MergedX6: The Official Dolphins Vs. Bills @ Toronto Game Day Thread | Page 2 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

MergedX6: The Official Dolphins Vs. Bills @ Toronto Game Day Thread

There's one thing i want you to do for me today Dolphins.......win.......WIN!

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Lets Go Dolphins Woooooooooo!!

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***Official Dolphins-Bills Thread***

BATTLE FOR THE PLAYOFFS

Miami Dolphins
AFC East Division: 2nd,
Offense: 355.3 ypg (9th)
Passing: 239.5 ypg (7th)
Rushing: 115.8 ypg (13th)
Defense: 330.0 ypg (18th)
Streak: Won 1

Buffalo Bills
AFC East Division: 4th
Offense: 321.8 ypg (20th)
Passing: 211.6 ypg (15th)
Rushing: 110.3 ypg (20th)
Defesne: 314.8 ypg (12th)
Streak: Lost 1


WHEN THE DOLPHINS PASS
Protection is the operative word because keeping Chad Pennington upright and healthy could be difficult with a makeshift offensive line. The Dolphins have lost both of their starting guards and must overcome those injuries so they can give their offensive strength -- the passing game -- a chance to work. Davone Bess had a good game last week as he took over the go-to receiver duties, but the question is his consistency. Ted Ginn Jr., who had his best game of the season against the Bills, might be hard pressed to have a similar day because Buffalo's corners are healthier this time. Advantage: Even.
WHEN THE BILLS PASS
The Bills will go with either Trent Edwards, the starter who is nursing a groin injury, or J.P. Losman, the backup who is nursing superior statistics. The truth is that Losman has a better rating, a higher completion percentage and a higher yards-per-attempt mark. Losman also is 3-1 against the Dolphins as a starter. The Bills will try to get the ball to top receiver Lee Evans because he has historically hurt the Dolphins, and his seven catches for 116 yards in their first meeting was his best game of the season. Josh Reed is back from a high ankle sprain, which should help the Bills. Advantage: Even.
WHEN THE DOLPHINS RUN
The Bills run defense has been surprisingly weak this season -- it's ranked 17th in the NFL. That is good news for a Miami team that could use help up front because of its difficult offensive line situation. Ricky Williams is returning to the place he played in the Canadian Football League for a season, and he'll likely want to impress. But Miami will continue to use Ronnie Brown as its lead back unless he proves he lacks a burst or Williams is hotter. The Miami running game hasn't been disappointing, ranking 13th in the NFL, but neither has it been the boon to the offense everyone expected. Advantage: Miami.
WHEN THE BILLS RUN
Marshawn Lynch has been quite good against the Dolphins. His coaches have been quite bad. Lynch averaged 4.7 yards per carry against Miami the past two meetings, but he got the ball only 13 times in the October meeting between the teams, which suggests that someone was not using an effective offensive weapon to its full capability. The Dolphins showed signs of cracking against the St. Louis Rams' running game last week when tailback Steven Jackson was able to run downhill against them. Lynch is a similar type of runner. Advantage: Buffalo.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Dolphins have improved in recent weeks because, well, there have been no kickoff or punt return touchdowns, no bonehead penalties to nullify Ted Ginn Jr. scores and no blocked field goals. But improvement is not excellence, and Miami will need that against a Buffalo team that thrives in this area. The Bills are No. 1 in the NFL in average drive start, No. 4 in kick return average and No. 3 in punt return average. Additionally, their kick coverage team is ranked No. 3 in the NFL. Advantage: Bills.
COACHING
Buffalo coach Dick Jauron was offered a contract extension the weekend the Dolphins and Bills first met in October. But the Bills lost that game and four other ones. Jauron reportedly hasn't signed, which begs the question: What are you waiting for? Tony Sparano's staff has kept the Dolphins in a playoff chase despite marginal talent and a flawed roster. He does have to do better at getting urgency and energy from the team on the road -- those qualities were lacking last week. Advantage: Miami.
RECENT HISTORY
The Bills visited Dolphin Stadium in October and lost 25-16 in a game that wasn't truly as close as the score. The Dolphins failed in their first opportunity to sweep an AFC East rival this year when they lost to New England. The question: Can they succeed Sunday?
PAST FOUR MEETINGS
10/26/08@ MIA 25, BUF 16
12/09/07@ BUF 38, MIA 37
11/11/07BUF 13, @ MIA 10
12/17/06@ BUF 21, MIA 0
 
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