2022 Season – Game 3 – Bills @ Dolphins

I’m going to admit that I have flip-flopped on my direction of this article about 3 times before I started typing. Last night before I actually fell asleep I do some deep thinking, and I was picturing in my mind the Dolphins scoring lots of points and outlasting the Bills at Hard Rock. When I woke up I had more of a dread feeling about this game, the one that every Dolphins fan has (or should have) that the Bills have absolutely owned us over the last 3 seasons and if we’re being realistic, we haven’t belonged on the same field with them. If I wrote the article just then, I’d have us losing, and by double digits. Now I sit here clear headed, caffeinated, and I hope accurate, as I feel like this going to be a wild shootout in Miami, minimal defense, a whole lot of offense, possibly near record breaking, and the Dolphins somehow topple the big, bad Bills. One thing might disrupt that, there are thunderstorms in the forecast, and that would much more derail our offense than the Bills. We’ve seen Tua fail in sloppy weather, so I’m hoping that doesn’t come into play here.

Both teams are hurting on defense, more specifically in the secondaries. Dolphins CB Xavien Howard is going to play, but he’s dealing with a groin injury. We’re already missing CB Byron Jones, but I can’t imagine us trying to cover Stefon Diggs and Gabe Jackson with Nik Needham, and Kader Kohou. For the Bills, S Micah Hyde is OUT. CB Dane Jackson is questionable with a neck injury. The Bills may decide to let Jackson heal up as they have with S Micah Hyde, which would leave CB Siran Neal as the likely starter, mostly a STs guy who has played less than 20% of the snaps on defense over his 4 year career with the Bills. We saw what happened last week against the Ravens, but one major difference, this Bills defense can bring lots of pressure from their front 7, especially considering the addition of All Pro DE Von Miller. Adding Miller to this defense gives 2nd year DE Gregory Rousseau less attention, and this Bills defense already has 9 sacks in just 2 games. Our O-line played fantastic during the comeback last week, but this will be a huge test for this group.

OK, so let’s talk about last week! Yes, I was in the process of losing my my mind and throwing in the white towel and in between a multitude of curses muttering in between gritted teeth something along the lines of “same old Dolphins getting mauled by the Ravens” and then IT happened. The best comeback in team history and among the best in the history of the NFL, erasing a 21 point deficit with less than 1 quarter left. Our two ultra fast WR’s were just running by people, sometimes before the catch, and sometimes after the catch. Tua was masterful in getting the ball out to these guys. Sure, some passes were underthrown, but I’ve seen Mahomes do the very same with Tyreek Hill, and no one blinks. Just get it there, and he did. Some of Tua’s throws were just fantastic, throwing into tight windows like to Waddle and Gesicki in the endzone, and letting your receiver make the play. When it was all over, we knocked off the Ravens in their house, a house of horrors for us as we have never won at M&T Stadium. Actually, we’ve been thoroughly dismantled at M&T Stadium, and at home in Miami as well. This was such a big win, but it’s just one game, we must continue this type of play against the Bills.

We know Josh Allen is going to run, the question is can we limit him, or hit him so hard he stops running. Our pass rush has been anemic, invisible and disappointing. We have 2 sacks in 2 games, and one of them was from the safety spot, a huge strip sack by S Brandon Jones. I mean it wasn’t just me that expected so much more from Jalean Phillips, and then we added Melvin Ingram and Trey Flowers and added them to Emmanuel Ogbah, who would probably crack double digit sacks after finishing with 9 sacks both last year and in 2020. So far, we haven’t gotten the job done and the pressure, forgetting sacks for a moment, hasn’t been there. That has to change this week against the Bills. If Josh Allen has all the time in the world to throw he will shred us. Our front 7 will also have a tough assignment to stop Josh Allen from running wild, and also keeping an eye on Devin Singletary and Zack Moss as outlets. We’ve scuffled badly against this offense, getting pushed around with Allen looking like the bully on the block, and our defenders looking like the poor bullied victim. One thing that could change that somewhat is our offense lighting up the scoreboard. If we can be the aggressor, and score TD’s each possession, that might take away that part of their offense, where Josh Allen just runs us over.

