A Few Thoughts about the Dolphins Game, in no particular order

[Virgil]

If I'm being honest, I had some last minute concerns going into this game and not just because Milano and Edmunds were out.  I started overthinking about how bad the Jets are and how the Dolphins were in their game against the Patriots last week until the 4th quarter.  We all know Fitz can have his good games and I personally believe the Dolphins are building a good team with the right coach.  Plus, you just never underestimate a divisional game.  With that....

 

1 - Diggs - There's many things that go into being a true number one receiver.  In week 1, we saw Diggs show reliable hands and the ability to draw extra coverage.  Today, Diggs showed how a receiver can take ownership of a ball in the air that would normally be "up for grabs".  There were at least two passes today that Diggs physically dominated the defender to take ownership of the catch.  I can't do these catches justice, but they showed what it means for Josh to have a guy he can trust and just put the ball of the vicinity of.  Not only that, but Diggs also showed flashes of his deep speed as he turned on a visible second gear once he saw where the ball was going.  His only hiccup was his side-step in the first quarter that led to an incomplete pass, which could have been a very long gain.  But overall, I can't say enough how different this offense is with Diggs out there and the stat line proved it.  Between his performance on the field, his leadership on the team, and the personal relationship he seems to be building with Josh; Diggs has quickly validated Beane's choice to trade a first round pick for him and I doubt many will push back on the new contract he'll get after next season.

 

2 - Frazier - When the opposing quarterback is displaying a release quicker than your defensive line can get to him, isn't the next logical step to bring your DB's closer to the line?  Fitz was good Fitz today and was getting the ball out very quickly, yet we continued to give Miami receivers a 10 yard cushion.  We gave up multiple 3rd down conversions due to exactly that.  I understand that you come into each week with a game plan, but you also have to be able to adjust.  The Miami offense seemed to be one step ahead of us for a lot of the game, which only fed into their momentum and Fitz's confidence.  By the second half, Fitz was just throwing the ball up and letting his guys make plays; which is exactly what they did.  McD was seen on the sidelines reviewing game photos, which I haven't seem him do since it was later revealed he was getting involved in play calling.  I'm not sure if that's what happened, and we did eventually get the stops we needed, but the defense was concerning today and it was more than just the loss of Milano and Edmunds.  The softness in the middle of the field could be attributed to their absence, including the pulling of Klein of the field in passing situations.  

 

3 - Dodson - I focused most of my attention on the linebacker rotation today and where they were playing on the field.  Dodson primary focus seemed to be the line of scrimmage and less about coverage.  He played close to the line quite a bit and showed a good first step.  I was very impressed with his speed to the ball and tackling.  I'm very curious to see what the All-22 has to say about his play, but I really don't think Dodson was a liability out there and played solid in his first start.  In regards to what was missing in him versus Edmunds, I think the captain and audible adjustments hurt the most.  There was at least one play where the Dolphins called an audible at the line and we didn't adjust enough to where someone was left uncovered, and then caught the 3rd and long pass for a first down.  Overall, it didn't feel like we had good on the field adjustments. 

 

4 - Oh, the hours I've spent inside the Coliseum,

Dodging lions and wastin' time.

Oh, those mighty kings of the jungle,

I could hardly stand to see 'em,

Yes, it sure has been a long hard climb.

 

5 - Pass Coverage - Sometimes you have to just tip your cap, to which I will do for Fitz and Gelsicke.  They both played extremely well with some great back shoulder and one handed catches.  Frazier giving these guys so much cushion didn't help our cause, but Marlowe and Wallace got picked on a lot.  That's the pro and con of Fitz as that he will challenge anyone.  It was interesting to me that Marlowe was left to cover Gelsicke a few times and it really burnt us before halftime for 3 points.  Typically, we would led Micah cover a threat TE, but not today.  Huge credit to Micah for switching off his coverage and almost having a interception in the end zone.  Also, Tre got picked on a few times and dropped a potential pick 6.  Overall, not a great day when Fitz gets 300 yards and Frazier didn't help the cause. 

 

6 - Welcome to the Show! - I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the first time touchdowns for Davis, Gilliam, and Diggs.  Diggs already got his love on here, so I will focus on the amazing catch by Davis in the end zone.  Huge credit to Daboll for incorporating all of these new players into the offense and also to Josh for trusting them.  Davis' snap count has been surprising to me, but also allowed most of us to forget the departure Duke and Foster.  As for our other rookie, Moss didn't do much today besides one decent run.  He showed hesitation behind the line a few times and Singletary was able to take ownership of the carries (with one great stiff arm).

