Buffalo Rumblings - All our coverage: Inconsistent Buffalo Bills traveling to take on suddenly hot Miami DolphinsBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2019-11-23T13:00:00-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/207303502019-11-23T13:00:00-05:002019-11-23T13:00:00-05:00Bills fan confidence boosted after resounding win over Miami
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rFGH4UtL5atnFYHUGJBFc-bEYGU=/79x0:4594x3010/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65760143/usa_today_13681149.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It was tense for a minute.</p> <p id="FE5F7K">For a hot minute there, <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> fans were down in the dumps after the team’s loss to the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>. The team and their fan confidence got right against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> according to <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fanpulse">SB Nation’s FANPULSE</a>.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/naw6RRtOtZwcgKV6it4us4qRH0E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19402470/BUF_W12.png">
</figure>
<p id="vB8rch">After posting a measly 37% confidence rating a week ago, Bills fans are back to the top tier of the league at 82%. That’s roughly the average of where Buffalo has been since the offseason. The confidence high was 91%, but they’ve lived in the 80s outside of the blips following their three losses.</p>
<p id="D9sLhw">The Bills made the biggest leap from last week to this week, recovering 45% of the fans surveyed. The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> got back 41% and the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> jumped 34%. Going the other way, fans of the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> fell 45% and the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> fell 43% (but this poll was conducted before their Thursday night win). The <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> fell 42%. </p>
<p id="eXRhSb">Bills fans are tied for the sixth-highest fan confidence behind the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> at 100% and the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> at 99%. In the AFC East, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are also at 82% while the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> come in at 67% and the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> at 20%.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/23/20979112/buffalo-bills-fan-confidence-boosted-after-resounding-win-over-miami-dolphinsMatt Warren2019-11-21T16:04:16-05:002019-11-21T16:04:16-05:00Bills splitting reps with CBs Kevin Johnson, Levi Wallace
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo Bills v Cleveland Browns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sJp9cH6pFAOjfIWQ6EaysaSBR4I=/0x123:1664x1232/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65749334/1182371432.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="eo8tAv">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> made a big change to their top-ranked secondary this past week against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>. Levi Wallace, who has been the team’s starter since the middle of the 2018 season, was replaced by free-agent pickup <span>Kevin Johnson</span>. <span>Johnson</span>, a former first-round pick, was signed this offseason to push Wallace but ultimately the second-year former undrafted free agent was able to hold <span>Johnson</span> at bay. That doesn’t seem to be the case any more.</p>
<p id="IA1yF8">Wallace had a rough outing against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> the week before, so it’s not surprising that working in Johnson was in the plan against the Dolphins. The pair nearly split reps down the middle, with Wallace starting and playing 33 snaps and Johnson coming on for 36 snaps. </p>
<p id="tzA1bB">Head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier were careful to not say too much in their responses to questions Monday regarding the cornerback platoon.</p>
<p id="7JBUwH">“As we were going through the week and our preparation we thought this would be a good thing to do based on what we were seeing from the opponent,” said Frazier. “We’ll take a look at it again this week and see what’s the best thing to do.”</p>
<aside id="qYyytT"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"All-22 analysis: Buffalo Bills corner Levi Wallace","url":"https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/21/20973438/all-22-analysis-buffalo-bills-corner-levi-wallace"}]}'></div></aside><p id="FHJYJg">“Rolling them was just taking a look at different combinations again, and then making the offense work a little bit as well in some different areas, different types of players and different combinations,” said McDermott, again making reference to the game plan. </p>
<p id="bgyQ8Y">It was the first time all season Wallace’s playing time had dropped below 94% of the defensive snaps (except for the game against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> where he left due to injury). </p>
