SB Nation Tampa Bay - Dolphins Vs. Bills: Miami In Command At Halftimehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2011-11-20T15:38:48-05:00http://tampabay.sbnation.com/rss/stream/23383472011-11-20T15:38:48-05:002011-11-20T15:38:48-05:00Dolphins-Bills Week 11 Update: Defense and Special Teams Take Over
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<p class="MsoNormal">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> received the opening kickoff in the second half. RB <span>Reggie Bush</span> began the drive by rushing to the right for an 11 yard gain, but Miami was unable to score on the drive and P <span>Brandon Fields</span> punted the ball 56 yards, pinning the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> on their own 4 yard line.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">QB <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> drives the Bills, but is stalled. P <span>Brian Moorman</span> comes out for a punt. On the play, S Chris Clemons blocks the punt, which rolls into the end zone where RB <span>Lex Hilliard</span> recovers the ball for a Dolphins touchdown. One note from the Bills drive is how closely Dolphins CB Vontae Davis has been covering Bills WR <span>Steve Johnson</span> all afternoon. Johnson has not been able to get open much and has been quiet for most of the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the ensuing possession, the Bills drive the ball down the field to the Dolphins 19 yard line. The field is starting to get slippery from the rain and defenders are laying bigger hits on receivers than earlier in the game. Dolphins S <span>Yeremiah Bell</span> stopped Bills WR Naaman Roosevelt in his tracks over the middle after a Roosevelt catch and, later in the same drive, LB <span>Kevin Burnett</span> hit TE <span>Scott Chandler</span> after the catch, knocking off Chandler’s helmet. On 4<sup>th</sup> and 14 and down by 29, Fitzpatrick was sacked and stripped by LB <span>Jason Taylor</span>, ending the Bills drive.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dolphins took over deep in their own territory and punted the ball to RB <span>C.J. Spiller</span>, who took the ball from his own six yard line and returned it 45 yards into Dolphins territory. Fitzpatrick completed a pass to Roosevelt for a first down. On second down, Fitzpatrick found Chandler crossing the middle of the field and set up a 1<sup>st</sup> and goal on the 2 yard line. Spiller ran up the middle for a one yard gain and the quarter ended.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the weather has taken a turn for the worse, the Dolphins offense has not been as effective as earlier in the game. But the Dolphins defense has continued its domination of a Bills offense that has struggled to put points on the board.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Score at the end of third quarter: Dolphins 35, Bills 6</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-dolphins/2011/11/20/2576063/dolphins-bills-week-11-update-defense-and-special-teams-take-overRyan Michaels2011-11-20T14:57:31-05:002011-11-20T14:57:31-05:00Dolphins-Bills Week 11 Update: Dolphins In Command At Halftime
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> began the second quarter by intercepting a pass from Bufflao Bills QB <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span>. It was CB <span>Nolan Carroll's</span> second career interception. The second-year corner out of Maryland has been a bit of a disappointment so far for the Dolphins this year, but that play should instill some confidence in the coaching staff.</p>
<p>The Dolphins were able to capitalize on the turnover when QB Matt Moore completed a 12 yard pass to FB <span>Charles Clay</span> for his first career touchdown. It was Moore's second touchdown of the afternoon.</p>
<p>After the Bills and Dolphins exchanged punts for five possessions, Moore drove the Dolphins down to the Bills 4 yard line. WR <span>Brandon Marshall</span>, who has had some trouble hanging onto balls this season, dropped the ball when he hit the ground in the back of the end zone. However, a defensive holding call on the play set the Dolphins up with a first down and goal from the 2 yard line. On third down, Moore found <span>Davone Bess</span> in the end zone for Moore's third touchdown on the day and Bess's first of the season.</p>
<p>Fitzpatrick was able to lead the Bills down the field right before halftime to set up a 56 yard field goal by K <span>Dave Rayner</span>.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills's</a> second quarter was marred by injuries suffered by some key players. Both WR <span>Donald Jones</span> and CB <span>Terrence McGee</span> were carted off the field in the second quarter with apparent ankle and knee injuries, respectively. WR <span>David Nelson</span>, of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qigEsJlcFvo">giving-his-touchdown-ball-to-his-Dallas-Cowboy-cheerleader-girlfriend-fame</a>, was also shaken up, but left the field under his own power.</p>
<p>Score at halftime: Dolphins 28, Bills 6</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-dolphins/2011/11/20/2575935/dolphins-bills-week-11-update-dolphins-in-command-at-halftimeRyan Michaels2011-11-20T13:53:24-05:002011-11-20T13:53:24-05:00Dolphins-Bills Week 11 Update: First Quarter Brings The Offense