 

7 - Defensive Line - This was a mixed back for me, but I again tip my cap to Fitz for his quick release.  I couldn't leave them out of these thoughts though, because they did make some great plays.  Hughes put an absolute move on the Dolphins RT and annihilated Fitz for one sack.  Addison showed great pursuit and has started his stint with the Bills with 2 sacks in as many games.  Oliver is again showing solid prospect and got a sack due to his athleticism, however he hurt himself trying to trip someone.  There was concerns after the lightning delay, as they did start to cave to some runs up the middle and looked a little gassed, but they overall had a solid game with a huge goal line stand.  Had we played more press coverage, I believe they would have had more sacks.

 

8 - Old Friends - This might be a strange thing to put in here, but did anyone notice how much Shaq Lawson was hanging out on the field between plays with Allen and the Bills players?  They were genuinely having a good time and I wonder how that sat with his teammates.  I get that this is a game and they don't hate each other, but it stood out to me for how often I saw it.  In addition, I found myself looking forward to the post game handshakes it was great to see the camera's follow Fitz around.  You can tell that Allen loves him and so many players flocked towards Fitz.  It's tough for me to root against Fitz and I'm glad to see how much he's still part of this community.

 

9 - Officiating - There were quite a few calls in this game that I felt would have gone against the Bills in previous years.  I don't think we got any special treatment today as much as the NFL has evolved in what they are allowing and what a catch is.  I want to complain about the McKenzie block as it was just a beautiful hit that made me yell out loud, but they just called Lockett for the same thing against the Pats tonight.  Moreso, the Davis TD catch and Diggs sideline catch were two plays that I feel like would have been overturned in previous years.  It was good to see those plays hold up and I feel like we are overall seeing less penalties.  Maybe this is a credit to McD, but I'm hoping it's also the NFL realizing it's been getting a bit ridiculous lately.

 

10 - Daboll - Nah, I'm just kidding.  (Even though he did call another beautiful game).  Josh!!!!!!  The kid threw for 4 Touchdowns and over 400 Yards!  Allen missed on only one pass over 20 yards and hit on the other 7 of them!  What the hell did I just witness?!  Allen is the number one fantasy football points QB this week and he only ran the ball once I think (Allen Slid!!!).  Allen was a pure QB today and I have way too many things to write about.  It looks like Allen perfected his touch deep throws (I say touch because you can tell he'd holding that monster arm back).  Allen made some beautiful throws today, didn't turn the ball over, and was nothing short of spectacular in the 4th quarter.  I make a point to not refer to or look up stats in these game thoughts, but I think he had 2 TD's and 150 yards just in the 4th quarter.  His accuracy and finesse was Pro-Bowl QB level today.  But moreso, I want to talk about his poise.  Allen never seemed overly excited or dejected.  Even after a crap 3rd quarter where the Bills were barely on the field and he missed badly on consecutive 3rd down conversions, he trotted onto the field in the 4th and established dominance.  Oh yeah, he also threw a defender off him and stiff armed another on the same play.  If you wanted a game to know what Allen's potential was as a passer, this was the game.  Allen is the complete package and can make every single throw, of that there is no question now.  Just amazing.  Get that salary cap in order Beane, you're gonna have some checks to write.  We've waited over 20 years for this type of game from a QB, and with two consecutive games like this, it looks like Allen has answered the question about if he could take the next step in his 3rd year.  Buckle up everyone!!

 

 

What a game.  I stick with my original impression that the Dolphins are a better team than people give them credit for.  I admit to having flashbacks of the dreaded Bills complacency games in the 3rd quarter before Allen just smacked me in the face with a new reality.  It was just a beautiful game, no thanks to CBS, and it's going to be an exciting season.  With how the teams on our upcoming schedule are playing, we are going to need this offense and a much better showing from Frazier and our defense.  Either way, should be fun to watch.

 

Go Bills!!!

Edited September 21, 2020 by Virgil

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Very good assessment.  Miami is better than people think and are well coached.  They have a ton of draft picks.

Not sure if you meant official reviews would have been overturned in the past because it was the Bills or how the NFL was implementing the reviews. If you meant they went with the call on the field because there was not indisputable evidence, I agree. That is how the rule and replay should be used. 

 

 

[1st Ammendment NoMas]

15 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 Allen is the number one fantasy football points QB this week and he only ran the ball once I think (Allen Slid!!!).  

Dak was #1. Allen was #2 I have both on my team. Of course started Allen.

[Virgil]

Just now, BillsRdue said:

Dak was #1. Allen was #2 I have both on my team. Of course started Allen.

 

I looked at my ESPN league, but we do give QB's a little more credit for passing.  I'm not a fan of the run-heavy focus in the default scoring.

[jkeerie]

Nice write up as always, Virgil.  Being a Penn State alum, I got to see a lot of Gesicki.  I really wasn't thrilled when Miami drafted him...knowing the damage he could do against a defense.  As to Fitz, he always seems to play his best against the Bills.  I don't think it's a "revenge" thing as much as perhaps Fitz plays loose and has fun playing against his old team.  I knew we'd miss Edmunds and Milano.  I agree with you that Dodson fared pretty well in his first start.

