‘The Bills hardly look as impressive as their 6-3 record might indicate. And even though it didn’t happen during the earlier meeting at New Era Field, they still should be expected to take command from the start and show, once and for all, they’re capable of dominating an inferior opponent.
BillsBeat - November 16, 2019
Fitz’s energy rejuvenated the Dolphins
‘“(I’m) giving guys plenty of chances in the passing game getting us into the right play and doing all of those things that a quarterback needs to do; but first and foremost, the energy and the confidence that these guys need to play with, I’m trying to do as best I can in that regard. We’ve really done a nice job the last few weeks in playing off each other and playing with confidence.”’
If Buffalo Bills DE Jerry Hughes can’t play Sunday vs. Miami Dolphins, here is the plan
‘Hughes suffered a groin injury during Thursday’s practice ahead of the Bills’ (6-3) 10th game of the season. He was held out of practice on Friday and is listed as questionable heading into the weekend. Bills coach Sean McDermott said he’s had a little bit of a groin issue before Thursday’s practice that he’s been dealing with but it “flared up” yesterday.’
Current and former Buffalo Bills react to Myles Garrett helmet swing, Browns/Steelers brawl
‘In all my life of football that might have been the craziest thing I have seen on a football field! They about to suspend Myles Garrett for 30 years! People getting stomped out, that was a hood fight! Hate to see that in our game that’s not what pro football is about.’
Saturday's Miami Coverage
Flores makes very clear to his players where draft stands on his current priority list (Miami Herald)
Kalen Ballage hopes to get into a rhythm, but Dolphins need to address RB in draft (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins’ Flores preaches about poise after Myles Garrett-Mason Rudolph fight — a week before Browns game (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins could be without two more key defensive starters vs. Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Myles Garrett suspension: Miami Dolphins react to shocking helmet-swinging incident (Palm Beach Post)
‘I pinch myself’: What’s behind the sudden rise of Miami Dolphins undrafted rookie Nik Needham (Palm Beach Post)
Ryan Fitzpatrick Having Fun, Bringing Energy To Dolphins (MiamiDolphins.com)
Final Injury Report | Bills vs. Dolphins (MiamiDolphins.com)
Three Keys | John Congemi Previews Bills vs. Dolphins (MiamiDolphins.com)
Countdown To Kickoff | Bills vs. Dolphins (MiamiDolphins.com)
McDermott: I want our team playing fast
‘”All of us together, coaches and players, let’s do what we’ve got to do, do it how we normally do it and be decisive. It’s not getting to playing hesitant. When you play this game, because it is an aggressive game, it’s a contact sport – if you hesitate, you lose in most situations. So, I want our team playing fast, playing physical and playing aggressive with great decisiveness and clarity around what’s expected on each play in their roles, in particular.”‘
Bills preparing for ‘confident’ Dolphins team
‘“What I said then is what I still believe now, and it’s come to fruition. This is a good football team,” McDermott explained. “They’ve got good quarterback play going on right now, they’re playing hard, they’re disciplined, and they don’t beat themselves. So, we’ve got we’ve got to have a good week of practice as I always say, and make sure that we continue to grow as a football team.”’
Bills on Steelers/Browns brawl
‘“I was enjoying my Barbill watching a football game,” Bills DE Jerry Hughes said. “A football game took place, my reaction is like everyone else, so I’m worried about the Dolphins to be honest with you. Haven’t thought too much about it, not thinking about it, I’m going to focus on Miami, how we can go down there and get a win so we can get back on track and get our hat solidified in the playoffs.”’
Local group provides underprivileged children with Bills game experience
‘For the past six years, among the 70,000 screaming Bills fans who descend on Orchard Park, there are 20 children who likely wouldn’t be there, if it wasn’t for these guys.’
Jerry Hughes declines to comment on Myles Garrett tweet
‘“I don’t talk about the internet, it’s not real,” said Hughes. “Are we going to talk about the team coming up? Are we going to talk about the Dolphins?”’