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> began the opening drive of the game with an 18 yard completion to RB <span>C.J. Spiller</span>. That was followed by two long gains by RB <span>Fred Jackson</span> on a screen and shovel pass. However, the Bills drive stalled in the red zone and the Bills settled for a field goal.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> started their opening drive from it's own 13 yard line after a holding call on the kickoff. FB <span>Charles Clay</span> had a 10 yard gain for a first down that was followed by a catch by RB <span>Reggie Bush</span>, who was streaking down the sidelines with a Bills LB in his face. Next, WR <span>Davone Bess</span> was found wide open in the middle for a 22 yard gain. <span>Brian Hartline</span> caught a pass for first down on his back shoulder to set the Dolphins up in the red zone. An end around by Hartline set up a two yard touchdown to TE <span>Anthony Fasano</span>.</p>
<p>After a Bills punt, and two yard rush up the middle, QB Matt Moore completed a 46 yard play action pass to Clay, setting the Dolphins up for another red zone opportunity. Bush ran around the edge for a six yard gain and followed that with another six yard gain up the middle for a touchdown.</p>
<p>The first quarter ended with the score Dolphins 14, Bills 3.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-dolphins/2011/11/20/2575803/dolphins-bills-week-11-update-first-quarter-brings-the-offenseRyan Michaels2011-11-20T12:20:31-05:002011-11-20T12:20:31-05:00Dolphins-Bills Week 11 Injury Update: Steve Johnson Active
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> WR <span>Steve Johnson</span> has been ruled active today, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/status/138292762939359232">according to ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. Johnson, who has a shoulder injury, had been limited in practice all week due to the injury. He will serve as a target for QB <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span>, as he tries to get back on track against a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> secondary that has allowed the eighth-most passing yards per game in the NFL.<br><br>Bills S <span>George Wilson</span> has been ruled inactive, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/OmarKelly/status/138298610847723522">according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Omar Kelly</a>. This is a blow to a Bills defense that has struggled of late. Wilson is the Bills leading tackler and interceptions leader. The Bills secondary looks to be even more vulnerable against the Dolphins offense, which has seen a bit of a resurgence under the direction of QB Matt Moore.<br><br>Dolphins K <span>Dan Carpenter</span> has also been ruled out, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/MikeBerardino/status/138299111446282241">according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Mike Berardino</a>. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-dolphinsmoves">According to the Yahoo! Sports</a>, veteran K <span>Shayne Graham</span> has been signed and will be relied on for kicking duties today against the Bills.<br><br>Stick with SB Nation during the game for updates regarding the Week 11 matchup between the Bills and Dolphins.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-dolphins/2011/11/20/2575589/dolphins-bills-week-11-injury-update-steve-johnson-inactiveRyan Michaels2011-11-20T08:10:50-05:002011-11-20T08:10:50-05:00Dolphins Vs. Bills: Game Time, TV Schedule, Radio Streaming And More
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<p>In a matchup that could have playoff implications, the Miami Dolphins (2-7) are at home this afternoon against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (5-4). The Dolphins started off this season on a dismal foot, losing their first seven games in a row, but have since righted the ship and are on a two game win streak. Meanwhile, the Bills are sitting one game behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> in the AFC East, but they have lost two games in a row and desperately need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.</p>
<p>This game also marks the first time that former Miami head coach Dave Wannstedt will return to Sun Life Stadium, as he's the assistant head coach for the Bills. But even though Wannstedt led the Dolphins to the playoffs twice under his tenure, <a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/2011/11/19/2574325/dolphins-vs-bills-return-of-the-stache-dave-wannstedt" target="_blank">Dolphins fans don't seem to remember him in a good light</a>:</p>
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<p>Even though Wannstedt is the second winningest coach in Miami history (42 wins, trailing Don Shula by just 215), and owns the best wining percentage in franchise history at .575, don't expect any cheering for the "Stache" as he comes into the stadium. </p>
<p>Of all the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> head coaches, the hatred felt by most Dolphins fans for Wannstedt is only surpassed by the collective loathing of university of Alabama head coach Nick Satan - I mean Nick Saban.</p>
