The Miami Dolphins travel to take on the Buffalo Bills in one of the most highly anticipated Week 9 matchups with huge AFC East implications. You can throw out records when these division rivals face each other in what could be a high-scoring shootout. Here are 5 things to watch for in this divisional showdown:
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Tua Tagovailoa in a Pressurized Performance
All season long, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been right at-or very near-the top of every meaningful passing category, from passer rating to completion percentage. He’s been integral in making the Miami offense so fast and precise. Of course, that was against most teams, not the one in Buffalo that pressures and takes the ball away. Among the best in the league in both sacks and interceptions this season, the Bills’ defense has overwhelmed quarterbacks who aren’t able to make quick enough reads.
The ability of the Bills to bring pressure could disrupt the timing between Tagovailoa and his, particularly on deep routes that the Dolphins rely on for big plays. Whether or not Tagovailoa is able to make quick decisions and release the ball under pressure will be telling. All that said, matching up with the pressure, the Dolphins’ offense, which has been good but tested in recent weeks, also plays a critical role in giving him the time he needs.
Key to Watch: Will Tua Tagovailoa stay poised under the pressure of Buffalo? His fortitude against the Bills’ pass rush will be crucial to Miami’s offensive success and their chances of victory.
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Bills’ Ground Game vs. Dolphins’ Run Defense
Following an offense that has so often become dependent on Josh Allen‘s aerial attack, the Bills have recommitted to the run game. In instances, James Cook has become a reliable running back. The emergence of Cook adds versatility because he is not only a capable runner but also a threat in the passing game. He is averaging over 4.5 yards per carry and has been a good contributor when the Bills need to keep the defense off balance.
The aspect of stopping the run for the Dolphins could not be more important than forcing Buffalo into a one-dimensional offense. Miami’s run defense has had flashes of greatness, but at times, it is still very inconsistent. Being able to bottle up Cook and, for the most part, take away the Bills’ effectiveness on the ground is going to go a long way in being able to key up a bit more against Josh Allen’s passing attack. If Cook can find his way through and get into a rhythm, it could open up the field for the Buffalo offense.
Key to Watch: The battle in the trenches will be key here. Watching how Miami’s defensive front handles James Cook and whether they can contain him early to set the tone.
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Tyreek Hill’s Deep Threat Potential
The highly explosive and playmaking ability that has made Tyreek Hill famous has been quite mellow this season. This has seen him post a rather below-par season with only 30 receptions for 366 yards, having found the end zone only once. Re-establishing the chemistry between him and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is important in the Dolphins’ offensive. Big-play capability keeps defenses at bay since he is one of those guys who can easily take any catch to the house for a touchdown.
That would mean Buffalo’s secondary, spearheaded by the veteran safety Damar Hamlin, would face the challenge of trying to limit Hill’s explosive plays. More than likely, the Bills will use a variety of coverages in trying to contain Hill, but their success depends on whether they can keep him from finding open space. If the Bills can contain Hill, it would probably force the Dolphins to rely more on short and intermediate routes that might not be as productive against a disciplined Buffalo defense.
Key to Watch: The deep ball. If Tua and Hill connect on a few big plays, then it could be a long day for the Bills’ defense. Conversely, if Buffalo’s secondary can neutralize Hill, it may limit Miami’s scoring potential.
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Josh Allen’s Dual-Threat Dynamics
Josh Allen is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. Being both a passer and a runner, he’s really tough to defend. Allen is always a threat rushing touchdowns, and he’s near the top of the rankings for passing yards. Adding the ability to extend plays with his legs, Allen brings an element of unpredictability to Buffalo’s offense, while his downfield passing game keeps defenses on edge.
This means that the Dolphins’ defense has to be disciplined in their attempt to contain Allen, as he cannot get as many scrambling opportunities and has to be contained inside the pocket, where they can apply pressure without sacrificing coverage downfield. The defensive coordinator for Miami probably will want to emphasize mixing coverages along with having a spy on Allen, but success will come down to the discipline of the defense and tackling in space.
Key to Watch: How the Dolphins try to keep Allen from rushing as well as from completing big passes. Keeping him contained and forcing quick throws may be a key to slowing down Buffalo’s offense.
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Impact of Key Injuries
Both teams have been hurt by injuries and could play a decisive role in this matchup. The Dolphins are uncertain about several key pieces on defense. Without many of these players, especially on the line, the Miami pass rush might have problems containing the Bills’ air attack.
The Bills remain without linebacker Matt Milano, a key factor in any success their defense has enjoyed this season. Milano’s absence has left a hole in their run defense and pass coverage over the middle that the Dolphins could take advantage of with short passes to either of the running backs or tight end Durham Smythe. Both teams will have to adjust to these missing pieces, with the potential for their absences to be a game-changer.
Key to Watch: Monitor the numerous questionable players on defense for the Dolphins and the state of the defense for Buffalo with Milano out. Two huge players whose presence or not could greatly change the complexion of this one.
5 Things to Watch For Conclusion
With the Bills looking to extend their lead in the AFC East and the Dolphins looking to get back on track, this Week 9 Dolphins-Bills tilt has the makings of an instant classic. There will be a number of big plays and strategic battles courtesy of both high-powered offenses and aggressive defenses. Whether it’s poise under pressure from Tua Tagovailoa, dual-threat prowess courtesy of Josh Allen, or the ability to stretch the field courtesy of Tyreek Hill, this is a matchup every NFL fan will want to monitor closely.
Also Read: The Most Iconic NFL Rivalries: What Makes These Matchups Unforgettable Every Season
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