NFL Football Matchups - Miami at Buffalo +2.5
Saturday, September 11, 2010
by Aengus Moorehead
After ranking in the bottom eight in offense for the past seven seasons, Buffalo Bills’ new coach Chan Gailey believes his system will be more efficient, and with the addition of explosive rookie running game C.J. Spiller more fun to watch. The Miami Dolphins' offense was consistently inefficient in the preseason. Quarterback Chad Henne and new star wide receiver Brandon Marshall failed to get in synch. Interior offensive line instability disrupted the rhythm of the running game. Can the Dolphins flip the switch or was the preseason a harbinger of things to come?
After years of playing a 4-3 defense, the Bills are unveiling the 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator George Edwards, who learned the defense while serving as the Dolphins' linebacker coach. Edwards will have a few new wrinkles, but so will the Dolphins with Mike Nolan taking over as their defensive coordinator.
Dolphin WR Brandon Marshall looked disinterested in the preseason, judging from all his dropped passes. But now is the time for him to step his game up. The Dolphins need him to be as dominant as he was in Denver to not only help young QB Chad Henne’s development but also to take some of the burden off the running game.
The Dolphins' other big offseason acquisition ILB Karlos Dansby gives them a player with the ability to impact games in a variety of ways. He will start inside, but has the athleticism to move outside and play in the open field. Look for Dansby to line up in different places as Nolan tries to make the most of his most talented defender.
Another beast on defense for the Dolphins is NT Randy Starks, the former defensive end seems to be adjusting to his new position. He shows an ability to push the pocket inside, which will be a key on passing downs. But Starks must be stout enough against the run to draw additional blockers, which would give the linebackers a clearer path to the ball carrier.
Given a new lease on life by Gailey, QB Trent Edwards responded with a strong preseason. But will he play with the same poise and confidence in the regular season? Edwards must show that he can make smart, quick decisions under pressure and engineer scoring drives.
Edwards will breathe much easier this year having RB C.J. Spiller in his backfield. Indeed, the Bills' first-round pick was electrifying in the preseason, giving the offense a big-play element out of the backfield it has lacked. Gailey plans to use Spiller as a runner, receiver and kick returner to take advantage of his game-breaking speed and open-field elusiveness.
With a new coach bringing in new offensive and defensive schemes, the Bills are a mystery to the Dolphins. That might work to the Bills' advantage. While the Dolphins are familiar with most of the Bills' personnel, they aren't sure how Gailey will use them. The Dolphins know George Edwards, but they don't know how he will call the defense. The Bills must get a handle on Nolan's defensive plan of attack, too. A lot of people have already written off the Bills this season. A win in the opener won't change a lot of minds, but it could be a step in that direction. Take Dolphins.
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brandon marshall - buffalo bills - c.j. spiller - chad henne - chan gailey - george edwards - karlos dansby - miami dolphins - randy starks - trent edwards
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