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<p>Wannstedt carried the Dolphins to incredible regular season success, but he could never translate it into postseason victories. He also left abruptly in the 2004 season after his shiny winning percentage was being ruined by a rough 1-8 start. So how will fans react to his reappearance? Will they react at all? We'll see soon enough.</p>
<p><b>Game Date/Time</b>: Sunday, November 20; 1:00pm EST</p>
<p><b>Location</b>: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL</p>
<p><b>TV Schedule</b><br>Local: CBS<br>Availability<a target="_blank" href="http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2011/wk11.html"> The506.com</a></p>
<p><b>Radio Schedule</b></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Dolphins: WBGG/WINZ<br>Bills: WGRF</span></p>
<p><i>To join in the conversation about this game and talk with fellow fans, check out the Gamethread on <a href="http://www.thephinsider.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation's blog for the Dolphins, The Phinsider</a>.</i></p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-dolphins/2011/11/20/2575072/bills-vs-dolphins-2011-nfl-schedule-week-11Steve Slowinski2011-11-18T10:41:03-05:002011-11-18T10:41:03-05:00Dolphins 'Sell Out' Against Bills, Narrowly Avoid Blackout
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<p>For the 106th week in a row, the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/miami-dolphins-again-avoid-local-tv-blackout-by-1976832.html">have avoided a blackout on local television</a>. That looks like an impressive streak, right? Despite the Dolphins' 2-7 record this season, the fans are still coming out to support them at home.</p>↵<p>If only it was true. The Dolphins may have avoided a blackout, but for the fourth time out of five home games this season, they did so <a target="_blank" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/18/Dolphins-Once-Again-Buy-Tickets-To-Avoid-Blackout/">by having a sponsor purchase the remaining tickets to the game</a>. This is the same strategy the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a> have used this season to avoid blackouts, and the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> did something similar in past seasons (but not this one).</p>↵<p>At what point does the media start to realize that the attendance problems that plague the Dolphins, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Rays, Marlins, Panthers, Magic, etc, aren't isolated events? These attendance problems get brought up in the media and discussed to death, but if so many Florida teams have intemperate fanbases, eventually you have to start to looking beyond the local markets and looking at Florida as a whole. Why is it that so many Florida teams struggle with attendance?</p>↵<p>There are a wide number of answers to that question. The teams are young and there are a large number of them. Many fans are transplants from other areas. Local economies have tanked hard in recent years. The state is dominated by sprawl, yet lacks effective public transportation systems. When you look at Florida from a wide lens, all of a sudden the attendance patterns for teams start to make much more sense.</p>↵<p>But for big networks like ESPN, it's so much <i>easier</i> to bash (and it's better for ratings). Informed discussions of why attendance is low rarely happen, and it leaves fans with a poor understanding of the Florida markets.</p>↵<p>Will that ever change? Hopefully, but I'm not holding my breath.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-dolphins/2011/11/18/2571014/dolphins-bills-blackout-sell-out-attendanceSteve Slowinski2011-11-17T11:57:01-05:002011-11-17T11:57:01-05:00NFL Week 11 Preview: Dissecting Dolphins-Bills
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<img alt="MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Matt Moore #8 of the Miami Dolphins passes during a game against the Washington Redskins at Sun Life Stadium on November 13, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wKd0m6YDlAfc-Jdckp-oRGTQa14=/0x8:1000x675/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4723164/132687694.jpg" />
<figcaption>MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Matt Moore #8 of the Miami Dolphins passes during a game against the Washington Redskins at Sun Life Stadium on November 13, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Miami Dolphins look to hinder the Buffalo Bills' chance at a playoff spot in an AFC East showdown </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> team that many expected to arrive at the beginning of the season has finally shown up. After dropping the first seven games of the year, three of which were by a field goal or less, the Dolphins have pulled off two impressive victories in a row against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>. Both the offense and defense have impressed the past two weeks, with the Dolphins holding their opponents to a combined twelve points and QB Matt Moore taking home AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 9. This week, the Dolphins host division foe <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> in a matchup that, two weeks ago, many commentators would have predicted to be a landslide victory for the Bills.