I’m curious to see if our offense is going to be the same high flying aerial attack, or will our RB’s have a larger role this week, both rushing, and probably more likely catching the ball. If our WR’s can get open like last week we might not see much of a running game, but if Tua doesn’t have time to throw like he did last week, the RB’s will play a larger role, both in pass protection and as outlet receivers when Tua won’t have the time to go downfield. We know in theory HC Mike McDaniel wants to run the ball, but once again I point out our backs need space to operate, so short quick passes with a LB in coverage to speedy RB’s like Raheem Mostert can break a defense. I think Mostert might have a huge game Sunday but that’s mainly if we don’t/can’t give Tua time. I’d be shocked if we beat the Bills with 30 carries and just kept the ball away, I can’t even fathom that happening, but who could have seen the improbable comeback last week? Mike McDaniel might just keep everyone guessing. Either way, I hope Mike McDaniel just keeps winning!

INJURY UPDATE – S Micah Hyde, CB Dane Jackson and DT Jordan Phillips are all OUT for the Bills

#stangerstrong

GO DOLPHINS!!!

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319 Responses to 2022 Season – Game 3 – Bills @ Dolphins

  1. CavalierKong says:

    McDaniel on still having an open roster spot.

    “I can promise you it won’t be open forever. We’re not just doing it because 52 is our lucky number.”

    Maybe we’re leaving the spot open for Byron Jones’ return next week after Cincy.

  2. stangerx says:

    If I’m gonna buy a Blur Brothers T-shirt the graphic had better be incrdieble. Insert Hill and Waddle — this would do.

  3. herdfan says:

    Howie’s List
    Dolphins vs Bills
    🦬 38-27 🐬
    🦍 34-31 🐬
    🐷 37-10 🐬
    🌴 23-20 🐬
    🗿 34-27 🐃
    ✋️ 38-35 🐬
    🎰 13-10🐬
    🤠 35–28 🐬
    🐎 21 – 17 🐬
    🐠🐟🐡🦈 28-17 🐬
    🏈 : 31-30 🐬
    🌞 34-31 🐬💪
    ☁️33-23 🐬(UK)
    😺27-3 🐬
    👨🏻‍🦳 26-23 🐬

  4. herdfan says:

    Howie’s List
    Dolphins vs Bills
    🦬 38-27 🐬
    🦍 34-31 🐬
    🐷 37-10 🐬
    🌴 23-20 🐬
    🗿 34-27 🐃
    ✋️ 38-35 🐬
    🎰 13-10🐬
    🤠 35–28 🐬
    🐎 21 – 17 🐬
    🐠🐟🐡🦈 28-17 🐬
    🏈 : 31-30 🐬
    🌞 34-31 🐬💪
    ☁️33-23 🐬(UK)
    😺27-3 🐬
    👨🏻‍🦳 26-23 🐬
    Tim 31-24 🐬

  5. steveccnv says:

    OD is going to love the PI call on 4th and goal from the 3 ND 31 Carolina 14

    Cheats don’t even get that much love from the officiating crew

    I’ve been an ND fan all my life, we move on to further action…38-14 now after penalty

  6. stangerx says:

    Dolphins “announced that offensive tackle Larnel Coleman and wide receiver River Cracraft will be available” against the Bills.

    Isn’t that the 3rd and last time for Cracraft unless they put him on the 53?

  7. steveccnv says:

    Howie’s List
    Dolphins vs Bills
    🦬 38-27 🐬
    🦍 34-31 🐬
    🐷 37-10 🐬
    🌴 23-20 🐬
    🗿 34-27 🐃
    ✋️ 38-35 🐬
    🎰 13-10🐬
    🤠 35–28 🐬
    🐎 21 – 17 🐬
    🐠🐟🐡🦈 28-17 🐬
    🏈 : 31-30 🐬
    🌞 34-31 🐬💪
    ☁️33-23 🐬(UK)
    😺27-3 🐬
    👨🏻‍🦳 26-23 🐬
    🗡 31-24 🐬

  8. manitobafinfan says:

