator Danny Crossman has been letting his unit have it in follow. Edge: Bills
Intangibles: The Dolphins have the warmth and humidity of South Florida in September on their facet. They have a day and half extra relaxation than the Bills after their final sport, a Monday night time win whereas Miami performed final Sunday afternoon, plus Buffalo’s journey. The Bills are coping with quite a lot of accidents. All that provides the Dolphins the intangible edge for the 1 p.m. kickoff beneath the solar at Hard Rock Stadium.
But then you definately additionally do not forget that the Bills defeated their first two opponents, together with the defending Super Bowl champs of their home, by a mixed 55 factors. And Buffalo has that pesky seven-game win streak on its facet within the rivalry. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 31, Bills 27
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Source: www.bostonherald.com