The Miami Dolphins (5-5) look to keep playoff hopes alive in Buffalo
By Jerm3462
November 28.2009
Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills (Sunday 1:00pm)
For the Miami Dolphins to make the playoffs in a tough AFC, they must win all 6 of their remaining games. That daunting task begins Sunday in Buffalo. It won't be as easy as last time.
In October, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Bills 38-10 in Miami. The Dolphins, led by their new starting quarterback Chad Henne mounted scoring drives of 65, 66 and 65 yards. Miami dominated the Bills at the line of scrimmage, allowing Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to gobble up 250 yards on the ground.
"That's what we want to do - pound the ball and wear guys down," tackle Jake Long said. "It starts up front, and our running backs were relentless and bulling through people."
"Those 30- and 40-yard runs add up quickly," Bills defensive end Ryan Denney said.
The Dolphins figure to try and duplicate that same success on Sunday against a Buffalo defense that has given up 15 rushing touchdowns this season.
Although Buffalo is essentially eliminated from playoff contention, they are playing better football. The Bills, led by new interim head coach Perry Fewell have been playing inspired football. Last week vs. Jacksonville the Bills (3-7) bottled up Maurice Jones-Drew, and managed 300 yards of offense for the first time in two months.
Bills star WR Terrell Owens caught nine passes for 197 yards and a score. It was his best outing with the Bills.
Even though Buffalo played well, they still lost that game, and a lot more. Already devastated by the injury bug, both of the Bills' starting offensive guards were lost for the remainder of the season due to injuries. One of the injuries, Eric Woods' broken leg was so horrific, CBS would not show it on replay. It's on Youtube, if you are curious like I was. Be warned, it's gross. I almost threw up when I saw it.
So how does an injury maligned team with an interm head coach compete against a good Miami Dolphins team playing for a playoff spot?
"It's a challenge each week," admitted Bills coach Fewell, whose team gave up a touchdown in the final minute and dropped an 18-15 decision at Jacksonville in his head-coaching debut Sunday.
The Bills will lose the challenge again Sunday.
The Dolphins and their 4th ranked rushing attack, now led by RB Ricky Williams will be able to control the ball and wear down an injury plagued Buffalo squad. There was some doubt in Miami as to whether or not the Dolphins could continue to have success running the football without star RB Ronnie Brown. That question was answered last Thursday in Carolina. Ricky Williams showed he still has it. The 32-year-old Williams rushed for 119 yards and scored three touchdowns, and the Dolphins beat the Carolina Panthers 24-17 for their fourth win in six games. That performance earned Ricky AFC Player of the Week honors.
Miami QB Chad Henne will continue to play mistake free football.
The Buffalo Bills will have trouble protecting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick due to it's inexperienced offensive line. Inexperience is not something you want going up against Miami Dolphins pass rushers like Jason Taylor and Joey Porter.
Although closer this time around, Miami will complete the sweep of Buffalo on Sunday.
The Dolphins are just better coached, have better players, and are healthier than the Bills.
The Dolphins NEED this game.
Dolphins 17 Bills 10
(Photo courtesy of Sun-Sentinel)
What do you guys think of my 1st blog?
Kool-Aid78 gave Jerm3462 1 SBR Point(s) for this post.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Jerm3462
good post... 