<p id="bXk4vu">“Kevin is a really good football player and so is Levi,” said Frazier. “You want to get them on the field. We’ve been using Kevin previously at the nickel position and given him opportunities that way. But he’s been a really good corner. And so we wanted to give him a chance and we’ll see how it goes this week as we prepare.”</p>
<p id="LVEum5">Johnson had played in place of an injured <span>Taron Johnson</span> earlier in the season. <span>Kevin Johnson</span> was over 20 snaps in games against the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> and close against the Tennessee Titans. </p>
<p id="v6tlMv">“I thought he handled himself well; tackled well, played with good eyes and discipline, played good fundamentally, gave us some juice,” said McDermott on Wednesday of <span>Kevin Johnson</span>. “He’s a good energy guy for us. Tough. The identity of a defense sometimes comes from how tough your corners are and we rely on those guys to be physical for us.”</p>
<p id="tjxXZu">That is perhaps the biggest slight against Wallace, who is listed at 6’0” and 179 lbs, but plays better when he’s not being asked to be physical with receivers. Johnson at 6’0” and 185 lbs is a little more physical as McDermott likes at the position. </p>
<p id="xYYjPC">“Levi—as I said before—is a team-first, unselfish, young man, that has done and played a lot of good football for us and we expect him to continue with that,” added McDermott Monday. </p>
<p id="TcaRhh">We’ll see how the Bills roll out the reps on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/21/20970712/buffalo-bills-splitting-reps-with-cornerbacks-kevin-johnson-levi-wallaceMatt Warren2019-11-21T11:30:00-05:002019-11-21T11:30:00-05:00Playoff Odds: Bills up to 66% chance of postseason berth
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo Bills v&nbsp;Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fLVBCTmJtgD9r_G1iRsZju0lgAU=/0x0:3741x2494/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65746887/1188272145.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bills moved up slightly after their win over Miami</p> <p id="kgKKXc">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> maintained a healthy lead in the AFC playoff race with their win over the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> on Sunday. With their 7-3 record, they have a 66% chance of making the playoffs according to the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/upshot/buffalo-bills-nfl-playoff-picture.html#&"> <em>New York Times</em> Playoff Simulator</a>. That’s up from 60% a week ago but down from 72%, where they sat before the loss to the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>.</p>
<p id="X6lSqL">According to the <em>Times,</em> Buffalo only has a 3% chance of winning the AFC East, a disappointing number. Even if Buffalo beats the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> in Week 16, the number only climbs slightly to 8%, but it would dramatically impact their overall chances of making the playoffs.</p>
<p id="WQUFs1">A win on Sunday boosts Buffalo’s chances to 78%, but a loss drops them to just 48%, which isn’t very nice but also isn’t a killer.</p>
<p id="7vl70C"><a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2019-nfl-predictions/">Over at FiveThirtyEight</a>, the Bills are at a 71% chance of making the playoffs, up from 55% a week ago and 68% before the loss to Cleveland. It’s tied for the fourth-highest in the AFC, tied with the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> and ahead of the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. The <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Oakland Raiders</a> are at 40% while the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> are 54%. They give the Bills just a 2% chance of winning their division.</p>
<p id="b8MXeC">Odds are a good indication of security, but roughly one-third of the teams sitting in Buffalo’s spot right now WILL NOT make the postseason. Lots of Bills fans probably see that number and get scared.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="t5WEkR">
<h2 id="Lj0pyT">Full AFC Standings</h2>
<p id="wEbqdH">1. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (9-1)<br>2. <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (8-2)<br><strong>3. Buffalo Bills (7-3)</strong><br>4. <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (7-4)<br>5. <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> (6-4, head-to-head win over HOU)<br>6. <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> (6-4, head-to-head loss to IND, head-to-head win over OAK)<br>7. <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Oakland Raiders</a> (6-4, head-to-head loss to HOU, 3-2 AFC)<br>8. <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (5-5, 4-3 AFC)<br>9. Tennessee Titans (5-5, 3-4 AFC)<br>10. <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> (4-6, 4-3 AFC)<br>11. <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (4-6, 4-4 AFC)<br>12. <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> (4-6, 2-5 AFC)<br>12. <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> (3-7, 3-4 AFC)<br>15. <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> (3-7, 0-6 AFC)<br>14. <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> (2-8)<br>16. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (0-10)*</p>
<h2 id="tl7yhU">Full AFC Playoff Standings</h2>