Injury Report | Jerry Hughes questionable for Sunday
‘“He’s day to day,” said McDermott of Hughes following Friday’s practice. “He’s had a little bit of (a groin issue) before, but it kind of flared up (Thursday).”’
7 things to watch for in Bills at Dolphins | Week 11
‘“I think there is something to that,” Morse said this week. “We don’t need to change everything just because we lost one game, but I think we need to look at what gets us stuck in certain situations. When you think too much on the football field you don’t play as fast. And that doesn’t mean you don’t think, that means be confident in yourself. Be confident in the group of guys with you. Maybe sometimes less is more when it comes to communication part. Go out and just play football.”’
Bills Today | Sean McDermott delivers this stern message on Friday
‘“All of us together, coaches and players need to do it how we normally do it and be decisive. Let’s not get into playing hesitant. When you play this game hesitantly, because it is an aggressive game, it’s a contact sport, you lose. I want our team playing fast, physical, aggressive with great decisiveness and clarity around what is expected each play and their roles in particular.”‘
BillsBeat - November 15, 2019
Kicker Stephen Hauschka's prolonged struggles proving costly
‘Hauschka’s issues, however, date back to well before last Sunday. In his last 14 games, the kicker known as “Hausch Money” has been anything but, going 14 of 24 on field goals – a success rate of 58.3%. Over the course of nearly an entire season, that’s unacceptable by NFL standards. Leaguewide in 2019, kickers have made 450 of 557 attempts, a success rate of 80.7%. Hauschka is at 61.5%, making 8 of his 13 attempts.’
Bills are good at forcing fumbles, unlucky at recovering them
‘The Bills have recovered 23 of those 69 fumbles, a rate of .333, which is tied for fourth-lowest in the league.’
News' staff predictions for Bills at Dolphins in Week 11
‘Losing could very well mean the beginning of the end of the season, even with six games remaining after Sunday.’
Betting trends and pick for Bills at Dolphins
‘They get the win here, but Miami reels in the cash with the 5½ points.’
Bills fans can shout about No. 1 TV ratings
‘Bills games are easily the highest-rated programs in Western New York at a time few prime-time entertainment programs get double-digit ratings.’
Roth: Ryan Fitzpatrick's beard talks Bills, Buffalo weather and bad hair days
‘“It really all started in Buffalo, when it was cold, I wanted to see if I could grow facial hair and lo and behold it just kept growing,’’ said Fitzpatrick when asked about his massive beard, one of the most iconic in the sports world. “I pretty much have had it since ’09.’’’
Why is Bills DT Ed Oliver struggling? Rookie, team captain Lorenzo Alexander explain
‘“Ed is a good football player. I think he plays hard, tough,” Alexander said. “I think it hasn’t gone as well for him as he thought. But defensive line (and) being undersized, it’s a hard transition from college to pros, and to be able to play it at a high level. My messaging always to him is just be patient.”’
Friday's Miami Coverage
The fall, rise — and mini-humbling — of Dolphins cornerback Nik Needham (Miami Herald)
The reason Dolphins management and ownership aren’t devastated by draft position falling (Miami Herald)
Dolphins players relish in killing ‘Tank for Tua’ narrative with two wins down, more to go (they hope) (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins DE Avery Moss optimistic about returning against Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins have one week to activate offensive lineman Julien Davenport (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins DE Avery Moss optimistic about returning against Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins’ Brian Flores endorses less social media, texting and more film study (Palm Beach Post)
Miami Dolphins want Josh Rosen operating faster. So they’re timing every practice throw. (Palm Beach Post)
Dolphins Coach says he has an answer against a team that comes with the guillotine (El Nuevo Herald)
Dolphins’ Rookie Enjoying 1st Winning Streak In 3 Years (AP)
Top News: Daniel Kilgore Sportsmanship Award Nominee (MiamiDolphins.com)
Rookie Christian Wilkins Making Immediate Impact (MiamiDolphins.com)
Inside The Numbers: Statistical Breakdown Of Dolphins-Bills (MiamiDolphins.com)
I Said It: Brian Flores Confident Kalen Ballage Will Produce (MiamiDolphins.com)
AC In The AM: Bills-Dolphins Should Provide Excellent Measuring Stick (MiamiDolphins.com)
Dolphins Better, Bills Worse Since Last Time They Met
‘“When we played them, they were we felt a better team than what their record indicated,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “And that has been proven. They’re playing hard and they’re disciplined. They don’t beat themselves.”’
