The Buffalo Bills play their second consecutive AFC East foe Thursday night, squaring off against the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo (2-0) looks to add to Miami's (0-2) early-season misery.
The Bills have had the best of the recent matchups, winning six consecutive games against the Dolphins. Going a bit further back, Buffalo's has had a stranglehold in this series, winning 14 of the previous 16 matchups.
Which Bills have the potential to play a massive role in continuing the team's dominance? Here are three X-factors for Buffalo's defence ahead of Thursday's game.
Joey Bosa
Miami's offensive line is in shambles. Miami has multiple linemen on injured reserve. The team tried to fill some gaps, only to see major struggles in Week 2 against New England. The unit received six penalty calls on the afternoon. It figures to be even more challening on the road this week.
Bosa has been stellar thus far for the Bills. His numbers are astounding, registering four tackles and one sack. However, he has forced three fumbles, and Bosa's pressure rate is strong. He is fifth among edge rushers with seven hurries, per Pro Football Focus.
This could be a primetime game where Bosa dominates.
Terrel Bernard
Bernard may take on a larger role this week with the possibility of Matt Milano being sidelined for this Thursday's game.
Devon Achane may be Miami's best option to get anything positive for the Dolphins defense. Bernard will need to fill running holes to prevent the speedy Achance from breaking loose. In addition, Achane is a receiving threat, so Bernard may be called upon to limit Achane's progress out of the backfield.
Christian Benford
Miami has two very good receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Even though the Dolphins line has largely struggled to protect Tua Tagovailoa and provide him time to throw, the duo is still dangerous enough to put pressure on defenses.
Benford will work to lock down the duo. It's anticipated that he will see snaps against both players. As the game progresses, expect him to trail whichever Dolphins receiver becomes a greater threat throughout the game. If Benford can shut down his receiver, expect the Bills to force Miami into many punting situations.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 3 potential X-factors for the Bills defense vs. Dolphins in Week 3