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But things have a tendency of changing quickly in the NFL, where the Bills have lost two straight after their hot start. An early season upset of AFC power <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> and thrilling comeback win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> had people penciling Buffalo in for a playoff spot. But spotty quarterback play and vulnerable-looking defense have dropped the Bills to a 5-4 record and are currently on the outside looking in on the playoff picture.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Will the Bills get back on track against the Dolphins, or will the Dolphins continue their march back the respectability against a Bills team in turmoil? A look at the matchups will help answer that question.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Dolphins Pass Offense vs. Bills Pass Defense</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bills pass defense has become awfully generous at a time where the Dolphins are finding a groove in their passing game. S <span>George Wilson</span> (neck) sat out practice on Wednesday and looks to be questionable for Sunday’s game. The Dolphins should be able to capitalize against the Bills if Wilson, who leads the Bills in tackles and interceptions, is either limited or forced to sit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Advantage: Dolphins</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Dolphins Run Offense vs. Bills Run Defense</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">RB <span>Reggie Bush</span> is on a roll and will look to continue his impressive running streak against the Bills, who ranked 23<sup>rd</sup> in the NFL in rushing yards per game with 125.4. The Dolphins are middle-of-the-pack in the NFL, ranking 15<sup>th</sup> in rushing yards per game with 114.2. I’m going with the numbers on this one.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Advantage: Dolphins</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Bills Pass Offense vs. Dolphins Pass Defense</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Dolphins have been disappointing against the pass this year, ranking 25<sup>th</sup> in the NFL and allowing 256.3 yards per game. They looked impressive last week against the Washington Redskins, but <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> is no <span>Rex Grossman</span>, even with his recent struggles. WR <span>Steve Johnson</span> may have to sit this one out, but even if he does Buffalo has enough weapons at all positions to give the Dolphins fits.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Advantage: Bills</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Bills Run Offense vs. Dolphins Run Defense</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">LB <span>Karlos Dansby</span> will get the opportunity to prove he is the best in the game against RB <span>Fred Jackson</span>. Jackson has averaged 4.8 yards per carry in his career against the Dolphins, who rank 6<sup>th</sup> in the NFL allowing only 3.8 yards per carry. But Jackson has performed like an absolute monster this season and will continue to do so.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Advantage: Bills</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Special Teams</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bills P <span>Brian Moorman</span> is averaging 49.7 yards per punt this year. I’m not sure I can even see that far in front of me. Dolphins P <span>Brandon Fields</span> is no slouch either, posting an average of 48.6 yards per punt. Bills K <span>Dave Rayner</span>, who replaces an injured <span>Rian Lindell</span>, hasn’t had a full time job in the NFL since 2006 and sports a career field goal percentage of 72.4. Dolphins K <span>Dan Carpenter</span> continues be accurate, making 81.8 percent of his field goal attempts. Bill KR <span>Brad Smith</span> averages 17.9 yards per return and has the ability to make people miss. Dolphins KR <span>Clyde Gates</span> continues to return kickoffs from deep in his own end zone.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Advantage: Bills</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Coaching</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bill coach Chan Gailey and his staff get the most out of their players. Their starting quarterback is a 7<sup>th</sup> round pick, as is their top receiver. Their second-leading receiver was undrafted. So was their starting running back, who doubles as the team’s third-leading receiver. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano and his staff has not been able to maximize their players’ talents in the same way, as evinced by Reggie Bush being regularly run between the tackles. Also, field goals are not the end-all-be-all of the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Advantage: Bills</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Summary</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bills have more to lose in this game than the Dolphins. While the Dolphins are busy jockeying for position to draft the next franchise quarterback, the Bills are still in the playoff race. The Bills offense will get back on track after the Dolphins won their obligatory home game last week.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Prediction: Bills 27, Dolphins 20</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-dolphins/2011/11/17/2568814/nfl-week-11-preview-dissecting-dolphins-billsRyan Michaels