Bills vs. Dolphins Week 2 snap counts: Defensive excellence despite injuries

The sky is blue, the water is wet, and the Buffalo Bills have defeated the Miami Dolphins for the fifth time in a row and in 12 of the last 14 matchups since quarterback Josh Allen was drafted. This time it was the James Cook show, and he scored three touchdowns and more than 90 scrimmage yards in a 31-10 beatdown in Miami.

Despite the ongoing injuries on Buffalo’s defense, it was still excellent. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw three interceptions and the powerful duo of wide receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, were limited to just seven receptions for 65 yards.

If Bills Mafia members weren’t watching the game live and watching Josh Allen’s stats in the box score, most would probably assume something went wrong and Buffalo got blown out on national television. Just like in Week 15 of 2023 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he attempted just 15 passes for 118 total yards, Allen didn’t have to do much because of how efficient Cook and the running game were.

As we always do, the full list of inactive players against the Dolphins can be found here . Rookie linebackers Joe Andreessen and Edefuan Ulofoshio have both been inactive for two straight weeks, but that could change with the news of Terrell Bernard’s pectoral injury and the general uncertainty in the Bills’ linebacker room. Nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm) was inactive, but rookie safety Cole Bishop, who was inactive last week, got his first NFL action.

Bills Offensive Snap Counts (45 Snaps)

Of course, I already said that Week 2 was the James Cook show, but it all starts with the guys in front of him creating the open running lanes. The offensive line continues to perform at a high level, and if Buffalo hadn’t blown out Miami, we’d be looking at two straight weeks of 100% snap share. One side note: Guard Alec Anderson (29%) has logged double-digit snaps in both games so far, further validating the physical run-game approach on offense.

While Cook (47%) got his way with Miami’s defense, it’s worth noting that he did so on just 21 snaps. Rookie running back Ray Davis (31%) doubled his snap count in Week 2 and continues to shine.

Tight end Dalton Kincaid (42%) led all pass-catchers in snaps in Week 1, but took a knee against the helmet early in the game, causing him to miss some time and giving Dawson Knox (53%) the upper hand in snap share. While Allen (91%) didn’t complete many total passing attempts and yards, Kincaid hauled in all four of his targets for 33 yards. It was clear the Bills made it a point to get him involved from the start.

Rookie wideout Keon Coleman (91%) logged the same amount of snaps as Allen but failed to earn his only target. Still, I’m not too concerned given Buffalo’s clear choice to continue running the ball. Khalil Shakir (69%) continues to prove that it’s always been “Shakir szn” and that he’s the true WR1 on offense. Curtis Samuel (27%) has just 29 snaps in a Bills uniform through two games, but it’s hard not to notice him when he’s on the field due to offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s implementation of pre-snap motion.

Bills defensive snap counts (76 snaps)

Kudos to both head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich for their excellent game plan against the high-powered Dolphins offense. McDermott has typically done a good job of preventing big plays, but with the departures of both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, many were concerned. Safeties Taylor Rapp (92%) and Damar Hamlin (92%) have filled those shoes, with Hamlin in particular leading the team with 10 tackles.

As I mentioned above, Hill and Waddle combined for seven catches and 65 yards. The Bills’ pass rush, led by edge rusher Von Miller (38%) and defensive tackle Ed Oliver (61%), confused Tagovailoa early and often, forcing him to throw three interceptions. It’s worth noting that Miller has a sack in two straight games — he might be back, folks. Defensive end Greg Rousseau (68%) was “quiet” after his monstrous Week 1 performance, and AJ Epenesa (66%) applied pressure that forced Tagovailoa to throw a pick-six.

Cornerback Christian Benford (100%) intercepted Tagovailoa and certainly proved why he gets all the snaps over Kaiir Elam (8%), who some believed would get more snaps in Week 2 given his success containing Hill last season. Cornerback Rasul Douglas (92%) remains one of my favorite trade acquisitions in recent memory due to his elite tackling and overall playing style.

With Taron Johnson sidelined, safety Cam Lewis (92%) has seen more snaps at the nickel position and has played well. Johnson’s injury also opened the door for cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram (30%) to see consistent playing time. Ingram had two interceptions, including a pick-six to extend the lead to 21 points. Safeties Damar Hamlin (92%) and Taylor Rapp (92%) led the way as starters, with Hamlin leading the team in tackles with 10 (8 solo). Safeties Cole Bishop (8%) and Mike Edwards (8%) each saw their first action of the season toward the end of the game, making the safety situation more interesting when they’re fully healthy.

I noted Bernard’s pectoral injury above, but McDermott expects him to miss multiple weeks. Still, he’ll miss time, and when he got hurt just 14 snaps into the game, Baylon Spector (82%) was favored. Miami’s lone touchdown came on Spector’s misjudged play, but he seemed to get better as the game went on. Second-year linebacker Dorian Williams (70%) showed the most, but he’s likely to remain at his position. Buffalo has linebacker depth on its 53-man roster, but it could be time for “Buffalo Joe” to get a call-up from the practice squad for Week 3.

Bills special teams snap counts (21 snaps)

Nothing new here — both fullback Reggie Gilliam (90%) and tight end Quintin Morris (90%) led the way in snaps and remain Buffalo’s top special teams specialists. Linebacker Nicholas Morrow (71%) saw more snaps as Spector moved to the starting middle linebacker position.

Shoutout to Tyler Bass (57%) for kicking the ball into the end zone on kickoffs this time. He did miss a field goal opportunity at the end of the play.