Bills-Dolphins Capsule Preview
‘Bills allowed season-worst 381 yards in previous meeting with Miami. … Dolphins have reached the 100-yard rushing mark only once this season — against Bills — and they’re on pace to set teams records for fewest yards rushing and lowest per-carry average.’
Tight Tigers: Ryan Clark has helped shape Tre White's career
‘“He came to the building and was working out with Jamal,” White explained when asked how the relationship began, referring to former Tiger and current Jets safety Jamal Adams. “I needed some work, so I just jumped in. The relationship started from there and it’s been strong ever since. I owe him a lot for the success I’m having because of the way he trained me even before the draft, before the senior bowl, and then obviously after the draft going into camp. I’ve been training with him for the last 4-5 years. It’s been good.”’
The enemy of the Bills enemy is their friend....for now
‘Buffalo and Pittsburgh are scheduled to face-off Week 15 which will be crucial in the race for a Wild Card spot. Having the head to head tie-breaker is important but the Steelers dropping another game helps the chances that it won’t need to come down to that.’
3 key matchups to follow Bills at Dolphins | Scouting Report
‘With Xavien Howard out for the season, Miami has continued to rotate corners through the course of the game. Ken Webster struggled in the first matchup with the Bills as did Nik Needham, but word is they’re improving. We’ll see if they fare any better against Brown.’
Why Frank Gore is held in high esteem in Buffalo’s locker room
‘“I’m blessed,” said Gore, who has since eclipsed 19,000 total yards from scrimmage as well. “It comes from hard work and love of the game, and I want to thank all the O-linemen, fullbacks, receivers and coaches who helped me get it. I just want to keep playing ball.”’
Bills Today | Josh Allen ranks No. 2 on this quarterbacks list
‘Let’s be honest here – Nos. 2-4 on this list are extremely close, and it’s not because they’ve all been excellent. After a season’s worth of starts, Allen, Mayfield and Darnold all have major issues and rank near the bottom of the league in multiple statistical categories. But this is my ranking, and I have Allen just barely ahead of Mayfield because of his development in a Bills system that has highlighted his natural tools. And while Mayfield has struggled with consistency in his second pro season – despite his top-tier traits as a thrower – the Buffalo coaching staff continues to put the former No. 7 overall pick in favorable positions that cater to both his arm talent and movement skills.’
BillsBeat - November 14, 2019
Miami’s players, coaches, foiling the ‘tanking’ plan
‘In short, the Dolphins are on a two-game win streak and were highly competitive in the three games preceding it.’
Ryan Fitzpatrick on ruining Dolphins' tanking party, Bills tenure and beard
‘Now in his 15th NFL season, Fitzpatrick is the only player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass for eight different teams. He’s one of only two players (with Chris Chandler) to throw an interception with eight different teams.’
Chilling reality for Bills is 'must win' vs. tanking Dolphins
‘The mere thought of a loss, especially after what happened last Sunday, is almost unfathomable because it would only crank up the volume on troubling questions that have already been raised about Josh Allen, the offense in general, contributions (or the lack thereof) by certain players, and coaching.’
Third down has been unmanageable for Bills. What the numbers show
‘In third-and-manageable situations, the Bills are the 26th-ranked offense in Pro Football Focus grade and are the NFL’s most penalized team in these situations with 11. Of 63 third-and-manageable situations, the Bills have converted only 26. That rate of 41.3% ranks 28th in the NFL, more than 10 percentage points below the league average of 52.6%.’
