Miami Dolphins Vs Buffalo Bills: 6 Pack Of Key Match Ups
The Miami Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in week 11, each seeking to reach 6-4 and get a leg up on each other in the playoff race. Both teams are coming off forth quarter losses and look to rebound on the short week. The Bills have beaten the Dolphins in 3 straight game, The Dolphins need to play their best ball of the season if they are to break that cycle against a hungry Bills team.
In order for the Miami Dolphins to earn a victory, a few match-ups will have to go their way, but a few seem to stand out more than others making up this week’s Key Match Ups 6 Pack.
Match Up 1: Jerry Hughes vs. Ja’Wuan James
Branden Albert’s devastating injury last week pushes James to the for front. Not only will he be asked to block two of the league’s better pass rushers in Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams, he will be making his first start coming off a short week at Left Tackle. James had been having a good year at his natural position, but with the leader of the o-line going down, the rookie will be tasked in protecting Tannehill’s blindside, he’s going to have to play the best game of his career to give Tannehill the time he needs in the pocket to execute our offense. Look for the Dolphins to employ a quick passing game and try to establish the running game to help the young fella out.
Match Up 2: Dallas Thomas vs. Mario Williams
Like the Dolphins o-line wasn’t playing enough musical chairs already, now Thomas a guard all season long, will now line up at OT opposite one of the best pass rushers in the league in Mario Williams. Williams has consistently been a match up nightmare for the Dolphins. The second year pro better bring his lunch pail and be ready to work or else Williams is going to take his lunch money. Dolphins have to figure out a way to survive this match up terror.
Match Up 3: Cameron Wake Vs. Seantrel Henderson
The former University of Miami Offensive tackle Henderson was highly recruited coming out of high school and failed to live up to the hype during his playing career with the Hurricanes. Well Henderson has been a solid player for the Bills starting every game. In their last match up in week 2 of the season, Henderson shut out Wake from a sack as Wake had issues getting around the Wooly Mammoth. Wake has had a great year already matching last season’s sack total, the Fins are going to need Wake to terrorize the veteran QB Kyle Orton.
Match Up 4: Charles Clay vs. Buffalo’s Linebackers
Charles Clay needs to redeem himself after dropping a touchdown last week that would have probably iced the Lions. In the last game these two teams played, Clay was banged up and nowhere near effective enough in the passing game, Tannehill is going to need his safety valve controlling the middle of the field to help slow down the Bills pass rush. The Bills linebackers are good against the run but vulnerable against the pass, Clay needs to take advantage of that.
Match Up 5: Brent Grimes vs. Sammy Watkins
Watkins got the best of this match up last time, racking up over a 100 yards on the day, while the Fins played mostly zone coverage, look for them not to make that mistake again and challenge the Bills receivers at the line of scrimmage more often tonight.
Match Up 6: Brain Hartline vs. Leodis McKelvin
With the Bills more than likely to roll double coverage with the safety over the top of Mike Wallace and shadowing him with Stephon Gilmore. The Dolphins are going to need Hartline to take advantage of one on one coverage from Leodis McKelvin. McKelvin played a solid game against the Fins last time and has some fighting words this week with bulletin board material that should have Dolphins’ receivers anxious to shut his mouth. Hartline is due to bust out and take this fool to school.
With playoff fates on the line, it will be interesting if the Dolphins can serve up win for their loyal fan base that comes out on a Thursday Night to watch their guys play. The Fins need to win this game and breathe life into their fan base who is down after last weeks last minute loss. Ryan Tannehill needs this win, as this is the team he’s struggled the most with over his early career. FINS UP!