‘At the least, Sunday’s game will determine first place in the AFC East. The Dolphins could take a two-game lead over Buffalo with a win; on the other side, the Bills would leapfrog the ‘Fins with a key win toward postseason tiebreakers. And with the Jets facing another season of Zach Wilson at quarterback and the Patriots’ offense struggling, both teams at 1-2, it’s fair to wonder if the East is already a two-horse race.’
Archives for September 30, 2023
Red-hot ‘Fins may reignite Bills rivalry
Ryan O’Halloran: Vic Fangio defense next challenge for Bills’ offense
‘“He’s going to force us to be methodical,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said.’
Bills safety Jordan Poyer ruled out against Miami Dolphins
‘It’s a notable loss to not have Poyer against this explosive Miami offense, but Rapp is confident in his consistent preparation. “I think every week for me, it’s been the same,” Rapp said Friday. “No matter if I’m starting, or in the backup role, or playing special teams, or not playing at all, I think the biggest important thing for me is treating everything like the same: every week, every day, every practice, every game just like the same. So, my preparation has been the same.”’
Bills game parking: Get there early, but not too early
‘“We saw a buildup of cars arriving much earlier than the parking lots open,” Orchard Park Police Chief Patrick M. Fitzgerald said.’
Erik Brady: Bills piled up points in first-ever game against Dolphins
‘The Bills came in as two-time defending champions of the American Football League, but they had begun the 1966 season with losses to the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, so they were in a surly mood when the baby Dolphins arrived at War Memorial Stadium.’
Buffalo Bills won’t have All Pro defensive back in AFC East showdown vs. Dolphins
‘The Bills were without Poyer in last year’s first matchup against the Miami Dolphins and had to start former sixth-round draft pick Jaquan Johnson, who struggled in a 21-19 Week 3 loss. Johnson wasn’t signed back in the offseason. He signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders and was released at final cuts back in August.’
Bills will be without Jordan Poyer vs. Miami’s top-ranked offense
‘Taylor Rapp, who started 48 of 57 games with the Los Angeles Rams, is expected to be Poyer’s replacement.’
Revisiting memories from Bills-Dolphins rivalry with latest chapter on deck
‘The rivalry went stagnant in the 2000s, with both franchises mired by mediocrity and AFC East ruled by the New England Patriots for two decades. But with the Bills resurgence and the Dolphins appearing to be on the same path, the rivalry was reignited with a playoff meeting last season.’
Sabato: Renewal of Bills-Dolphins rivalry makes it feel like the calendar flipped back to the ’90s
‘But the Dolphins provide a rival that everyone can agree upon. Bills fans thought Josh Allen’s ascent meant a Patriots-like stranglehold on the division for a decade, but Miami has arrived to be the spoiler and boasts a similar desire.’
Saturday’s Miami Coverage
The Dolphins aren’t thinking of revenge. That doesn’t diminish the magnitude of Bills game (Miami Herald)
Dolphins place two players on injured reserve: the fallout. And what injury report reveals (Miami Herald)
Dolphins must decide how to defend Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs, and more, importantly, Josh Allen (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Chris Perkins: Dolphins look to begin turnaround in AFC East’s big rivalry with rare road win over Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle will play at Buffalo; Terron Armstead, Connor Williams questionable (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
If Bills’ Josh Allen is careless with ball, Dolphins’ Jevon Holland ready to ‘punch it out’ (Palm Beach Post)
Jaelan Phillips injury. Terron Armstead injury. Connor Williams injury. River Cracraft injury. (Palm Beach Post)
Damar Hamlin could play against Dolphins in first NFL game since collapsing on field (Palm Beach Post)
Miami’s Jaylen Waddle clears concussion protocols, LB Jaelan Phillips ruled out Sunday vs. Bills (AP)
Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves (MiamiDolphins.com)
Transcript | Mike McDaniel’s Media Availability – September 29 (MiamiDolphins.com)
Top Quotes – McDaniel, Tagovailoa Reflect on Historic Home Opener, Turn Focus to Buffalo (MiamiDolphins.com)
Bills’ Damar Hamlin expected to be active for Week 4 for first time since cardiac arrest
‘So far this season, Hamlin has been a healthy scratch for Buffalo’s first three games this season.’
‘One of One’: Ankeny Centennial Running Back Braeden Jackson is forging his own legacy
‘His father, Fred Jackson, spent nine seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Buffalo Bills. He finished his career with 5,746 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns and has held his spot as the Bills’ third all-time leading rusher (5,646 yards) since 2014, his final season in Western New York. Braeden’s childhood was spent in the stands at what was then-called Ralph Wilson Stadium, on the field with his father after games, and in the locker room with players like Marshawn Lynch.’
Bills’ safety Poyer ruled out against Dolphins, opening possibility of Hamlin making season debut
‘Poyer’s absence on Sunday will likely lead to primary backup Taylor Rapp filling the starting spot alongside Micah Hyde. The injury could also lead to Hamlin making his season debut after being a healthy inactive through the first three games.’
Bills safety Jordan Poyer ruled out vs. high-scoring Dolphins
‘Poyer suffered the injury during the 37-3 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Backup safety Taylor Rapp, a free agent addition this offseason, is expected to start in his place alongside veteran safety Micah Hyde, who is also dealing with a hamstring injury but participated in Thursday’s practice. Sean McDermott described Poyer’s injury on Thursday as “day to day.”‘