My preview of the Dolphins game

[negativo]

Tempted to predict a Bills blowout, but I'll say Bills win 17-16. Dramatic ending. Fans storm the field. No way do the Bills lose at home with the tidal wave of love, emotion and intensity that will be permeating the stadium. Tempted to fly up from Florida for this one, but with all the vacation time and $$ we've already burned this year I'd need a good divorce attorney when I returned.

 

Still, it's tempting...

[eball]

Lothar, thanks for coming down from the hill to share your insights. I compare the Bills and Fish rosters and I don't think Miami comes close to the Bills overall talent level at a number of key positions -- namely LB, DB, RB, and WR. They beat us at TE, and (maybe) QB. The OL and DL are a wash -- unproven OLs and stellar DLs.

 

Bills by 10.

 

Oh, and I almost forgot -- smoking doesn't kill people, Nigel Bradham kills people.

Edited September 10, 2014 by eball

[Lothar]

Oh, and I almost forgot -- smoking doesn't kill people, Nigel Bradham kills people.

 

Good point about Nigel being back. I think that takes away the tight end mismatch.

Also, I really like Robey's blitzes - he just seems to hide behind the line and and suddenly pop up into the backfield. I look for him to have a disruptive day in both coverage and rushing.

Edited September 10, 2014 by Lothar

[YoloinOhio]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 11m

Cam Wake named AFC defensive player of the week http://wp.me/p14QSB-9zd3

[truth on hold]

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 11m

Cam Wake named AFC defensive player of the week http://wp.me/p14QSB-9zd3

Let's also not forget that Brady is a statue and folds up like a potatoes bug when the heat is on. The one thing Manuel has on Brady is mobility.

[finfanfromrochester]

The difference in the lines is we have penetrating DTs in Kyle and Dareus and their inside guys are solid but not nearly as explosive

 

Randy Starks is one of the best DTs in the league, and Earl Mitchell absolutely dominated last week, so I wouldn't look past either of them.

 

I think if Tannehill is on point this week, the Dolphins most definitely have the advantage. The Dolphins are going to be stacking the box all day, forcing EJ to use his arm. So if it comes down to Tanne vs. EJ, then I'm taking the Phins 10 times out of 10.

 

Cam Wake should also have a field day on your 7th round rookie tackle, and if he's opposite Cam then Vernon isn't a much easier task. I forsee at least one or two turnovers by EJ by the end of the game due to pressure from them.

 

The second half is where the Dolphins have the ability to break the game open, though. As long as our oline can hold its own and keep Tanne upright, I don't see Bills overcoming the odds to win it. Even with the major home field advantage. Our D is just too much for your O to handle.

 

Our LB core is the weakest link, and even they played lights out last week, Should be a good game until about the mid 3rd quarter in my opinion. Then I forsee the Bills O self imploding.

Edited September 10, 2014 by finfanfromrochester

[sjjr]

Who's going to cover Wallace? From what I could tell on highlights he owned Revis.

Gilmore should up against Hartline, McKelvin should run with Wallace and Graham on Gibson or the #3 receiver.

[HamSandwhich]

Randy Starks is one of the best DTs in the league, and Earl Mitchell absolutely dominated last week, so I wouldn't look past either of them.

 

I think if Tannehill is on point this week, the Dolphins most definitely have the advantage. The Dolphins are going to be stacking the box all day, forcing EJ to use his arm. So if it comes down to Tanne vs. EJ, then I'm taking the Phins 10 times out of 10.

 

Cam Wake should also have a field day on your 7th round rookie tackle, and if he's opposite Cam then Vernon isn't a much easier task. I forsee at least one or two turnovers by EJ by the end of the game due to pressure from them.

 

The second half is where the Dolphins have the ability to break the game open, though. As long as our oline can hold its own and keep Tanne upright, I don't see Bills overcoming the odds to win it. Even with the major home field advantage. Our D is just too much for your O to handle.

 

Our LB core is the weakest link, and even they played lights out last week, Should be a good game until about the mid 3rd quarter in my opinion. Then I forsee the Bills O self imploding.

