Dolphins Eye Advantage Against Bills Without Ed Oliver
The Miami Dolphins might be in a favorable position as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. A significant absence on Buffalo’s defense could shift the dynamics of their upcoming Thursday Night Football clash.
Injury Concerns for the Bills
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver, a cornerstone of the Bills’ defensive front, is currently nursing an ankle injury that could sideline him for the game against Miami. After missing Sunday’s contest against the New York Jets, his status for the Dolphins matchup remains uncertain. Reports indicate that Oliver suffered the injury during practice, and he was spotted wearing a protective boot on his left foot shortly thereafter.
Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott addressed Oliver’s condition in a recent press conference, stating, “I think just being in the early stages of the recovery piece, I think there’s a chance. I don’t know what that chance is at this point, but I’ll get more information in a few days here.” With Oliver on the field, he accounted for 69 percent of the Bills’ defensive snaps last week, playing a crucial role in disrupting the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. His performance included six solo tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one sack, and a forced fumble, showcasing his importance to the team.
Impact on Dolphins’ Offensive Line
If Oliver is unable to play against Miami, it would be a significant boost for an offensive line that is already grappling with injuries. The Dolphins are missing two starters on the right side: right guard James Daniels is on injured reserve for at least four games, while right tackle Austin Jackson is recovering from a toe injury. The absence of Oliver could allow Miami’s offense some breathing room, enabling them to exploit a weakened Bills defense.
Buffalo’s depth is being tested early this season. Edge rusher Greg Rousseau is also limited due to a knee injury, and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, a promising third-round pick in 2024, is out for the season with an Achilles injury. Additionally, defensive end Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, both recent additions through free agency, are suspended for the first six games of the season due to violations of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Patriots’ Cornerback Struggles Create Opportunity for Dolphins
The Dolphins may find additional opportunities in Week 2 against the New England Patriots as well. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that cornerback Christian Gonzalez will miss the game due to a hamstring injury. Gonzalez did not play in New England’s recent 20-13 defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders, and he has been absent from practice since sustaining the injury in late July.
With Gonzalez sidelined, Alex Austin, a seventh-round pick in the 2023 draft, stepped in last week. However, he faced challenges, allowing Raiders quarterback Geno Smith to complete three of five passes for 55 yards when targeted. This opens the door for the Dolphins, whose offense struggled to find its rhythm in their season opener. Despite Smith’s success against the Patriots, he was also sacked four times and threw an interception, indicating that New England’s defense can be exploited.
As the Dolphins look to bounce back from a lackluster offensive performance in Week 1, they will need to capitalize on the absences of key defenders on both the Bills and the Patriots. With strategic execution and effective adjustments, Miami hopes to turn potential opportunities into a stronger showing as they navigate through the early part of the season.
