The Buffalo Bills look to avoid starting the 2021 season 0-2 for the first time since 2018 when they travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins, who are aiming to get off to a 2-0 start.
Here are my three keys to the game for the Bills, plus notes, and stats:
1.) Protect the football
The Dolphins have been terrific at taking the ball away from their opponent since the start of last season. They lead the entire league in takeaways last season with 29, and finished tied for the most interceptions in the NFL with 18. They also forced 16 fumbles, recovering 11 of them.
They picked off right where they left off last week in their 2021 season opener against the New England Patriots, forcing four fumbles, recovering two of them, including one at their own 11-yard line with under four minutes left while leading by only one point. It essentially saved and sealed the win.
The Bills fumbled the football four times last week in their season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have to be better at securing it this week.
2.) Offensive line rebound
Last Sunday, the Bills offense gave up three sacks, and also allowed eight total quarterback pressures. The offensive line alone was also called for five holding penalties on the afternoon. It wasn’t a good start for the group up front.
Obviously, the Steelers defensive line had something to do with that. They’re one of the best groups in the league.
While the Dolphins may not have that type of talent across their front, they’re going to take notice and try to replicate the same success. No matter who is on the schedule this week, the Bills' offensive line needs to play better, both individually one-on-one and as a group.
3.) Score touchdowns
It sounds simplistic to say, because obviously you need points to win and always want to score as much as possible, but the Bills offense has to put the ball in the end zone.
Last week, they wasted really good starting field position, including first half drive starts at the Steelers' 24-yard line, their own 37, and the Steelers' 35, where they only came away with two field goals. They were also poor in the red zone, converting only one of four trips inside the Pittsburgh 20 into a touchdown.
That’s a recipe for a loss in any game. They need touchdowns.
NOTES AND STATS:
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