 

You're ridiculous, don't talk about your rookie versus Mario, or our DL of which sent 3 to the pro bowl last year. You sound like a homer. Also, overcoming the odds? OVERCOMING THE ODDS? Are you serious with this? If any teams need to "overcome the odds" its the fish coming to Ralph Wilson. Good day to you sir

[finfanfromrochester]

You're ridiculous, don't talk about your rookie versus Mario, or our DL of which sent 3 to the pro bowl last year. You sound like a homer. Also, overcoming the odds? OVERCOMING THE ODDS? Are you serious with this? If any teams need to "overcome the odds" its the fish coming to Ralph Wilson. Good day to you sir

 

Your DL is great, I never disputed that. So is ours. JuWaun James has been going against Wake all training camp. Cam Wake > Mario Williams, bottom line there. JuWaun is going to have his hands full, but he is the real deal.

 

If you're really going to go that route, you should be unable to sleep this week thinking about what Wake is going to do to that 7th rounder, I forget his name. He's got no chance.

 

--------

 

Bottom line is, though, these are two great defenses going up against each other. So it's really going to come down to who's O is better, and there's pretty much no disputing that Miami has the overall better O. You can argue that point all you want, but you'd be the homer in that instance.

[Coach Tuesday]

Miami is running out of linebackers, and doesn't have any safeties. They're basically starting street free agents at linebacker and safety. If our line can hold up a bit against their front five, there will be a lot of opportunities to make plays in the passing game. If I were Miami, I'd stack the box and challenge EJ to make quick decisions - if he gets time, it's over.

 

As for Miami's offense, we just need to bottle up the running game and force Tannehill to throw it more than 4 yards past the LOS. I don't think the above poster remembers last year's Miami game at RWS - Ryan Tannehill couldn't wait to get back on the bus. Keep making things uncomfortable for him. Don't let him check it down. Unlike Cutler, Tannehill has the patience to check it down all day (he'd prefer it actually) - they need to take the dinks and dunks away from him.

[finfanfromrochester]

Miami is running out of linebackers, and doesn't have any safeties. They're basically starting street free agents at linebacker and safety. If our line can hold up a bit against their front five, there will be a lot of opportunities to make plays in the passing game. If I were Miami, I'd stack the box and challenge EJ to make quick decisions - if he gets time, it's over.

 

As for Miami's offense, we just need to bottle up the running game and force Tannehill to throw it more than 4 yards past the LOS. I don't think the above poster remembers last year's Miami game at RWS - Ryan Tannehill couldn't wait to get back on the bus. Keep making things uncomfortable for him. Don't let him check it down. Unlike Cutler, Tannehill has the patience to check it down all day (he'd prefer it actually) - they need to take the dinks and dunks away from him.

 

Street free agents? Trusnik, our middle LB has been on the team 4 years and is a captain, this is Jenkins second season and he was fantastic last week, and our UFA Chris McCain is the next big star in the NFL, in my opinion. There are plenty of people that think that this LB core is better than our original three. When we get Misi back it's going to be dangerous. He might even be back this week, too.

 

Safety is also Jimmy Wilson, who has been on the team three years, and has been our starting nickelback for a couple. He graded out really well according to PFF last week too. Was the best player next to Wake, I believe.

 

These guys are more than competent. As long as they can stop the run, which isn't going to be easy, they have good odds in my opinion.

Edited September 10, 2014 by finfanfromrochester

[mikef272002]

Your DL is great, I never disputed that. So is ours. JuWaun James has been going against Wake all training camp. Cam Wake > Mario Williams, bottom line there. JuWaun is going to have his hands full, but he is the real deal.

 

If you're really going to go that route, you should be unable to sleep this week thinking about what Wake is going to do to that 7th rounder, I forget his name. He's got no chance.

 

--------

 

Bottom line is, though, these are two great defenses going up against each other. So it's really going to come down to who's O is better, and there's pretty much no disputing that Miami has the overall better O. You can argue that point all you want, but you'd be the homer in that instance.

 

Good luck with your hopes and dreams, If I were a fish fan I'd be staying awake at nights wondering why they play the Bills this week of all weeks.. Our Defense is much better than you give them credit for, you act as though Miami is just going to some how wear them down and own them late in the game and If that is what your basing your predicted win on then good luck with that, the intensity and pressure will come all day long from our defense and the 12th man I can promise you that much. Yes you have a good team, but this is just not going to be your week, our offense is full of home run hitters, and I'm pretty sure the coaching staff will account for wake and give him help with chip blocks and double teams. It will be a good game not doubt, but to say your going to wear them down is not something you should pin your hopes on..