<p id="fuTCxp">1. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (9-1)<br>2. <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (8-2)<br>3. <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (7-4)<br>4. <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> (6-4, head-to-head win over HOU)<br><strong>5. Buffalo Bills (7-3)</strong><br>6. <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> (6-4, head-to-head loss to IND, head-to-head win over OAK)<br>——————————-<br>7. <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Oakland Raiders</a> (6-4, head-to-head loss to HOU)<br>8. <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (5-5, 4-3 AFC)<br>9. Tennessee Titans (5-5, 3-4 AFC)<br>10. Cleveland Browns (4-6, 4-3 AFC)<br>11. <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (4-6, 4-4 AFC)<br>12. <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> (4-6, 2-5 AFC)</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/21/20976042/afc-playoff-odds-buffalo-bills-up-to-66-chance-of-postseason-berthMatt Warren2019-11-21T09:00:00-05:002019-11-21T09:00:00-05:00Nick & Nolan: Was this Josh Allen’s best game? plus a Broncos preview
<figure>
<img alt="Nick and Nolan Site" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dIOY4L8Y45H-UTplZQo4SuBQbTc=/0x500:3000x2500/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65745870/Podcast_Cover_Art_1-NNShowBlog.0.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Jam-packed!</p> <p id="qGFux3">Nick & Nolan talk through the game that was the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ joyous victory over the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>.</p>
<p id="MlihID">Was this <span>Josh Allen</span>’s best game ever? What are the candidates for his best game as a pro? How does this game stack up against 2018 Week 17 Josh? Most important, DID WE SEE MEGAJOSH THIS WEEK? </p>
<p id="Y2WPsv">How did the defense come back alive? Will or should we see <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span> used as a blitzer more often? What is a “green dog” and what does Jim Johnson have to do with any of this?</p>
<p id="IuDMVC">The guys discuss in-depth how the team could re-sign <span>Jordan Phillips</span> and <span>Shaq Lawson</span> as well as whether the Bills should pull the trigger. What could they command on the open market? What will the team think they are as a commodity?</p>
<p id="KQyiYh">Last but not least the guys preview the upcoming game against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>.</p>
<p id="XQFNth">Come for the knowledge, stay for the soundbites.</p>
<p id="WuyXyM">#gobills #bills #buffalobills #bills</p>
<div id="HwVzRo"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP5748463861" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UY22vw">
<p id="1MOMxM">Subscribe to the Buffalo Rumblings podcast channel featuring Billieve, Blitzed <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, Breaking Buffalo Rumblings, Circling the Wagons, the Mafia Mavens, and the Nick and Nolan Show:</p>
<h4 id="MFlAKv">
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fbuffalo-rumblings-for-buffalo-bills-fans%2Fid1260431411%3Fmt%3D2&xcust=xid:fr1571255945749ibc" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/circling-the-wagons-a-buffalo-bills-podcast"><strong>Stitcher</strong></a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/Ivjtsccq6gazhsjabasbemprauu?t=Buffalo_Rumblings_for_Buffalo_Bills_fans"><strong>Google Play</strong></a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5RYDNBKPj6d2zwdf3tmdmy"><strong>Spotify</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/5wxbp-77203/Buffalo-Rumblings-for-Buffalo-Bills-fans-Podcast"><strong>Podbean</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-buffalo-rumblings-30055079/"><strong>iHeartRadio</strong></a> | <a href="http://tun.in/pjbDM"><strong>TuneIn</strong></a> | <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/buffalo-rumblings-bills"><strong>Megaphone</strong></a>
</h4>
<p id="O0tpuw"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this article on Apple News, the embedded audio will be removed. Click through to the site in your browser or listen on iTunes.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/21/20975369/nick-nolan-was-this-josh-allen-best-game-and-broncos-preview-denver-jordan-phillips-buffalo-billsBruce Nolannickbat2019-11-20T14:00:12-05:002019-11-20T14:00:12-05:00Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins: Rookie review
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fhGbEI3WjmMyv7ekAl4rEuk-pr8=/0x0:4333x2889/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65739181/usa_today_13680054.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A busy, productive day for Singletary and Oliver gets his first QB sack</p> <p id="TY5aNg">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ offense finally woke up and helped the team manage to sweep the hapless <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> this past Sunday. After not having much of an impact in their road game against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, Buffalo’s rookies bounced back in a big way.</p>
<p id="McTngq">More about how each rookie performed against Miami below.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="3P2UIV">
<h3 id="GFDNnO">DT <span>Ed Oliver</span>
