The Miami Dolphins will travel to Orchard Park this Sunday to face their division rivals the Buffalo Bills. Coming off their bye week, the Bills will look to improve to 5-2 on the season. The Dolphins are looking to snap their brutal six-game losing streak. The last time these teams played was in Week 2 this season, where the Bills won easily (35-0) in Miami. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was carted off early in the first quarter of that game after a massive hit that sidelined him for the next three weeks. Since Brian Flores took the head coaching job in 2019, the Dolphins are 0-5 against the Bills. So what do the Dolphins have to do to at least have a chance? Here are some Miami Dolphins Week 8 keys to victory against the Bills.
Miami Dolphins Week 8 Keys to a Win Over the Buffalo Bills
Protect Tua Tagovailoa
This has been one of the biggest issues for this team this year, and it has been since Flores took over. This season the Bills defense has been lights out this season; they have already posted two shutouts in just six games. They are currently the number one ranked scoring defense and have only allowed 11 touchdowns all year. They do not have any superstars on defense, but there are a lot of really good players at every position, and a lot of depth as well.
The last time these teams played, the Bills only allowed 215 yards of total offense, and also racked up six sacks. The Dolphins offensive line has to step up this week, not only if they want a chance to win, but to also keep Tua Tagovailoa healthy.
Our defense has more interceptions on deep passing attempts than deep receptions allowed. 😱@cfrelund x @awscloud pic.twitter.com/JuFntPiYsY
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 28, 2021
Prevent Josh Allen From Scrambling
While the Bills quarterback has a cannon for an arm, he causes a lot of problems for opposing defenses because of his ability to run the ball as well. At 6’5 and 240 pounds, he’s like a power back with the ball in his hands. He can also make any throw on the run out of the pocket when he has to.
Allen has proven to everybody that he is an elite quarterback. He has 17 rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons. The Dolphins have to at least contain Allen a bit, or else he will slice their defense in half very quickly.
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Tua Tagovailoa Has to Ball Out
Amidst all the Deshaun Watson trade speculation, head coach Brian Flores came out this week and said that ‘Tua is our quarterback.’ With the trade deadline just one week away, Tagovailoa has to prove that he really is the guy for Miami.
#Dolphins HC Brian Flores got several questions today about the Deshaun Watson trade rumors and Tua Tagovailoa's future.
Here's how it all went down. The video tells you more than just quotes. pic.twitter.com/6GzRn37pWY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 29, 2021
If Tagovailoa is poised for a big revenge game, this week’s game would be the perfect time. Last time Tagovailoa saw the Bills he was getting carted off the field with fractured ribs. Tagovailoa looks to be improving and had his first career four-touchdown game against the Atlanta Falcons last week. Although the Bills are a different beast, the former Alabama quarterback could have a bit of confidence heading into this game.
While the Dolphins season is essentially over at 1-6, the last half of the season will be critical for Tagovailoa and his development. The rest of the season will also be critical for coach Brian Flores, who could be coaching to save his job. If Miami puts up another embarrassing performance, Flores could be on his way out.
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