[Kelly the Dog]

 

Bottom line is, though, these are two great defenses going up against each other. So it's really going to come down to who's O is better, and there's pretty much no disputing that Miami has the overall better O. You can argue that point all you want, but you'd be the homer in that instance.

You mean except we have much better WR, much better RB, much better LT, probably better OL, and equally unproven erratic QBs?

[YoloinOhio]

Your DL is great, I never disputed that. So is ours. JuWaun James has been going against Wake all training camp. Cam Wake > Mario Williams, bottom line there. JuWaun is going to have his hands full, but he is the real deal.

 

If you're really going to go that route, you should be unable to sleep this week thinking about what Wake is going to do to that 7th rounder, I forget his name. He's got no chance.

 

--------

 

Bottom line is, though, these are two great defenses going up against each other. So it's really going to come down to who's O is better, and there's pretty much no disputing that Miami has the overall better O. You can argue that point all you want, but you'd be the homer in that instance.

I will have to disagree with that bottom line.

[Wayne Cubed]

Cam Wake should also have a field day on your 7th round rookie tackle, and if he's opposite Cam then Vernon isn't a much easier task. I forsee at least one or two turnovers by EJ by the end of the game due to pressure from them.

 

Ah yes, Cam Wake who had ZERO sacks against the Bills last year. Not to discount the sacks but one came against the TE Hoomanawhateverhisnameis in the 3rd qtr (where was he before that), who should have never been alone on Wake, so thats an error on the Pats blocking scheme, and a sack that Wake should get every time. And the other one came in the 4th qtr, albeit against Solder.

 

Honestly not worried about Wake, he couldn't beat freaking Erik Pears last year.

Edited September 10, 2014 by Wayne Cubed

[Lothar]

Randy Starks is one of the best DTs in the league, and Earl Mitchell absolutely dominated last week, so I wouldn't look past either of them.

 

I think if Tannehill is on point this week, the Dolphins most definitely have the advantage. The Dolphins are going to be stacking the box all day, forcing EJ to use his arm. So if it comes down to Tanne vs. EJ, then I'm taking the Phins 10 times out of 10.

 

Cam Wake should also have a field day on your 7th round rookie tackle, and if he's opposite Cam then Vernon isn't a much easier task. I forsee at least one or two turnovers by EJ by the end of the game due to pressure from them.

 

The second half is where the Dolphins have the ability to break the game open, though. As long as our oline can hold its own and keep Tanne upright, I don't see Bills overcoming the odds to win it. Even with the major home field advantage. Our D is just too much for your O to handle.

 

Our LB core is the weakest link, and even they played lights out last week, Should be a good game until about the mid 3rd quarter in my opinion. Then I forsee the Bills O self imploding.

 

That's a reasonable expectation from a Dolphin backer. Starks and Odrick are good. Better than Kyle and Dareus? No. Wake and Vernon are probably equal to Williams and Hughes. Whose lines are really better? And the mismatches between your d-line and our o-line are almost identical when switched. Playing at home also gives that fractional advantage for the offense. If this game were in Miami, I'd maybe think differently. I still say that surprise 5-2 look and the heat were the main reasons for the Pats* collapse. The Bills are gonna have to chip and give Seantrel a little help all day even if he's a better tackle than James. But then conversely, James will be going up against Hughes and not Ninkovich so the Dolphins will need to help him as well. I also think our back 7 is definitely deeper and more talented than yours.

 

The one advantage you have may have is at QB but the problem Tannehill has had with accuracy is not completely solved by Lazor's offense either. And our secondary is better than the Pats* ... or yours.

 

Not surprisingly, because I'm a Bills fan, I think our offense will wear down your defense. We'll see whose week 1 performance was closer to a mirage.

Edited September 10, 2014 by Lothar

[finfanfromrochester]

You mean except we have much better WR, much better RB, much better LT, probably better OL, and equally unproven erratic QBs?

