The statement that the Bills have dominated the Dolphins in recent years isn’t particularly controversial, as recent history supports it. Buffalo has won the AFC East division four years in a row, with only one close race. Even Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged this, saying, “The Bills own the division until somebody takes it from them” during a press conference on Wednesday.
Last season, the Dolphins came close to dethroning Buffalo in the division, as both teams finished with 11-6 records. However, the Bills won both of their regular-season matchups against Miami, securing the tiebreaker and the division title. In fact, Buffalo has consistently beaten Miami, holding an 11-2 record against the Dolphins since Josh Allen’s rookie season in 2018.
What makes matters worse for Miami is Allen’s dominance over them. The star quarterback has racked up 4,001 yards and 38 touchdowns against the Dolphins throughout his career. Despite this, some believe the tide is turning. On a recent episode of Good Morning Football, former NFL linebacker Manti Te’o discussed the upcoming Week 2 Bills-Dolphins matchup, suggesting that Miami is poised to break through this season, saying, “History may say that the Buffalo Bills have the Miami Dolphins’ number, but this isn’t history. This is 2024.”
Te’o emphasized that the Bills are no longer the same team, particularly pointing out changes in their secondary. He noted that key defenders like Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer have either left the team or are now playing for Miami (as in Poyer’s case). He also highlighted how those players were key in containing Miami’s offensive weapons, like Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. With the absence of these All-Pro safeties, Te’o argued that the Dolphins now have a better chance to succeed against Buffalo.
On offense, Te’o noted that Josh Allen is dealing with a new supporting cast, pointing out how Allen spread the ball to multiple targets in Week 1. However, Te’o seems to present this as a concern, but in reality, it’s a strength for the Bills. In previous years, Buffalo’s offense was heavily reliant on Stefon Diggs, but this season, Allen’s ability to connect with nine different players in Week 1 shows that the offense is more versatile and balanced than before.
While Te’o is correct that past matchups won’t necessarily dictate the outcome of Thursday night’s game, the Bills’ recent success against the Dolphins cannot be ignored. Miami will try to turn the tide and prove they can compete for the division crown, while Buffalo will aim to continue its dominance when the teams face off at 8:15 p.m.