    Howie’s List
    Dolphins vs Bills
    🦬 38-27 🐬
    🦍 34-31 🐬
    🐷 37-10 🐬
    🌴 23-20 🐬
    🗿 34-27 🐃
    ✋️ 38-35 🐬
    🎰 13-10🐬
    🤠 35–28 🐬
    🐎 21 – 17 🐬
    🐠🐟🐡🦈 28-17 🐬
    🏈 : 31-30 🐬
    🌞 34-31 🐬💪
    ☁️33-23 🐬(UK)
    😺27-3 🐬
    👨🏻‍🦳 26-23 🐬
    🗡 31-24 🐬
    🇨🇦 36-27 (walk off pick 6 to seal it)

  9. Tim Knight says:

    Because we’re 2-0, I’m not worried or concerned about this game but more excited for it. We’ve been chasing wins the last few years. A win would be awesome, a loss won’t create any panic.

  10. steveccnv says:

    Anything more annoying than targeting in NCAAF?

  11. steveccnv says:

    Arkansas just got a 58 yard bomb for a td, but call was reversed, after T A&M threw their mulligan flag, arguing it was a busted coverage

  12. mf13ss says:

    Had to go to bed before Albert Pujols hit #700 last night… MARVELOUS!!! I’m proud of that guy!!!

    He’s now only 6 RBIs behind Babe Ruth to tie for #2 all-time.

  13. mf13ss says:

    CavalierKong says:
    September 24, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    Do we like ‘Blur Brothers’ as a nickname?
    —————-
    I dunno, kind of sounds… not quite right, perhaps forced. I’m very good with “The Cheetah and the Penguin”.

  14. mf13ss says:

    This…

    • mf13ss says:

      I pray this isn’t a sign of JEJ passing away shortly. That man — and his voice — are ICONIC. I realize he’s 91 years old and won’t live forever, but still. At least his voice will last FOREVER via AI tech.

  15. randydolfan1947 says:

    THE LATEST ADVISORY from the National Hurricane Center has good news for Tampa Bay area residents. The “Spaghetti Forecasts” are in virtual agreement that Hurricane IAN will stay 75 to 100 miles WEST of Tampa Bay and end up hitting the panhandle of Florida somewhere in the vicinity of Tallahassee. HOWEVER, the strom is now forecast to rise to a Category 4 level when it is closest to Tampa Bay before losing some punch back to a Category 3 intensity level at landfall.

    But this, of course, is just a forecast– NOT a guaranteed all clear signal for the Bay area. Just a small shift in direction could bring the eye of the storm right into my back yard. We intend to take as many precautions as we can, even though Mrs. OD and me are not in the best of health right now.

    That said, our health would definitely be improved by a Dolphins victory tomorrow at what’s left of the football field at Hard Head Stadium. I STILL find it hard to believe that the owner of the franchise (which includes the Stadium) would permit THREE major athletic events earlier this week on the very field where tomorrow’s Bills-Dolphins game will be played. I guess most of you are aware that earlier this afternoon the 25 and 1/2 point favorite Miami Hurricanes were upset by Middle Tennessee 45-31 on this very same field!!! – – I’m wondering if the condition of the playing field was a factor in this monumental upset?
    —————————–
    BEAT THE BILLS!!!!!!!!!

  16. randydolfan1947 says:

    HEY YOUNG STANGER: I JUST found out you had another birthday!!–Me and Mrs. OD say “Congratulations and continued improvement in your health!!” You’ll always be “Young Stanger” to us!!

    HERD: We’re pretty well caught up with our laundry, which will give us MORE TIME to watch the Dolphins BEAT THE BILLS!! – – But keep a load of laundry available, just in case things get scary at the finish!

    Gotta get my beauty rest!! – – OUT for tonight!