 

Well, with all do respect, one of us is most definitely out of our minds it appears.

 

Let me start with WR. Mike Wallace is better than any of your WRs, easily. Brian Hartline probably is too, but I won't try and make that argument. So there we automatically win the WR convo with Mike Wallace alone.

 

RBs you win no doubt, but with Moreno it's closer than it would have been.

 

LT comment is pretty much a joke, as Branden Albert is probably better than Glenn, but I'll call them equal for the sake of this argument.

 

and quite frankly your QB comment is laughable as well. anyone with any knowledge on the NFL would take Tannehill over Manuel, it's not even a question. That's not me being a biased fan, that's just reality. And I'm not even making the argument that Tanne is amazing, because he clearly is not even close -- yet. But to claim he's worse than Manuel, who hasn't even played a full NFL season, is delusional.

[Wayne Cubed]

Street free agents? Trusnik, our middle LB has been on the team 4 years and is a captain, this is Jenkins second season and he was fantastic last week, and our UFA Chris McCain is the next big star in the NFL, in my opinion. There are plenty of people that think that this LB core is better than our original three. When we get Misi back it's going to be dangerous. He might even be back this week, too.

 

Safety is also Jimmy Wilson, who has been on the team three years, and has been our starting nickelback for a couple. He graded out really well according to PFF last week too. Was the best player next to Wake, I believe.

 

These guys are more than competent. As long as they can stop the run, which isn't going to be easy, they have good odds in my opinion.

 

Seriously, do you not even know your own players? Trusnik who has started all of 5 games in 4 years in Miami, and has recorded a whopping 72 tackles in 4 years is going to be your saviour in the middle?

[The Big Cat]

Who has a better run game, Buffalo or New England? Taken in a vacuum, Buffalo. As a compliment to the passing game, probably New England, but Buffalo has much MUCH better receivers. So, I'd expect the offense (minus the heat and humidity) to perform much better than New England's did. Period. We're also at home. I don't know on what planet, based on the (admittedly small) sample set we have, the edge would go to Miami's defense over our offense.

 

On the flip side, Miami ran the ball at will against New England. This should come as no surprise since (a) the run-stuffing NT they've relied on for a decade (Wilfork) is about three years past his prime and has entered the nosedive portion of his career which was always inevitable. But more importantly (b) their best run-stuffing LB...IS NOW A BUFFALO BILL.

 

So, to me, it makes NO SENSE to say that the Miami offense is to be feared because they ran with success against New England last week.

 

Well, with all do respect, one of us is most definitely out of our minds it appears.

 

Let me start with WR. Mike Wallace is better than any of your WRs, easily. Brian Hartline probably is too, but I won't try and make that argument. So there we automatically win the WR convo with Mike Wallace alone.

 

RBs you win no doubt, but with Moreno it's closer than it would have been.

 

LT comment is pretty much a joke, as Branden Albert is probably better than Glenn, but I'll call them equal for the sake of this argument.

 

and quite frankly your QB comment is laughable as well. anyone with any knowledge on the NFL would take Tannehill over Manuel, it's not even a question. That's not me being a biased fan, that's just reality. And I'm not even making the argument that Tanne is amazing, because he clearly is not even close -- yet. But to claim he's worse than Manuel, who hasn't even played a full NFL season, is delusional.

 

Credibility, meet the open window.

[YoloinOhio]

Well, with all do respect, one of us is most definitely out of our minds it appears.

 

Let me start with WR. Mike Wallace is better than any of your WRs, easily. Brian Hartline probably is too, but I won't try and make that argument. So there we automatically win the WR convo with Mike Wallace alone.

 

RBs you win no doubt, but with Moreno it's closer than it would have been.

 

LT comment is pretty much a joke, as Branden Albert is probably better than Glenn, but I'll call them equal for the sake of this argument.

 

and quite frankly your QB comment is laughable as well. anyone with any knowledge on the NFL would take Tannehill over Manuel, it's not even a question. That's not me being a biased fan, that's just reality. And I'm not even making the argument that Tanne is amazing, because he clearly is not even close -- yet. But to claim he's worse than Manuel, who hasn't even played a full NFL season, is delusional.

hmmmm Edited September 10, 2014 by YoloinOhio