Edited September 21, 2020 by jkeerie

[1st Ammendment NoMas]

3 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

I looked at my ESPN league, but we do give QB's a little more credit for passing.  I'm not a fan of the run-heavy focus in the default scoring.

I think Josh had the best game, and only cost me a few points not to start. Dak had 3 rushing TD's which inflated his #'s.  But when Allen throws for 400, that's a huge reason to celebrate. 

Edited September 21, 2020 by BillsRdue

[fansince88]

As always @Virgilgreat write up.  Yes, the D struggled. I want to see the Bills explore other options for backup LBers. Made a huge difference in the game having both of them inactive today. Finally, we saw the Fitz we liked when he was here today. Not the one that made us cringe. Lets go Bills!!!

[Mark Vader]

Great fake-out by writing in Daboll at 10 @Virgil. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

I was nervous about this one too as it seems whenever Fitz has a bad game and people start to say he's washed up,  the next week he comes out and lights things up.  And the next week game was us.  Throw in the injuries to the defense and seemed like a bad thing coming.

 

Funny haven't seen any threads since cut down day whining about how we cut such a talent in Duke and what a mistake it was.  Think Oliver will soon be the star of the D line.  Funny too how overall young the line has got between Oliver, EJ, and Phillips.  Even V Butler is only 26.

 

I recall seeing Shaq exit the game injured, guess he did come back, I say "guess" as don't recall hearing his name much at all!

 

Agree about the officiating call, I was kind of thinking the same.

 

Wallace did make things worry some today, seemed like a step back from last season for his play.

 

Allen was amazing, nothing more to say.

 

Overall great game!!

[Gugny]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

10 - Daboll - Nah, I'm just kidding.  (Even though he did call another beautiful game).  Josh!!!!!!  The kid threw for 4 Touchdowns and over 400 Yards!  Allen missed on only one pass over 20 yards and hit on the other 7 of them!  What the hell did I just witness?! 

 

Virg, as always, your write-up was great.

 

With regard to Josh's long balls, I will say this.  Last year, I opined that the coaching got into his head and he was trying to be mechanically perfect and find a perfect arc.  That's not his game.  Today, he threw those passes with natural movement and instinct.  They are letting him play his game and it's paying dividends.

 

Thanks, again, for the great commentary.  I love you a little.

 

Gug

[Success]

I will always love Fitz - even when he drives me crazy, like he did at times today.  He's been good for the league, in his own way.

 

And he gave me one of the best Buffalo wins of the drought, coming back against the Patriots. Really, the only meaningful win we had against them in years.  He was spectacular that day, as he can still be at times.

 

Great write-up.

 

[Warcodered]

4 minutes ago, Success said:

I will always love Fitz - even when he drives me crazy, like he did at times today.  He's been good for the league, in his own way.

 

And he gave me one of the best Buffalo wins of the drought, coming back against the Patriots. Really, the only meaningful win we had against them in years.  He was spectacular that day, as he can still be at times.

 

Great write-up.

 

I'd love him as a back-up QB here.

[Virgil]

8 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

Virg, as always, your write-up was great.

 

With regard to Josh's long balls, I will say this.  Last year, I opined that the coaching got into his head and he was trying to be mechanically perfect and find a perfect arc.  That's not his game.  Today, he threw those passes with natural movement and instinct.  They are letting him play his game and it's paying dividends.

 

Thanks, again, for the great commentary.  I love you a little.

 

Gug

It’s more than little

[1ManRaid]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

The Miami defense seemed to be one step ahead of us for a lot of the game

Ahead of us to the tune of 524 yards allowed at 8.9 yards per play, including Allen's first 400 yard and 4 passing TD games.  I'll take being behind opposing defenses like that 7 days a week.

12 minutes ago, Success said:

I will always love Fitz - even when he drives me crazy, like he did at times today.  He's been good for the league, in his own way.

 

And he gave me one of the best Buffalo wins of the drought, coming back against the Patriots. Really, the only meaningful win we had against them in years.  He was spectacular that day, as he can still be at times.

 

Great write-up.

 

That win was directly responsible for getting me a girlfriend and engaged, good times.  Was a good way to never forget our anniversary. 

[CSBill]

Thank You, Virgil. As always, a great job!

