1) Allen looks to torch Dolphins after a rare zero-TD showing
Even while suffering a bloodied nose, Josh Allen led a dominant performance against the Jets but was held without a TD passing or rushing for only the eighth time in 125 career starts (including postseason). He now looks to flex more against a team he has dominated, including in both games last year vs. Miami. The Dolphins kept Allen’s running in check but had trouble slowing the rest of the Bills’ attack. Through two games this season, Miami has allowed Daniel Jones and Drake Maye to throw for four TDs and zero INTs, and they each ran for two TDs. The Dolphins have struggled to get off the field defensively, and the interior pass rush has been lacking. The Bills have myriad weapons; they can run it with James Cook, and eight different pass catchers have multiple receptions through two games. Unless Buffalo’s offensive line collapses, Allen should have plenty of chances to make plays.
2) Tua, McDaniel need to build on big-play outburst
Lost in the loss to the Patriots was the fact that the big play emerged in the Dolphins offense. It was nowhere to be found in Week 1, but Week 2 saw the Dolphins rip off eight plays of 15-plus yards. The Patriots defense might still need work, but that’s a step in the right direction. If the Dolphins can’t control the clock — Miami is dead last in time of possession, while Buffalo ranks first — then they might as well try to win a shootout. Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t had great career success against the Bills, but he, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (who popped up on the injury report Tuesday) must continue to stress the Buffalo secondary, even while OL concerns exist. De’Von Achane also figures to be a high-volume contributor, and he has been a thorn in the Bills’ sides, with six TDs and 467 yards from scrimmage in four games against them. The Bills will give ground defensively, but they aim to take the ball away, riding a 24-game streak of not losing the turnover battle as a team, including playoffs.
3) Buffalo’s defense dealing with injuries
If there’s hope for the Dolphins, it’s that Buffalo’s defense is dealing with a slew of injuries. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver missed Sunday’s game and will be out for this one, too. Linebacker Matt Milano, who has had career success vs. Miami, also is sidelined. In the secondary, both Cam Lewis and Taron Johnson have been limited practice participants. Oliver is a singular force on this defense, and his absence could be felt. If the Bills can’t get penetration against a struggling Dolphins O-line, however, it would be surprising. Gregory Rousseau and Joey Bosa have been good off the edge so far, and DaQuan Jones and rookies T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker should have enough favorable matchups to make hay. The Dolphins might try to exploit the absence of Milano, using screens, misdirection plays and play action to get the Bills’ linebackers’ heads spinning.