Here’s a have a look at how the Miami Dolphins (9-8) and Buffalo Bills (13-3) match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s wild-card spherical playoff recreation at Highmark Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: Miami discovered one thing on the bottom towards Buffalo of their 32-29 loss in Orchard Park on Dec. 17. The Dolphins ran for 188 yards on the Bills’ stout run protection, which was the second-highest complete the Dolphins had in a recreation and second-most the Bills allowed in a single this common season. If solely coach Mike McDaniel would’ve caught with the bottom recreation longer and in additional short-yardage conditions that Saturday night time.
The solely downside is Raheem Mostert, who had 136 of these yards in that recreation, seems unlikely to play with a severely damaged thumb suffered in final week’s win over the New York Jets. On the opposite hand, backfield mate Jeff Wilson Jr. wasn’t obtainable final time in Buffalo, so now he’ll be capable of go. Salvon Ahmed was stable spelling Mostert in that final outing, with six carries for 43 yards and a landing. But the supply of left deal with Terron Armstead might be big in figuring out if the Dolphins can run towards the Bills’ defensive entrance.
That unit had the league’s fifth-ranked run protection all through the common season. Defensive deal with Ed Oliver and linebackers Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds play an enormous half in that. Former Dolphin Jordan Phillips is a rotational defensive deal with and has his standing in query for Sunday. Edge: Bills
When the Bills run: The Dolphins would possibly simply be the highest NFL protection towards the normal floor recreation and stopping opposing operating backs, however they’re terrible towards scrambling quarterbacks. And that’s all the time a problem when dealing with Buffalo and Pro Bowl signal-caller Josh Allen. In the final assembly, Allen ran for 77 yards on 10 carries, consistently extending drives along with his legs and including an additional component Miami has to defend.
The operating backs for Buffalo: A pair of South Florida merchandise in Devin Singletary (FAU, American Heritage-Delray High ) and James Cook (Miami Central High). Singletary had 42 yards on 13 carries, and Cook went for 34 yards on 5 makes an attempt final time. Center Mitch Morse, a Pro Bowl choice, anchors the offensive line.
Christian Wilkins, in main the Dolphins’ fourth-ranked run protection, has been unblockable. He completed the common season with 98 tackles, most by any NFL defensive lineman since 1994. The mixture of Wilkins and Zach Sieler has been excellent towards the run. Dolphins linebackers can have to concentrate on Allen’s scrambling potential, probably holding a spy on him. That accountability may additionally find yourself falling on safeties Jevon Holland or Eric Rowe at instances. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins cross: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was dominated out because of the concussion protocol on Wednesday. Miami is approaching the early a part of the apply week as if third-string rookie Skylar Thompson would be the starter whereas backup Teddy Bridgewater offers with a dislocated pinky finger on his throwing hand. Thompson began the Dolphins’ playoff-clinching win over the Jets and went with out a crucial mistake, which was sufficient as he relied on the protection, run recreation and clutch leg of kicker Jason Sanders for the 11-6 win.
But merely avoiding errors received’t be sufficient towards the Bills. One-hundred fifty-two yards with out a landing on 20-of-31 passing received’t get it performed with Allen on the opposite aspect. If Thompson begins once more, he’ll must get Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle greater than 5 targets apiece whereas persevering with to make the most of rangy tight finish Mike Gesicki, whom he discovered for 4 connections and 46 yards, together with his lengthy cross of the afternoon for 32 yards. If Bridgewater can elevate himself to begin, his veteran presence on the street may give the Dolphins a barely higher shot. Armstead’s availability might be pivotal in defending the blind aspect of both quarterback.
The Bills misplaced future Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller earlier within the season, however they nonetheless have former University of Miami standout Greg Rousseau at defensive finish. The secondary, after all, is headlined by security Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White. That unit might be enjoying for Damar Hamlin as he recovers from his scary cardiac arrest suffered on the sector Jan. 2. Dean Marlowe began instead of Hamlin, who was already changing Michah Hyde, final week towards New England. Edge: Bills
When the Bills cross: It’s all about stopping the Pro Bowl mixture of Allen and huge receiver Stefon Diggs. Allen threw for 35 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and 4,283 yards, finishing 63 p.c of passes. Diggs had 108 receptions, 1,428 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. Then, Miami nonetheless has to fret about receivers Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie and Cole Beasley, tight finish Dawson Knox — and Singletary and Cook can catch out of the backfield.
It’s quite a bit to must defend, if you additionally contemplate Allen is a menace to run after he drops again. Xavien Howard will must be an elite model of himself towards Diggs and never what has been seen in protection most of this season. He’s had the groin accidents and up to date knee situation to cope with. Kader Kohou should step up, and Holland should play with vary and make performs on the again finish. Last matchup, Rowe was inactive, and Verone McKinley performed important defensive snaps.
This could be a good time to have the cross rush ignite this protection between Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Melvin Ingram. Left deal with Dion Dawkins might be answerable for defending Allen’s blindside, however once more, it’s essential to maintain include on Allen so he doesn’t beat you along with his legs. The Dolphins should get him down after they get a shot at him. Edge: Bills
Special groups: Nyheim Hines simply had a pair of kickoff return touchdowns in Buffalo’s win over the Patriots that helped Miami get into the postseason. The Dolphins have struggled on kick and punt protection, so keep watch over that.
Sanders lifted the Dolphins into the playoffs along with his 50-yard area purpose with 18 seconds remaining towards the Jets. Punter Thomas Morstead has been a plus for an in any other case largely struggling particular groups unit. Bills kicker Tyler Bass has made 27 of 31 area objectives. The Dolphins really had certainly one of their higher video games on particular groups final time in Buffalo, however the Bills have loads of momentum with their unit after their Week 18 effort. Edge: Bills
Intangibles: It’s the potential for Hamlin being again on the sideline for Buffalo after being discharged from his hospitalization that simply leads one to imagine it is going to be unattainable for Miami to enter Highmark Stadium and pull off this upset.
Bills Mafia can have that place rocking, and there might be loads of emotion invested on this one. At least it’ll be good for lots of younger Dolphins to absorb that playoff environment. Edge: Bills
PREDICTION: Bills 30, Dolphins 13
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Source: www.bostonherald.com