  17. ukfinfan says:

    Howie’s List
    Dolphins vs Bills
    🦬 38-27 🐬
    🦍 34-31 🐬
    🐷 37-10 🐬
    🌴 23-20 🐬
    🗿 34-27 🐃
    ✋️ 38-35 🐬
    🎰 13-10🐬
    🤠 35–28 🐬
    🐎 21 – 17 🐬
    🐠🐟🐡🦈 28-17 🐬
    🏈 : 31-30 🐬
    🌞 34-31 🐬💪
    🇬🇧33-23 🐬
    😺27-3 🐬
    👨🏻‍🦳 26-23 🐬
    🗡 31-24 🐬
    🇨🇦 36-27 (walk off pick 6 to seal it)

    Reverted back to Union flag emoji ….. Metaxa hangover not as bad as Ouzo 😉. Loved the story from yesterday BBM. I started the week on Mythos but finished their supplies so went on to Alfa Pils and Amstel up next.

    Where is everyone? Biggest game of the season for too long today. We now have a proper coach who has done so much in such a short space of time, Grier has given him some quality tools to work with and we are relevant, competitive and as close to being well balanced as I can remember for ages. What a time to be a Dolfan.

    We’re catching the bus into Mykonos town today by way of a distraction but looking forward to getting back and tuning in later.

    Fins Up

  18. uwantwat says:

    I really the Blur Brothers as a nickname. It seems a fit to my eyes.

  19. ukfinfan says:

    Let’s hope this is our OL

    • naplesfan2010 says:

      They’re so intelligent.
      The fact that they exit the wave as soon as it is done shows they were consciously playing.
      The way they all turn around in the end of a wave going the opposite direction shows how powerful they are.
      Go Dolphins.

  20. Rockphin says:

    IT’S GAME DAY BITCHES!!!!
    Go Dolphins!!

  21. randydolfan1947 says:

    THE “EURO” forecast for storm IAN has both Tampa Bay and Orlando in play to receive high winds. The predominantly U.S. models are more focused on the panhandle area, especially the portion from Tallahassee westward over to Pensacola. I imagine by this time tomorrow, the two groups of models will be much closer together than they now are. NOT a good feeling right now.

    YOUNG STANGER, hope you caught our comments on your birthday just a bit up the page. It’s SO GREAT to hear about your improving health!!
    —————-
    Dolphins-26, Bills-23 as a Sanders 40 yard Field Goal wins it at the buzzer!!

  22. mf13ss says:

    Poyer is OUT

  23. Mike E. says:

    IDGAF how many defenders the Bills have out today. Nobody cares when it’s our players, so I certainly don’t care about Bills players being out. Either they overcome that or they don’t. I understand the national media will be different should we win, but we STILL FUCKING WIN!!!

  24. Wyoming85 says:

    Game Day!!!!!!!!!!!

  25. Wyoming85 says:

    Let’s do it!!

  26. Rockphin says:

    Nope I will never refer to them as the Blur brothers.
    If others do I will attempt to kill it

  27. naplesfan2010 says:

    TS Ian is aimed at Steinhatchee in the Big bend now … a very low density population area with lots of mangroves to absorb the storm surge and blunt the winds.

    • bailbondmike says:

      I hate it for them. Steinhatchie just built a bunch of new floating docks just up the mouth of the river to support all the tourism. A surge will surely wipe that out. Keaton beach is only 15 miles north of there and about 3-4 feet above sea level.

      • naplesfan2010 says:

        oh sorry … i certainly do not wish ill on them.
        I think the storm will be mushy and soft if it takes that trajectory.
        Floating docks should be able to ride the crest with minimal damage.

  28. The Flying Pig says:

    Time to Oink!

  29. The Flying Pig says:

  30. uwantwat says:

    I fail to understand the angst regarding the Blur Brothers moniker. Please explain!

  31. bailbondmike says:

    Naples, no worries. We all hope these storms don’t hit us, but they have to hit someone. The guy we rent from in Keaton Beach is always quick to repair. Love his place. It’s the perfect man escape (if you like to fish). lol

  32. The Flying Pig says:

    Going to slatterys today to watch the game

  33. bailbondmike says:

    I liked CB Elam. I thought he was in the top 4 of CBs in the draft last year. Hope this game is too much for the rookie.

  34. bailbondmike says:

    HERD, please don’t wait to do laundry until the 4th quarter again. 😉

    • herdfan says:

      I’ve got plenty now. Enough for the entire game. 😂

      I’ve been moving for what seems like forever, but I finally have laundry(and everything else) in one place.

      Go Dolphins!!!