</h3>
<p id="MpycTj">Oliver saw a minor uptick in snaps from his last game and he quickly rewarded the coaches with his most statistically impactful game of the season. During the Dolphins’ second drive of the game, a late blitz by <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span> confused the blocking scheme and ensured that the rookie went untouched in sacking Ryan Fitzpatrick. His biggest play of the day, though, might have been his tackle of <span>DeVante Parker</span> on a crossing pattern. The receiver was set to break through to the open field, except Oliver managed to hustle downfield and jump on <span>Parker</span> from behind, limiting the play to only nine yards.</p>
<h3 id="Mx0GVE">OT <span>Cody Ford</span>
</h3>
<p id="N96BTw">A largely uneventful game for the rookie, who held his own against the Dolphins’ <span>Avery Moss</span> for much of the day. When on the field, Ford was rarely asked to be the focal point of runs and a significant number of called quick passes ensured that he wasn’t left on an island for very long. His only real mistake was drawing a holding call in the fourth quarter, as Ford was unable to sustain his down block. On the other hand, you could argue <span>Dawson Knox</span> didn’t help Ford double-team his defender long enough.</p>
<h3 id="WnQIgY">RB <span>Devin Singletary</span>
</h3>
<p id="Ym51DE">It looks like offensive coordinator Brian Daboll saw the light and decided to revolve the running game around Singletary. That meant plenty of runs to the outside for the rookie, who finished the day with 15 carries for 75 yards. He was also open on a couple of wheel routes but <span>Josh Allen</span> wasn’t able to deliver the ball accurately enough. One negative to note, however, is the rookie’s ball security. He ended up fumbling twice in the game, both of which were recovered by the offense. Here’s hoping it doesn’t become a trend.</p>
<h3 id="L0cAHG">TE Dawson Knox</h3>
<p id="yoRCVK">It was a typical day for Knox, who came down with a couple catches for 32 yards. Most of that yardage came on his 23-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. The linebacker assigned to cover Knox was blitzing and, as the safety was late covering, Knox was able to snag a quick pass and virtually walk into the end zone. </p>
<h3 id="rhIIjZ">LB <span>Vosean Joseph</span>
</h3>
<p id="MzkOXG">The former fifth-round linebacker remains on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.</p>
<h3 id="Y8YQWF">S <span>Jaquan Johnson</span>
</h3>
<p id="J4blne">Johnson was active against Miami, but only for his role on special teams.</p>
<h3 id="d8HR3f">TE <span>Tommy Sweeney</span>
</h3>
<p id="D1VGt6">With the return of <span>Tyler Kroft</span>, Sweeney was again a healthy scratch this week against the Dolphins.</p>
<h3 id="Rg5sTX">DE <span>Darryl Johnson</span>
</h3>
<p id="8z4DYM">Johnson saw a significant amount of snaps on special teams, but only four snaps on defense, where he accumulated a single tackle. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/20/20973584/buffalo-bills-vs-miami-dolphins-rookie-review-ed-oliver-devin-singletary-dawson-knoxgrif2019-11-20T09:15:00-05:002019-11-20T09:15:00-05:00Bills in control of win probability against outclassed Dolphins
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo Bills v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BQ5rNoSjP4_V1RotxAXnvWZ30tc=/0x0:5355x3570/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65737300/1183112868.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It was never in doubt.</p> <p id="4lqgd1">Two weeks ago the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> won their most convincing game at that point against the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Redskins</a>, which, depending on who you talked to, might have been cause for concern. However this week against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> the Bills dominated from start to finish. Buffalo controlled two of the three phases of the game and won handily down in Miami. While the win came against a team many outlets have painted as a pushover, no division rival can ever be overlooked. So, let’s look at how the Bills ran away with the W in Week 11. </p>
<p id="BzFEmG">(All charts courtesy of <a href="https://live.numberfire.com/nfl/7344">numberFire LIVE</a>)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gOVyzwyXqVsHoR03EW6JNMSgKQU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19391015/Screen_Shot_2019_11_19_at_4.08.47_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="RwyJoJ">The Bills came into this game with a 67.30% win probability. Through the entire game they would never dip below 65% and in the second half would not dip below 80%. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/auFtUlBlC58f2WC2JX5De3nEh94=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19391028/Screen_Shot_2019_11_19_at_4.12.50_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="i6wVG3">The first significant play of the game came on a 40-yard touchdown pass from <span>Josh Allen</span> to John Brown. The play gave Buffalo a +6.04% swing and would give the team an early two-score lead. The play itself was probably <span>Josh Allen</span>’s best throw of the year to this point and would be the beginning of the end for Miami. