It's amazing how back-to-back wins can change the outlook on what previously seemed like a lost season for the Bills.

While the Bills have found their winning ways recently, there is still a primary focus on the future. It just so happens the future has been making a lot of the plays for the present success. 

What we are seeing is good reason to continue to "Trust the Process." Sean McDermott's team has played hard even in defeat and now, as the youth movement leads the charge, we are seeing, just as a year ago, a team beating opponents with more talent on paper. 

But I'm not sure the Dolphins are one of those teams. 

With that, let's dive into Sunday's game.

 

All Aboard the Allen Train

​Josh Allen returned after four games (five weeks) away while recovering from an elbow sprain and posted the second highest QB rating of his rookie season against Jacksonville (89.8), throwing for 160 yards on 8/19 with a touchdown. But his best production came from his legs, rushing for a franchise-record 99 yards. It is this dual-threat element that we have seen this year, but not to this extent. I would like to see more throwing and less passing, but any way the Bills can move the ball on offense is good. The passing numbers have a chance to go up against a Dolphins defense 21st in the league (258.2 YPG) and who doesn't get to the quarterback much (30th in sack percentage at 4.99%).

 

Get on the Ground

​As stated above, Josh Allen was the Bills leading rusher last week. This after LeSean McCoy had his best performance of the season against the Jets with 113 yards and 2 TDs. Shady is still on pace for his worst season yet, but there could be openings against Miami who is allowing 139.8 rushing yards a game. McCoy also thinks Allen's ability to throw deep and the new speed at wide receiver as a way for teams to drop back from stacking the box. 

 

Youth Out Wide

Sean McDermott acknowledged Friday that Kelvin Benjamin's snap count has dropped as the season as gone on because the team wants to give the younger wide receivers an opportunity and they have capitalized on it. Robert Foster has been dynamic the past two games since being called up from the practice squad. 

Isaiah McKenzie has added a nice element in the slot both running and catching the ball. These two will continue to see the field because they have earned it. There should be more big plays in the passing game on the horizon as well with the Dolphins 7.49 passing yards per play, 30th in the NFL. 

 

Taming Tannehill

​Ryan Tannehill returned last week as the Dolphins starting QB after missing five games with an injury to his throwing shoulder. He was efficient, going 17/25 for 204 yards and 2 TDs to no interceptions. Tannehill missed all of last season so has not faced the Bills under Sean McDermott, but in his career has been up and down against the division rival, eclipsing 300 yards once while under 200 yards four times in 9 games. He may be limited at wide receiver with Danny Amendola doubtful and Devante Parker questionable.

 

3 and Out

  • ​John Miller is officially OUT. Sean McDermott says Jeremiah Sirles and Vlad Ducasse have gotten reps at right guard in practice this week, but wouldn't commit to who would start in Miller's place. After talking with Sirles on Thursday, sounds like he will be the guy.
  • Bills defense second in the NFL in yards allowed per game at 305. Miami ranks 28th in offense at 313.6 YPG
  • Logan Thomas was back with the team Friday after being absent Thursday for the birth of his son.

Bills and Dolphins set to kick things off from Miami Gardens, Florida Sunday at 1 pm.