      ❤️🐬🏈

  35. naplesfan2010 says:

    IF that is IF
    we can control their EDGE rushers and make sure none of them hurt Tua
    and also do not let Von
    cause a strip sack TO,
    then I think we’ll be fine on offense.

  36. naplesfan2010 says:

    On defense,
    if we can keep them from scoring on bombs,
    we should be able to keep their score under 27.

  37. naplesfan2010 says:

    11AM update on Ian has it making landfall even more north,
    aimed at Perry now,
    which is much farther inland
    and even less populated at the Gulf.

  38. Rhino says:

    I WISH IT WERE HOTTER !!

    Howie’s List
    Dolphins vs Bills
    🦬 38-27 🐬
    🦍 34-31 🐬
    🐷 37-10 🐬
    🌴 23-20 🐬
    🗿 34-27 🐃
    ✋️ 38-35 🐬
    🎰 13-10🐬
    🤠 35–28 🐬
    🐎 21 – 17 🐬
    🐠🐟🐡🦈 28-17 🐬
    🏈 : 31-30 🐬
    🌞 34-31 🐬💪
    🇬🇧33-23 🐬
    😺27-3 🐬
    👨🏻‍🦳 26-23 🐬
    🗡 31-24 🐬
    🇨🇦 36-27 (walk off pick 6 to seal it)
    🦏 38-31 🐬

    If Bills secondary were fully healthy I would have been making a homer pick with a lower score … but this feels realistic.

    Fins offense has really only had 2 great qtrs after 6 mediocre qtrs… but when you FIND the mojo, the hardest part of new teammates, you usually KEEP that mojo.

  39. naplesfan2010 says:

    Raekwon is inactive for us dammit.

  40. Mike E. says:

    Wyo – No can do bro! I’ve been taking the DirecTV pic of the matchup and using that, and we’re 2-0. NO changes!!!

  41. Rockphin says:

    I will feel much better if we show that we can run consistently for first downs or at least short third downs. Otherwise I feel we will lose a shoot out. Even with rookies and sixth round players in their secondary.

    • naplesfan2010 says:

      true … if we can just gash ’em for one double digit run per quarter, that should really help us get into the red zone.

  42. Rockphin says:

    Nobody is going to say but Jones isn’t playing for Miami if Josh Allen lights up our secondary.

  43. naplesfan2010 says:

    New coaches, new players, new offense …. never mind after last quarter of last game.
    We gellin’ NOW, baby.

  44. Rockphin says:

    I kind of like the Winning Streaks

  45. CavalierKong says:

    A lot of pressure to win today. If we can’t beat this team in our home when their ENTIRE secondary is injured and they are missing two of their Dline…

  46. CavalierKong says:

    Should have worn the throwbacks

  47. Mike E. says:

    Gameday blog up and ready to go for gametime!

  48. Rockphin says:

    Jaylen Streak and Tyreek Streak
    The Winnng Streaks

  49. CavalierKong says:

    I’m not really a fan of the Blur Brothers nickname, except in Stang’s suggestion of the Blues Bros t-shirt which is an awesome idea, lol.

  50. CavalierKong says:

    Yay, CBS Miami is working today, so I get to watch the local Dolphins broadcast until 9

  51. CavalierKong says:

    Gaskin inactive, kind of a surprise

  52. Rockphin says:

    Hey somebody screen capture this and tweet it out on that Twitter device.

    Tyreek and Jaylen Streak.
    The Winning Streaks

    I want it immortalized that I made it up. LOL

  53. CavalierKong says:

    I haven’t been this nervous for a game in a long time. It’s still early, but considering our schedule, if we win today I think we’d have to have a major collapse to miss the playoffs.

  54. naplesfan2010 says:

    It’s still only one game.
    I did not predict us going 17-0.

    Buffalo lost 6 games last year.
    Cincy lost 7, and they made it to the Super Bowl.

  55. Wyoming85 says:

    ok

  56. CavalierKong says:

    No offense intended, but The Winning Streaks is almost as bad as…

    😉

  57. Ken says:

    I think we have seen enough of Bridgewater

  58. Mike E. says:

    https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

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