Stop the run. http://buffalonews.com/2016/12/20/bills-look-make-amends-earlier-embarrassment-vs-dolphins/ ""One game is too many when you're giving up 200 rushing yards," defensive lineman Leger Douzable said. "But we know what we have to do. In both of those games, it was the same determining factor -- it was missed tackles. Versus Ajayi, we had three or four guys missing tackles on one play. And you can't do that, because the next thing you know he's in the secondary and he's off to the races." "It starts with me and (fellow inside linebacker) Zach (Brown) coming downhill, making those guards feel our presence," linebacker Preston Brown said. "And now we'll have (defensive tackle) Marcell (Dareus). We didn't have Marcell the first time (he was sidelined with a hamstring injury). And when (Bell) got 200, we didn't have (defensive lineman) Kyle (Williams). When we have those two guys in there, it makes a difference, but no excuses. We have to go out there and make it happen." The Bills have placed heavy emphasis on swarming to the ball in practice to help ensure they aren't relying on one defender to bring the running back to the ground. They're also revisiting the defensive game plans they prepared for the Dolphins and Steelers. When the Bills watched video the Dolphins' game against Pittsburgh the week before they faced Miami, they noticed Ajayi was having considerable success on stretch plays, largely because of the Steelers' inability to set the edge. The Bills were determined to set the edge and force Ajayi to run inside. The strategy backfired, because, for one thing, the Bills' outside linebackers didn't do a good job of setting the edge. For another, Ajayi cut back on stretch runs sooner than he did the week before, and Brown and other defenders did more over-pursuing than staying in their proper gaps. For still another, the Bills consistently missed tackles. "We wanted to have a big emphasis on setting the edge, and we had a little more success stopping him," Douzable said. "But then in the second half, he would press the edge and then cut it all the way back. So the thing is, you've just got to be gap sound. If you have a gap, you've got to be in your gap, whether it's setting the edge or you're in that B gap on the back side, and the guard and tackle are trying to cut you out (by blocking low), you've got to make sure you stay in there. "We know we're going to get a lot of cut blocks from their offensive line this week and we know they're going to try to run sideways and try to get us to run sideways with them, so it's been a big emphasis of owning and manning your gap this week." Ryan is confident he and the rest of the defensive coaches have learned from their failure to adjust to the Dolphins' halftime adjustments on offense. He and some of his players also suggested that Ryan and his brother, Rob, the Bills' assistant head coach/defense, have cooked up a scheme that will help prevent the Bills from being trampled on the ground this time. "Well, we think that we’ll be much more effective this game," Ryan said. "Let’s just put it that way. Hey, I know what happened. ... They’re going to get our best effort. There’s no doubt about that, and our preparation started (Tuesday). We feel good about our plan, and we know it’s going to be a very physical game. We’ll see if we’re up for it." "They were more physical, they did everything against us that they wanted to, so we've got to go out there and show we're not the same team we were earlier in the season," Preston Brown said. "And go out there and show that we can stop the running back, because we didn't the last time. It's going to be a good test for us defensively and it's going to be fun."" Full story via the link up top.
I kind of dislike Rex Ryan because he can sometimes squeeze water from a rock in certain games. Unfortunately, this might be one of those games. The O-line has to be as healthy as possible for this one. Who's going to be center? I think they get a couple of guys back along the D-line. Jay has to get some stuff off early. I truly believe that. He's looked a tad off lately. Playing up there is going to be tough.
Yes it will be. Them dudes will be FIRED UP for this game...you just KNOW they will. They want some payback for the last game, where we beat the hell out of them, physically. They're not used to that from the Dolphins. Need to do it again...be like Cerrano in Major League, "Bring that **** to me man!"
Well, only an idiot would expect Ajayi to rack up another 225 this time around, so they should do better than before. But how much better? That's the million dollar question. Then again, I don't think we are nearly as reliant on the run as we have been in the past. As long as Ajayi is keeping them honest, Moore will have opportunities to take shots down-field to Stills and Parker. So hopefully Ryan is dumb enough to put 8 in the box like NY did and challenge us to beat them vertically.
Im honestly not worried about our defense stopping them. I feel we try to run the first 3-4 possessions but we can not afford to go down 10 in this game. We need the lead so I would open up with the pass to open the run lanes.
