MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 07: a Buffalo Bills helmet rests on the field before the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tonight featured a solid gameplan by Joe Brady - let James Cook, well, cook. He was effective all night long to the tune of three touchdowns and nearly 100 yards from scrimmage. Given that Brady first cut his teeth by working for Sean Payton in New Orleans - a coach who knew how to get the best out of backs like Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush - it was within reason to think that Brady could maximize Cook’s skills and so far it looks like he might do so.
Buffalo’s defense had a nice night - three interceptions with two of them by Ja’Marcus Ingram, although some were a product of being in the right place at the right time, and especially in the pass-rush department. Ed Oliver and Von Miller owned the line of scrimmage for most of the game, and indications through two weeks so far are that Miller’s old burst and quickness are back.
Speaking of the defense, hopefully Terrell Bernard’s pectoral injury isn’t too serious. Living without the entire starting second level of your defense - Taron Johnson, Matt Milano and now Bernard - isn’t ideal, hence why Miami tried to test Buffalo’s run defense and did decently well in that department. Based on Da’Quan Jones’ injury from last year (which occurred in early October and he came back in late December), if Bernard indeed tore his pec he should be ready to come back around late November or early December. Which would be good news - it’s better to have injuries now rather than late in the year when you need guys healthy.
Josh Allen really didn’t need to do much to win the game for the Bills - his numbers, while pedestrian (13 of 19 for 139 yards and a touchdown) were also efficient. As talented as Allen is, he shouldn’t need to be Superman to win every single game and tonight was exhibit A of that.
We’re on to Jacksonville!
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