What we learned from the Bills’ Week 2 win over the Dolphins
The Buffalo Bills continued their 2024 NFL schedule with a Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. The contest was a “Thursday Night Football” which ended as a 31-10 over their AFC East rivals.
Following the victory, as is always the case, we were taught a few things about the team. We already knew the Bills (2-0) were capable of beating up on the Dolphins (1-1) due to recent history, but there are a handful of things we learned about 2024’s version of the Bills.
With that, here are five things we learned from the Bills’ win in Week 2:
Less on Josh Allen’s shoulders
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) reaches for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
In past years, the Bills relied on Josh Allen to be over 80 percent of the offense. He’s more than capable of putting the team on his back but it’s not sustainable week to week in the NFL.
Since Joe Brady has been promoted to offensive coordinator, the team has been committed to running the football and taking what the defense gives them. Sure, Allen has to put his cape on and make an incredible play from time to time still, but it is way more calculated than in years past.
Under former OC Ken Dorsey, we saw too much of the team put on Allen’s shoulders to be consistently successful. Now, the Bills seem to have a running game and Allen, the skill positions, and Brady are all on the same page.
Any week could serve as big game for any of the pass catchers.
The “old Von” is back
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: Von Miller #40 of the Buffalo Bills sacks Skylar Thompson #19 of the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
After recording his first sack since November of 2022 in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, many were asking if the “old Von” was back. After Week 2, I think it’s safe to say he looks like his old self.
Against Miami, Miller recorded yet another sack and also earned the highest Pro Football Focus grade on the roster (90.7). Through two weeks, Miller is among the best in the league in terms of pass rush win rate by an edge rusher, although he hasn’t played more than 48 percent of defensive snaps yet.
Cleaned up their act
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
The Bills struggled to stay disciplined in Week 1’s comeback win. They committed nine penalties for 65 yards, lost a fumble, and allowed a kickoff return touchdown. These seemed like glaring issues, especially since the Bills are a younger team now.
But, in Week 2 they cleaned up their act. The Bills committed just one penalty for five yards in against the Dolphins, had no turnovers, and didn’t allow a big play on special teams. Considering this was a game on a short week on the road, playing a clean game was impressive from the young Bills,
Ahead of schedule
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Many assumed that the Bills would take a big step back this year after losing a handful of key contributors on both sides of the ball. And, I’m sure there will be a portion of the regular season where they hit a wall, but they are rolling to start the season and seem way ahead of schedule.
Predicted to miss the playoffs or barely sneak into a wildcard by some, they already look like the best squad in the AFC East and look as good as anyone in the NFL after two weeks aside from the New Orleans Saints. Many were thinking about a rebuilding year, but the youth movement in Buffalo is way ahead of schedule.
Next man up philosophy
Megan Briggs/Getty Images
The Bills’ defense has had a few consecutive years of bad injury luck, and that theme has continued to start 2024.
Already down All-Pro players in cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) and linebacker Matt Milano (bicep), the Bills lost another key cog in linebacker Terrel Bernard (pertoral) on Thursday.
This has laid the groundwork for young guys to come in and prove their worth. With the guidance of head coach Sean McDermott, who has a history of getting the most out of his defensive players, the younger players were not only able to fill in but they made key plays to help their team win. Bernard, Milano, and Johnson will all remain out so the team will continue to rely on guys like Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, Cam Lewis, and Ja’Marcus Ingram.