For Bills fans, blame game goes into overdrive after loss to Browns
‘Daboll needs to get Devin Singletary more than eight carries. His puzzling calls and baffling groupings, including three nearly useless tight ends (outside of a couple of Dawson Knox sightings), has to go, or he does. Daboll cannot waste time getting the play in with less than a minute. He must let Allen be Allen.’
Are the Bills considering benching CB Levi Wallace in favor of Kevin Johnson?
‘While Wallace didn’t make the initial 53-man unit, he did enough in the spring workouts and 2018 training camp to warrant being signed to Buffalo’s practice squad. Pretty soon, it became apparent to McDermott and Frazier as they watched him work on the scout team that Wallace was worth being elevated and given a shot.’
Roth: Jerry Hughes vows not to let Fitz give him fits
‘“You have to have a smile on your face, come to work with energy, and although a lot of things are going on, keep a proper perspective on the fact you’re an NFL player doing this for a living so go out there and have fun,’’ he said. “That attitude, especially at quarterback, that attitude is so important because it resonates through the whole building.’’’
With Buffalo Bills offense in need of a jolt, Josh Allen reveals Sean McDermott’s marching orders
‘Bills coach Sean McDermott said Monday and then reiterated Wednesday that the name of the game is scoring points. He delivered a specific message to his players this week in hopes of inspiring them to score more points against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.’
‘Jeopardy!’ pours salt on Buffalo Bills’ wounds from 1991 Super Bowl
‘“In the dreams of this team’s fans, Scott Norwood pulls it back just a bit to the left in Super Bowl 25,” said a clue read by host Alex Trebek.’
Thursday's Miami Coverage
The Miami Dolphins are curious about Colin Kaepernick. Could he really end up in Miami? (Miami Herald)
Examining the Dolphins’ QB options if they miss out on Tua and Burrow (Miami Herald)
Dolphins get one of their draft picks back. And the rookie who’s ‘coming into his own’ (Miami Herald)
Dolphins welcome rookie draft pick back to practice, with Flores excited to finally see him play (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins to attend Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Following up-and-down start to season, Dolphins’ Jason Sanders looks to be more consistent after AFC Player of the Week honor (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (cracked rib) hopes to play vs. Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins: Defensive end Charles Harris starting to make his case to become a part of the team’s future (Palm Beach Post)
Daniel Kilgore, ex-teammate of Colin Kaepernick’s: It’s ‘awesome’ he’s getting an opportunity by NFL, Miami Dolphins (Palm Beach Post)
Miami Dolphins: Andrew Van Ginkel, fifth-round draft pick, returns from injury today (Palm Beach Post)
Miami Dolphins crushing it at Las Vegas casinos and online sports books (Palm Beach Post)
Rookie LB Van Ginkel Activated From IR By Dolphins (AP)
Source: Ex-Dolphins DE Robert Nkemdiche suspended (ESPN)
Top News: Jason Sanders Starting To Heat Up (MiamiDolphins.com)
Offensive Line Getting Stronger Every Week (MiamiDolphins.com)
Jason Sanders Named AFC Special Teams Player Of The Week (MiamiDolphins.com)
I Said It: Brian Flores Discusses Bobby McCain, Eric Rowe (MiamiDolphins.com)
AC In The AM: Promising Young Nucleus Keeps Growing (MiamiDolphins.com)
Deep Ball Still An Issue For Bills Strong-Armed Josh Allen
‘”I definitely get the question. And trust me, I want to complete every pass I throw,” he added. “It’s something we’re working on, something that will happen over time. But it’s not like we’re throwing a bunch of deep balls during the game. We have a couple of opportunities. Obviously, it would be nice to hit those.”‘
McDermott's message: "Play fearless"
‘“Coach sat us all down today and said, ‘play fearless,’ Allen said. “So to have that green light, and that confidence from him still, that means a lot. Not saying I’m going go out there and be reckless, those are two different terms for a reason. Just being very aware of what’s going on but not trying to be gun-shy about anything.”’