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VbMkypko3hBQwT85g47VB9rVyMI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19391053/Screen_Shot_2019_11_19_at_4.21.17_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="eT1zDG">As I stated above, the Bills dominated two of the three phases of the game, where they fell short was their special teams play. The two biggest swing plays of the day for Miami would come on special teams. This 101-yard touchdown return would give Miami a +7.80% swing and put themselves at a 15.44% win probability. Earlier in the first half Miami would recover an onside kick that would swing them +5.30%</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rk7ITQCKwz0kJdG_sjYTxA1Zzj4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19391100/Screen_Shot_2019_11_19_at_4.30.28_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="F1DYwT">Buffalo held over an 80% win probability for the entire second half of the game. However the dagger came on a nine-yard touchdown pass to John Brown. This play made it almost impossible for Miami to mount a comeback and for the first time this season, the Bills began the fourth quarter with more than a two-touchdown lead. The Bills moved to 7-3 on the year Sunday with a game against an interesting <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> team next in Week 12. With one of the tougher back-half schedules in the league, the Bills’ win against Miami was both necessary and refreshing. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/20/20973026/buffalo-bills-in-control-of-win-probability-against-outclassed-miami-dolphinsMax Liebel2019-11-20T09:01:00-05:002019-11-20T09:01:00-05:00Recapping five Bills to watch against Miami
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo Bills v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UL3gBYZdqaeLvbqq4UiJavWAAGc=/2x0:1900x1265/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65737256/1183059877.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Josh Allen was phenomenal</p> <p id="27ghSQ">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> took their talents to South Beach on Sunday, destroying the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> in a 37-20 victory. Poor special teams play on Buffalo’s part was the only reason that the game was as close as it was, as Buffalo dominated on offense and defense. </p>
<p id="qKRR2r">Our players to watch were outstanding this week, and they all played a big role in the team’s victory. Here’s a rundown.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ibTNLI">
<h2 id="nHj5yd">QB <span>Josh Allen</span>
</h2>
<p id="SJtJzO">Buffalo’s second-year quarterback had his best game by far of the 2019 season. <span>Allen</span> was efficient through the air, completing 64% of his passes, and he wasn’t just dinking and dunking down the field, either, as he averaged 7.8 yards per attempt on the afternoon. In all, Allen threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to his favorite target—John Brown. <span>Allen</span> also added 56 yards rushing and a touchdown on the day. While he once again failed to throw for 300 yards, he did manage 312 total yards on the afternoon while also extending his interception-free streak to five games. Allen was decisive, making good checks at the line of scrimmage and following those checks up with strong throws. Sure, it wasn’t perfect—there were a few throws along the sidelines early in the game that I’m sure he would like to have back—but the total picture of the day is a good one. Allen has continued to show great improvement in year two, which is all we could have asked for coming into the season. </p>
<h2 id="bwKPan">RB <span>Devin Singletary</span>
</h2>
<p id="iqUCcv">Rejoice! Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll unleashed Buffalo’s rookie runner...or was it our prayer to the Flying Spaghetti Monster that did it? If so, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster">r’amen</a>. Singletary was on the field for 53 of Buffalo’s 72 offensive plays, and he was once again efficient. Singletary carried the ball 15 times for 75 yards, sitting right at five yards per carry for the day; while he was only targeted once in the passing game, he caught it for a four-yard gain. Singletary’s day probably would have been better, but two fumbles due to poor ball security led to a momentary benching for the rookie. He didn’t lose either fumble, but the benching made perfect sense from a teaching standpoint. </p>
<h2 id="CGBdRb">DT <span>Ed Oliver</span>
</h2>
<p id="zG9oWS">Buffalo’s top draft choice in April’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> had himself a day, as he sacked a quarterback for the first time in his career. Oliver combined for three tackles, one for a loss, and a quarterback hit to go with that sack. One of his tackles was made well beyond the line of scrimmage, but it was a great hustle play to tackle <span>DeVante Parker</span> right around the first-down marker. Oliver’s snap-count share increased, as well, playing in over half of Buffalo’s snaps for the first time in three weeks. The entire interior defensive line group was incredibly disruptive, and Oliver was right in the middle of it.</p>
<h2 id="y58oqk">CB <span>Kevin Johnson</span>
</h2>
