Week Eight: Early Thoughts BUF at MIA

BEAST MODE

(buffalonews.com)

This Sunday the Miami Dolphins receive a visit from their AFC East rival Buffalo Bills. The Bills are a team I thought would be pretty good this year, as I picked them to make the playoffs via a wild card spot. I'd be lying if I said that I believed they would be 5-1 coming into this match up. They have played excellent football and remain in pole position in the division. This week is actually the start of three consecutive division games for them where they have a great opportunity to build a lead or keep things interesting.

Miami Offense vs Buffalo Defense

The Dolphins offense sputtered last week against a good Ravens defense. They were not able to run the ball effectively and the wildcat formation didn't produce anything either. Chad Pennington was able to throw the ball and put up good numbers but a pick-six on a third down in the second quarter really set Miami back in the game. The Dolphins also had two first half drives stall in the red zone and had to settle for two field goals. For Miami to be successful they must be able to run the ball, however possible. If they are to continue using the wildcat, then I would like to see two things. First, I think we should use one of the trick plays early, to keep the defense honest. Even if it doesn't work, they will know they can't just sell out for a Ronnie Brown run. Also, I would like to see a change in personnel for the wing back. Ricky Williams hasn't found his groove yet and I think we should use our speediest player, Ted Ginn, in that role.

Buffalo's defense is one of the more underrated units in the NFL. They don't overwhelm you with stats or turnovers but the thing that caught my eye when glancing at their schedule was that they've held their opponent to 16 or less points in four of their six games. They come up with the key stops and will give their offense a chance to win the game. I mentioned the Dolphins red zone opportunities above and I think that area will be the most important in this game. The Dolphins should move the ball but if they settle for field goals, it won't be good enough.

Buffalo Offense vs Miami Defense

The Dolphins defense was not very good this past week. They could not stop the run which was due in large part (literally and figuratively) to the absence of backup nose tackle Paul Soliai and the early injury to starter Jason Ferguson. Randy Starks tried to pick up the slack but he is not a true NT, and probably doesn't see too many reps in practice at that spot. This is the most important position in the 3-4 when it comes to stopping the run. You must clog the middle and occupy blockers to allow the linebackers to roam and make plays. Soliai should be back after serving a team issued one game suspension and Ferguson is listed as day to day. Miami's biggest issue on defense is pass coverage. The secondary has allowed a lot of big pays and key conversions on third and long. They must be bouyed by a good pass rush but it is still their job to make a play, and there hasn't been many made. Another big problem is dropped interceptions. It is very deflating when you are in position to take advantage of a mistake by the offense and instead you give them another chance. We can't have any more of that.

The Bills offense is similar to their defense as they don't jump out at you as exciting or dominant, but they just get the job done. Marshawn Lynch is good running back and if you allow him space he will make you pay big time. It's also important to wrap him up and don't let him use his strength to break tackles and make extra yards. The most worrying thing about their passng game is Lee Evans. It seems every week he is scoring a touchdown on a long bomb. Against Miami's defense that could be a good recipe for success. Ultimately it will come down to the runing game though. If Miami can stop the run, then the defense can be set up to defend the pass and make plays.

I'll have more later this week, hopefully another Q&A with a blogger.