The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins head into their Week 9 divisional matchup in contrasting situations.
The Bills are sitting at 6-2 and leading the AFC East, while the Dolphins are struggling at 2-5, failing to meet expectations largely due to Tua Tagovailoa’s extended absence.
Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in Week 2 against the Bills and only made his return in Week 8.
Despite Josh Allen’s past success against the Dolphins, he understands that they are a more formidable team than their record suggests.
“Make no mistake about it, they’re a really good football team. Obviously getting their quarterback Tua back helps, especially on their offensive side of the ball. … I know their record doesn’t indicate it, but they’re playing really good football right now,” Allen said, via FinsXtra.
Tagovailoa has faced significant challenges against the Bills, holding a record of just 1-7 against them throughout his career. In their first game this season, the Bills dominated, limiting him to 17 completions on 25 attempts for 145 yards and a touchdown, while also forcing three interceptions before he was injured. The game was already well out of reach by the time he collided with Damar Hamlin, which led to him missing several weeks.
Now, the Dolphins aim to even the season series in a tough away game. Tagovailoa typically struggles in colder conditions, which makes this a challenging matchup for Mike McDaniel’s squad, despite the forecasted mid-50s temperatures. Nevertheless, anything can happen in a divisional rivalry, and the Dolphins understand that a loss could effectively end their chances in the AFC East, even if they manage to recover later in the season.
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