‘“There’s a lot you can take out of that experience … with the film, watching yourself play against that team, watching how they defended you the first time, how we may anticipate them defending him the second time,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “I don’t want to say it’s easy. Nothing in this league is easy, but it certainly gives you a starting off point as you go into the week.”’
Archives for December 28, 2018
Mark Gaughan’s X’s and O’s: Banged up O-lines cause uptick in sacks
‘The league is on pace for 40.3 sacks per team with one week to go in the season, which would be the most in the past five years and the second most in the past 20 years. It’s an 8 percent increase over the average of the past 10 years (37.13). Not huge but noteworthy.’
How we see it: Predictions for Bills-Dolphins in Week 17
‘The Going Nowhere But Home Bowl isn’t likely to do much to excite anyone at New Era Field, including those participating on the field. The Buffalo Bills found a way to blunder themselves out of chances to knock off a New England Patriots team begging for an upset last week. This week, being at least semi-competent should be enough to beat the Dolphins, who have the distinct disadvantage of traveling a long way to play a meaningless game in the cold. Bills, 17-10.’
View from Vegas: Count on Bills-Dolphins as your best bet of Week 17
‘With temperatures expected below freezing at kickoff, it’s safe to say frozen fish is the order of the day. And that’s confirmed by the clincher: Buffalo is 23-3 against the spread against sub-.500 opponents after facing New England, including 7-0 against the spread versus division foes.’
Beth Mowins, Steve Beuerlein to call Bills finale against Miami Sunday
‘It will be the second consecutive year that Mowins, who received a master’s degree from Syracuse University, has worked a Bills game.’
With Charles Clay likely on his way out, Jason Croom has emerged at tight end for Bills
‘Heading into the finale against Miami, Croom has 20 catches for 227 yards and a touchdown. Despite playing 117 more snaps than Croom, Clay has just 21 catches for 184 yards and no touchdowns. Given what happened in New England, it seems a foregone conclusion that Clay won’t be with Buffalo in 2019, and that Croom may begin the spring offseason program at the top of the depth chart.’
What Bills’ Brian Daboll said about potential head coaching jobs and Josh Allen’s development
‘”I love it here. This is my hometown,” Daboll said. “I’m very grateful to the Pegulas and to Brandon (Beane) and Sean (McDermott) for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to trying to build this thing the way that Brandon and Sean and the Pegulas see it, and dive into the offseason with a full head of steam.”‘
Friday’s Miami Coverage
The Dolphins have ID’d the strength of their offense. They just don’t use it enough (Miami Herald)
Fist-a-cuffs: Robert Quinn quarrels over the (lack of) coverage of his anthem protest (Miami Herald)
What went wrong on Mike Tannenbaum’s watch? Look to the salary cap (Miami Herald)
Here’s the history the Miami Dolphins can make this Sunday. And none of it is good (Miami Herald)
This is why winning Sunday could be hurtful to the Miami Dolphins’ long-term future (Miami Herald)
Despite contractual stipulations, Dolphins insist DeVante Parker will play in season finale against Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso practices but might not play Sunday against his former team (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Xavien Howard named Dolphins’ MVP; Ryan Tannehill, Frank Gore, Kenny Stills also win team awards (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Is Miami Dolphins’ $9.3 million gamble on DeVante Parker worth it? (Palm Beach Post)
Miami Dolphins: Is Bobby McCain better off at slot corner? (Palm Beach Post)
Dolphins linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker growing together (Palm Beach Post)
Top News: T.J. McDonald Recognized With 2018 Good Guy Award (MiamiDolphins.com)
I Said It: Rookies Gaining Experience As Season Closes (MiamiDolphins.com)
Dolphins Announce PlayFootball End Of Year Award Winners (MiamiDolphins.com)
AC In The AM: Always Challenging vs. The Bills (MiamiDolphins.com)
Bills QB Allen seeks better finish in rematch against Miami
‘”I look back at it and I should’ve made a better throw,” Allen added. “I definitely think we’re a better team since that game, and it’s time to go back out on Sunday and kind of prove it.”‘
Dolphins-Bills Preview Capsule
‘Bills’ 10 TDs passing through 15 games fewest since Arizona (10) and Kansas City (eight) in first 15 games of 2015, according to Pro Football Reference.’
Capaccio: My Bills’ 2018 awards
‘I could have easily selected Allen here for the reasons stated above, but since he’s the MVP, I’ll give this to Foster, an equally deserving candidate. Over the last six games, the undrafted rookie has 21 catches for 490 yards and is only 39 yards shy of being the team’s leading receiver despite only playing twelve games and only playing more than half the offensive snaps in five of them.’
Top 7 storylines for the Bills-Dolphins season finale
‘“Continued growth,” McDermott answered, when he was asked what he was looking for from the Bills this week. “Continued opportunities to put our best foot forward and grow this young football team. We play a certain way and that’s up to our standard, that’s our goal every week, whether we’re playing on a Sunday afternoon for the playoffs, or we’re playing on a Sunday afternoon when we don’t have a chance to get into the playoffs, which is the case this season.”’
How Zay Jones’ rebuilt confidence let his game emerge
‘“What jumped out at me the most when I got back was the look in his eye, the pep in his step, the confidence,” said fellow receiver Deonte Thompson. “From the time I walked back in the building a few weeks ago his confidence has made him a totally different dude. His confidence is at another level right now.”’
Scouting Report: Week 17 – Bills vs. Dolphins
‘Buffalo is 3-2 this season in games decided by four points or less, but one of those losses came at the hands of the Dolphins in Week 13. In what figures to be another close game, the Bills must finish strong as a stepping stone in winning tight games come 2019.’
16 questions with Bills Legend Roscoe Parrish
‘I have my son, he’s entering his senior year [of high school]. I kind of help him out with football and everything, especially because he’s playing the same positions I played – wide receiver and punt returner. I have my two daughters, they’re 12 and eight years old. So, I’ve been more so a father because playing in the NFL…I kind of was away from them for a while. So, now I’m taking advantage of fatherhood.’