Yeah.. but even Rex couldn't get them to the playoffs (near 0% probability now). This makes me happy but did you know that the longest current post-season drought in NFL is held by the Bills? haha! Last time was in 1999 (technically Jan 8, 2000)!! 17 years and going.. and going.. and going.
Wow....has it been THAT long?? Haha I remember as a kid it always seemed like they were kicking our *** in a playoff game. How the years fly by....
You know, totally agree with not being as reliant on the run game because the passing has improved. I tell you, those back-to-back games really helped in how defenses approach the game plan against us. What's neat is that the threat of running is still there. I think Ajayi still carried something like 19 times last game? So we're still wanting to show it. And I think teams know with Ajayi, it's almost like it's just a matter of time before he breaks one. I think teams know that. Kind of reminds me of how Chris Johnson use to break off runs. He'd clip off several minimal gains, then run for 40. More minimal gains, then hit a 30. Ajayi isn't quite like that, but it seems he'll break a 10-15 yarder, and then nothing for several plays. At least, lately. In this game, I don't think the 'threat' of running will be enough, though. I truly think he needs to be successful this game. That D needs to tire. Miami only had something like 45 plays vs the Jets 70 last game. That can't happen this game. I want Ajayi and this O-line to pound them. They're looking for blood. Let's make sure it's theirs and not ours.
The fans will be crazy for this one. If Buffalo stuffs them early they will feed on it, and it will turn into a mad house. I was there when it happened in 2013. I think it's absolutely critical Miami get an early score in this game. If they start out sluggish, I worry they'll never get going. The weather, the fans, players playing hard for Rex, etc. I think this game is more difficult than Patriots at home in a lot of ways. As I said in another thread, if Adam Gase can march this team into Buffalo and snatch a rare December victory out of that place, then Miami has itself quite a coach. I already think they do regardless, this will just drive it home. I've had this one circled for awhile now. 2 weeks ago I thought they had no shot at winning this game. Even with Ryan Tannehill. Maybe it's crazy that I think they have a chance now even with all the injuries. But I'm hopeful for the first time in a long time.
No one wants to read the writing on the wall...... Buffalo is preparing to fire Rex and he already knows it. If you deny this than you assume they plan to keep him in the dark for years to come as they I trust him with the team.....T.taylor is a goner as well....
I completely agree....we need to start as a run/play-action team and see where it gets us. No matter how many yards Ajayi grinds out, that's always going to be our bread and butter...we're pounding the football until you tell us we can't. And Buffalo just isn't good against the run- they're worse than us and we stink at it. I disagree though that we need to dominate the time of possession. We were so ridiculously efficient last week that it's almost hard to comprehend...it's not an offense that we're used to seeing. I think this team has it in them to really light up opponents though and I don't care how they do it...as long as we have folks dancing in the end zone. I'll take 18 total throws and 4 TD passes any day of the week if that's an option.
I don't know we have done well both ways these last 9 weeks. I think defense is most important on Mcoy. But we have adjusted and toss the ball everytime the try to fil the box. Scarey game so important. but this is a who knocks down who most. i say we win in the passing game short stuff Moore show patience and sims is big again
I want Miami to win in the TOP category because I want the D to be as fresh as possible because of the postseason. It's early, but this team has a little moxie about itself. I think they're in. It's kind of that time of year where the D can dominate. Esp along the D-line. Hit their QB enough, he starts thinking about it. If I'm confident in one thing this team can do well, it's rush the passer (given how many different ways this team has won this year). Wake and Suh and all the other guys need to be fresh. It seems like somewhere around mid-third quarter, the starters come out for a series or so to get a breather. I think they want them fresher towards the end of the game. And it makes sense. Also, if Miami's D is off the field, it gives them less chance to score. I dunno, Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy could really give Miami fits. I'd also like us to punch first with Jay because it could deflate their spirits. That's half the battle.
What I'd do... If we win toss. Take the ball. First drive would be ideal. Come out and throw a couple quick short/intermediate passes right off the bat at fast pace. Then let Matt take a shot to the end zone. Get them on their heels kinda like the patsies did to us in the first quarter in the infancy of this season. If we can make defensive stand after a successful first drive, then we repeat on a second drive. Only a couple runs, maybe even with D Williams instead of Ajayi. But stick mostly with pass for a couple drives. THEN, get the Jay train rolling.
Mine was eerily similar. Low scoring defensive struggle and we trailed through most of the first three quarters. So what did Carmen Electra do in your dream?