Sunday, 1 p.m. at Dolphins Stadium, Miami
Quarter Back Daunte Culpepper has to be on point this week. Making his first start since shredding his right knee last October 30 with the Vikings, had a hot-and-cold debut, completing 18 of 37 for 262 yards.
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Culpepper was “a little rough around the edges” – actually….he was horrific…which showed as he threw two interceptions in the final six minutes, including the game-clinching 42-yard touchdown by linebacker Joey Porter. It’s appearing to me that he is having a major issue working under pressure.
Better decisions will be crucial for Culpepper late in the games. The offensive line has to step up its run blocking. Luckily, for the Dophins-and particularly RB Ronnie Brown-the Bills lack the Steelers’ swarming defensive prowess. The Bills might be able to force Culpepper into poor decisions, if LBs Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher can shut down the run early.
Miami might be throwing in a few rotation changes along the line. The Bills will pound away with 228-pound RB Willis McGahee. The Dolphins’ defense line that features four 30-plus starters appeared to wear down late against the Steelers.
Bills WRs Lee Evans and Josh Reed vs. Dolphins secondary: Miami needs CB Travis Daniels back from an ankle injury after the revamped secondary was responsible for three big pass plays in Pittsburgh. CB Andre Goodman, a free agent from Detroit starting for Daniels, was guilty of two penalties against the secondary, and two players playing different coverages led to TE Heath Miller’s go-ahead 87-yard touchdown. Bills QB J.P. Losman has the arm to connect on big plays and built chemistry with Evans during the preseason. But can the Bills’ offensive line hold free? Then again, when coverages break down, a receiver can get open in a split second.