<p id="mjgIMo">With Levi Wallace playing poorly again, <span>Johnson</span> stepped in and played quite well in his most extended time of the season. At one point in the second quarter, Wallace was relegated to the bench while <span>Johnson</span> lined up opposite <span>Tre’Davious White</span>, and the former first-round pick didn’t disappoint. <span>Johnson</span> finished the game having played 36 defensive snaps, more than double his previous season-high. He also made three tackles, including one tackle on special teams. This spot will be worth watching again next weekend.</p>
<h2 id="s2qA3B">K <span>Stephen Hauschka</span>
</h2>
<p id="T18yLc">After having a miserable week against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, <span>Hauschka</span> was back in a big way on Sunday. The veteran kicker came out in the first quarter and immediately hit a 51-yard kick. He added two more made field goals, one from 34 yards (the same distance of his shank against the Browns) and another from 21 yards to go with three made extra points. While he did technically allow a kickoff return touchdown, it wasn’t his fault that the coverage unit was completely unable to handle Jakiem Grant, as the kick itself was fine. More games like this one would quell plenty of worries Bills fans have going forward.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/20/20971884/recapping-five-buffalo-bills-to-watch-against-miami-dolphins-josh-allen-devin-singletary-ed-oliverSean Murphy2019-11-20T09:00:00-05:002019-11-20T09:00:00-05:00Recapping five Dolphins to watch against Bills
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo Bills v Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qQokBB3VY9nJ3S_YPPbXlfKelQ4=/0x0:3692x2461/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65737204/1183059894.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Man, Kalen Ballage is frustrating to watch</p> <p id="zmfTlT">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> entered Sunday’s game against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> on a two-game win streak. That streak came to an end, however, as the Bills pummeled their divisional rivals, winning 37-20. Even though the Bills won by three scores, the game was closer for a time. And even though the score was closer, especially in the first half, it never felt as if the Bills would lose.</p>
<p id="hrz5EU">Our five Dolphins to watch all had an impact on the game, although some didn’t quite have a positive impact for their own team.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="IZmzXO">
<h2 id="zU7liv">RB <span>Kalen Ballage</span>
</h2>
<p id="5IlCCb">This guy is so frustrating to watch. Ballage is such a big, strong runner, yet he just can’t seem to do anything other than run right into traffic and fall down. Ballage did score a touchdown on a three-yard plunge late in the first half. He also was the point man on the wildcat play where Jerian Grant scored Miami’s final touchdown of the day. However, Ballage managed to carry the ball nine times for nine yards. He also had five catches for a total of eight yards. He is maddeningly inefficient.</p>
<h2 id="eVRCJu">WR <span>Allen Hurns</span>
</h2>
<p id="bZGLXh">Fresh off of signing a contract extension, <span>Hurns</span> was quarterback <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span>’s second most popular wide receiver in the game. <span>Hurns</span> saw six targets his way, and he hauled in four of them for a total of 53 yards. On his longest reception, a 20-yard catch and run, he also managed to fumble when he tried to secure the ball. Losing the football when you’re not touched by a defender is bad enough, but at that point, it was still a game, as Miami had just scored a touchdown to make it 16-7, and then they followed that up by recovering an onside kick. <span>Hurns</span>’s lack of ball security killed any momentum Miami had.</p>
<h2 id="7z0Czo">TE <span>Mike Gesicki</span>
</h2>
<p id="ahbD1f">The second-year tight end had another solid game, catching four of six targets on the day, but he only managed 18 yards in total as the Bills’ defenders were able to clamp down on him right away. Gesicki has found a nice role in Miami’s passing game, as he is averaging five targets per game over the last month or so. He’s a great athlete who should only continue to improve. </p>
<h2 id="d3tNyj">LB <span>Vince Biegel</span>
</h2>
<p id="H1G8qH">Miami’s pass-rushing outside linebacker wasn’t much of a factor in the game, as Buffalo quarterback <span>Josh Allen</span> had all day to throw on most of his pass attempts. <span>Biegel</span> did manage to make five tackles on the day, but he’s usually a guy making his presence known in the opposing backfield. He did not make a tackle for loss all afternoon.</p>
<h2 id="YPoeKY">LB <span>Jerome Baker</span> </h2>
<p id="d8hzRS">We said that Baker was someone Buffalo wanted to isolate in coverage, but Baker actually held his own in that regard. The Bills didn’t do much throwing to tight ends and running backs, with the lone exception being a touchdown pass against an all-out blitz to tight end Dawson Knox. Baker had a team-high 11 tackles, including one on special teams for Miami.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/11/20/20971924/recapping-five-miami-dolphins-to-watch-against-buffalo-bills-kalen-ballage-allen-hurns-vince-biegelSean Murphy