After getting of to a solid start under Rex Ryan, the Buffalo Bills have been reeling of late. However, they're coming off of a much-needed bye week and are finally healthy on offense, which should give the team a lift. Tyrod Taylor is expected to return after a two-game absence as the Bills look to get out of the basement in the AFC East.
The Miami Dolphins had their first letdown of the Dan Campbell era, falling to the Patriots 36-7 after a short week of preparation. Ryan Tannehill and Lamar Miller will look to rebound in this important divisional matchup after disappointing outings a week ago.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Dolphins and the Bills.
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1. Get Lamar Miller involved early
Prior to last week's debacle against the Patriots, Miller had been emerging as the Dolphins' best offensive player. Following a 236-yard performance, Miller touched the ball just 14 times for 34 yards against the Patriots as Miami fell behind early. The Dolphins have to feed Miller early to establish the run before they're forced to abandon it upon getting behind against the Bills.
2. Keep Ryan Tannehill upright
The Patriots got to Tannehill five times last week, which is the most sacks the Dolphins have allowed this season. It's no surprise Tannehill struggled a great deal in that game. He was never comfortable in the pocket and wasn't able to get enough time for deep routes down the field to develop. The offensive line is likely to get a change with Dallas Thomas moving to tackle, so they'll need to figure out a way to stop the Bills' elite pass rushers.
3. Contain the Bills' rushing attack
The Bills' best asset on offense is their rushing attack, whether it's with Tyrod Taylor or LeSean McCoy. Both players appear to be healthier than they have been in recent weeks, so Rex Ryan will likely lean heavily on the ground in this one. The Dolphins have had trouble stopping the run all season, which means the Bills could try to take advantage of that weakness. The Dolphins' 25th-ranked run defense could be in for a long day.
1. Force Tannehill to make mistakes with the blitz
The Dolphins were unable to protect Tannehill last week against the Patriots, allowing five sacks and a great deal of pressure. The Bills' pass rush hasn't been what it was expected to be, so Ryan may need to send extra men on the blitz to get to Tannehill. When he's been pressured this season, he's made mistakes and has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long, leading to turnovers.
2. Run it outside with McCoy
The Dolphins have a big man in the middle of the defensive line who goes by the name of Ndamukong Suh. The Bills would be smart to run away from him as much as possible. Although Suh hasn't put up big numbers in his first season with the Dolphins, he's still a disruptive force in the middle and can quickly frustrate McCoy and the Bills' rushing attack. Buffalo will need to run away from Suh with McCoy, who's always been better outside the tackles than between them.
3. Let Taylor make plays with his legs
The bye week did the Bills a lot of good, as they'll get their signal caller back after a two-game absence. Ryan said there's no concern of re-injury of Taylor's knee, so he should be as dynamic of a playmaker as he was before the injury. Greg Roman should call a few designed runs for Taylor with evidence that they've worked extremely well in the past. He's averaging six yards per carry and can open up running lanes for McCoy with the read-option.