 

A few more thoughts from my view:

• Levi Wallace had one of those games he will have. I hope Josh Norman is able to get back soon, to at least see if he's an improvement.
• I think it's time to feature Singletary more.
• Question: When our LBs heal, will Dobson stay in the line-up? It seems to me he is a much more athletic option than Klein?
• How can you not like Fitz, the ultimate gamer. And he seems to have his best days against the Bills.
• I, like most on this board, want Knox to succeed. His reception for 37 yards and fumble all in on the same play epitomizes his young career. Something tells me Reggie Gilliam is going to get his chance if Knox can't go for a few weeks---is he the right mix of Lee's blocking ability and Knox's athleticism? I hope. But too early to give up on Knox.
• The thing I most love about J Allen's game yesterday, only one called run. Has he truly become a dual threat? If so, pick your poison opposing D coordinators.
• MVP of the game: The Bills Mafia guys who were FaceBook Live-ing the game during the blackout. Someone find out who they were and do a GoFundMe to cover their game and travel expenses. On second thought, the Bills should take care of these guys. They were great and represented what this fan base is all about.

The Bills Win! Happy Monday, BillsMafia! And try to get some work done for your boss today.

Edited September 21, 2020 by CSBill

[machine gun kelly]

Thanks Virg as always.  Nuff said as agreed on almost all points.  If we Milano amd Edmunds back by the end of the week, I’m less worried about the Rams.

[corta765]

  

11 hours ago, Virgil said:

 

 

I am with you that I may have overthought this game too much as I picked them to lose (may have been the only one). The big thing is I didn't see Josh evolving into a 400 yd thrower so I am soo happy I was wrong. My thoughts back to you:

 

1 - Diggs - Agreed the offense is completely different and soo much more dynamic with him. When the Duke williams crowd tries to tell me he could be a guy, I point to Diggs first two games and then just think how we wouldve beat Houston how we had him last year. #1 WRs make plays and Diggs does that tenfold.

 

2 - Frazier - Bad day for him and the defense. Not only was the D a sieve at points but they couldnt get off the field when the offense was going most of the day. I agree I couldn't figure out with how quick Fitz was releasing why they didn't bump and play closer then to slow them. The most concerning thing to me was even without Milano/Edmunds soo many of our best guys White, Hyde etc.. had bad days and couldn't pick up the slack. I have thought defenses would be flat footed in general to start the season given no pre season games etc.. so I believe it is that and I am happy the offense covered. BUT I have only seen one really good/great quarter of play by the D which was the 1st against the Jets. They have room to improve big time.

 

3 - Dodson - He was not a liability and I think he could be the third LB with Milano and Edmunds. He read plays well and in general was mistake free compared to our more established guys.

 

5 - Pass Coverage - EJ Gaines opting out hurts more then Norman at this point. That was the depth we needed and Norman you knew would be iffy anyway. I think they will come together like they did last year, but the secondary has been very average outside of Poyer to start the year.

 

8 - Old Friends - Some people don't think guys should be friends but I love the fact Shaq and the Bills were talking and having fun. I told my wife had Shaq been here from the start with McD I think he would've been still here.

 

10 - Daboll- Prepare for him to leave after this year unfortunately. He has earned his stripes to become a HC, heck of a job over the years developing the offense and Allen to where they are now.

 

Go Bills!!!

Edited September 21, 2020 by corta765

[GunnerBill]

I know this won't be popular here but I wanted to give a shout out to a Dolphins player. Isaiah Ford is a guy I really liked coming out of Virginia Tech back in 2017. I had a mid round grade on him coming out but he didn't run well at the Combine and slipped to the 7th round. He then got injured his first camp and spent his rookie year on IR. In 2018 he went on the practice squad and then eventually got elevated late in the year and 2019 he bounced between the active roster and the practice squad before getting his shot due to injuries late in the year and putting up a couple of hundred yards over the last few weeks. This season he seems to have won himself a job and had himself a day yesterday with 7 for 76. Good for him. Good player who has never stopped fighting and has earned his chance to show he can play at this level. I am as pleased for him as it is possible to be for a Dolphins player. I always believed he could play in this league and he might be on the cusp of proving it.

[Fan in Chicago]

4 hours ago, CSBill said:

 

• I, like most on this board, want Knox to succeed. His reception for 37 yards and fumble all in on the same play epitomizes his young career. Something tells me Reggie Gilliam is going to get his chance if Knox can't go for a few weeks---is he the right mix of Lee's blocking ability and Knox's athleticism? I hope. But too early to give up on Knox.
•  

 

Speaking of TEs, honest question - where is Tyler Kroft ? Is he injured (again) ? 

[fergie's ire]

I agree that Dodson played well.  However, I think that Edmunds provides a unique advantage in Frazier's defense, particularly against quick passing.  He is so athletic and has such long arms that he plays like a wing defender in basketball and makes those quick middle plays difficult.  I remember last year, I don't remember the game (Patriots, maybe) that the commenter pointed out it was clear the opposing quarterback wanted to go quick, but Edmunds was always there.  He had some tips...maybe an interception...and then the threat of him made the qb turn away from the middle as an option. I hope he's back against the Rams.