Sep/060
Pregame: Bills @ Dolphins
DOLPHINS RUNNING GAME VS. BILLS RUN DEFENSE
After RB Ronnie Brown gained just 30 yards on 15 carries in a season-opening 28-17 loss to Pittsburgh, the Dolphins should have an easier time rushing against a Bills defense that surrendered 183 yards in a 19-17 loss to New England last Sunday. Buffalo will probably start two rookies at safety (Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson) and may have to shuffle its linebacker corps if Takeo Spikes (hamstring) is out. Starting DT Kyle Williams and backup John McCargo are rookies, which could leave the Bills susceptible up the middle. EDGE: Dolphins
DOLPHINS PASSING GAME VS. BILLS PASS DEFENSE
If the offensive line can handle Buffalo’s aggressive front seven, QB Daunte Culpepper should rebound from a shaky performance against the Steelers. The Bills had three first-half sacks of Patriots QB Tom Brady — even forcing a fumble to score a touchdown on the game’s opening play — before New England adjusted and didn’t allow any in the final two quarters. After he didn’t catch a first-half pass against Pittsburgh, look for the Dolphins to get WR Chris Chambers the football early. EDGE: Dolphins
BILLS RUNNING GAME VS. DOLPHINS RUN DEFENSE
RB Willis McGahee reported to training camp seven pounds lighter than last season at 228, but improved conditioning might not yield better results because of Buffalo’s mediocre offensive line. The former University of Miami star has only four rushes of more than 20 yards in his past 17 games. Buoyed by a strong performance from one of the league’s top offensive lines, the Steelers kept possession for 35:27 behind the running of Willie Parker (29 carries, 115 yards). EDGE: Dolphins
BILLS PASSING GAME VS. DOLPHINS PASS DEFENSE
An errant shotgun snap, a fumbled handoff (recovered by the Bills) and three sacks — including one for the game-winning safety — were just some of the problems experienced by Buffalo QB J.P. Losman against New England. Expect the Bills to try and get WR Lee Evans more involved after he caught only two passes for 25 yards. The Dolphins’ secondary must correct the mental errors in coverage responsibilities that led to three touchdown passes from Steelers backup QB Charlie Batch. EDGE: Dolphins
BILLS SPECIAL TEAMS VS. DOLPHINS SPECIAL TEAMS
WR Wes Welker did an outstanding job on punt returns against Pittsburgh, with his 47-yard jaunt setting up a Dolphins score. In comparison, the Steelers averaged 1.7 yards on three punt returns. Buffalo’s Terrence McGee is one of the AFC’s top kickoff returners. Buffalo P Brian Moorman was tied for the NFL lead in gross average (45.7) last season. Buffalo’s Rian Lindell is one of the few kickers whose leg strength is comparable to the Dolphins’ Olindo Mare. EDGE: Dolphins
INTANGIBLES
Although they are about to enter a stretch against three teams (Buffalo, Tennessee and Houston) that lost their openers and were a combined 11-37 last season, the Dolphins won’t enter today’s game overconfident after falling to Pittsburgh. Culpepper can’t afford another two-interception performance, as Buffalo’s defense has scored in four of its past six games against the Dolphins. The Dolphins have won 10 of their past 12 home openers. EDGE: Dolphins
COACHING
Buffalo’s preparation for the Dolphins’ passing attack could be helped by first-year coach Dick Jauron’s familiarity with Culpepper. Jauron was a head coach or defensive coordinator in the NFC Central for all seven of Culpepper’s seasons in Minnesota. Conversely, Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey has offered information on Bills players stemming from serving the previous two years as Buffalo’s head coach. EDGE: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 31, Bills 10
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