Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will be looking for their second-consecutive 3-0 start to the season on Thursday night when they host the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium.
In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
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1.) Don't let them off the mat
The Dolphins are 0-2 and reeling. Their head coach, Mike McDaniel, is facing a lot of heat from fans and the media. They've allowed 33 points in each of their first two contests. Their offense has scored a total of 28 points through two games.
Miami is traveling to Buffalo on a short week with a banged-up offensive line. The Bills are favored by almost two touchdowns.
The last thing Buffalo wants to do is give their division rival a reason to believe they can pull the massive upset on national television. The Bills need to take control early and keep it.
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2.) Be aggressive in the passing game
The Dolphins rank 30th in the NFL, giving up 9.10 yards per-pass play. That's after facing quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Drake Maye.
The Bills are eighth-best in the league, averaging 8.78 yards per-pass. Weather conditions will be perfect for throwing the football, and Josh Allen and the Bills should do that against a secondary they should be able to take advantage of.
Bryan M. Bennett - Getty Images
3.) Don't allow the big play
The Dolphins have four touchdowns through two games. They've come on plays 11, 18, 29, and 74 yards. They have a lot of speed and the ability to strike quickly from anywhere on the field, including on special teams.
The Bills defense has to limit their big-plays and make Miami grind out drives, eventually forcing a mistake or punt.
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