1 - Will Sunday be final home game for Kyle Williams?
Buffalo's beloved defensive tackle, Kyle Williams, has been trotting out of the tunnel in Orchard Park since 2006. On Sunday, it could potentially be his last hurrah at home as it's the Bills final game of the season at New Era Field.
On the Bills roster, Williams has the most experience (12 years), games played (164), and games started (159). All of those numbers have come during his 12-year career in Buffalo.[
"He's an outstanding player and I think a lot of people know that. What sometimes does not get enough recognition is what he does off the field and the type of man that he is. I've said it before, before you win on the field you have to win off the field," said head coach Sean McDermott. "I think he embodies that for us. The good part is, it just doesn't stop there with Kyle. He's been very valuable for me in terms of the leadership in that locker room."
The Bills fifth-round pick in 2006 has made his mark on the organization. Since being drafted, he has the most tackles (566) by active DTs in the NFL. His 42.5 career sacks are the most all-time by a Bills DT. Additionally, his 164 games played are the most by a Bills DT.
Over the course of his career, he's recorded 362 tackles, 42.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. That's been enough to earn him five Pro Bowl selections, the most recent coming in 2016. Williams was also named to the All-Pro Team in 2010.
He's been a member of the Bills during the midst of their playoff drought. A win on Sunday would increase the team's chances of ending that glaring streak. That's all Williams cares about, not the thought of his last home game.
"I try not to think about it. I don't think about it just because it's a distraction for me mentally," said Williams. "There's enough trouble in the day of getting ready for the Dolphins and trying to finish this strong and get to where we want to go and accomplish our goals. I'm not going to make it about me and I'm not going to think about it in those terms. I'm going to go out, it's our last home game of the season, and we're going to try and beat the Dolphins."
2 - Where the Dolphins can cause problems this week
After dropping five-straight games in Weeks 8-12, the Miami Dolphins have rattled off two-straight wins. Their performances of late have been pesky for opposing teams.
On Sunday, the Bills will have home field advantage as they attempt to halt the Dolphins two-game winning streak. That should benefit Buffalo, as they're 5-2 at home this season and Miami's 2-4 on the road.
Regardless, the Bills won't take the Dolphins lightly. They've looked like a completely different team these past two weeks. Most recently on Monday, as they defeated the Patriots 27-20.
"[They are] a very talented team. We look forward to this matchup, our offensive line looks forward to this matchup, as skilled players, we look forward to this matchup," said quarterback Tyrod Taylor. "It's going to be a very good game. Of course, what they did Monday was definitely impressive with them holding the Patriots down the way they did. Week in and week out, there should be no surprises in the league. Every team is capable, so we have to bring our A-game each Sunday."
On Monday, Miami's defense held New England's offense to 0-for-11 on third downs. The week prior, the Dolphins defense limited the Broncos offense to 1-for-13 on third downs. Combined, opposing offenses have gone 1-for-24 on third downs against Miami over the past two games. They've allowed opponents to an average of fewer than 15 points per game in that span.
Miami will come to Buffalo on Sunday riding a high, as they're playing arguably their best football of the year. Taylor and company are up for the task at hand.
"I would say [that they are] a very confident group. Early on, if they get a couple of three-and-outs, they feed off that as momentum," said Taylor. "We have to be able to extend drives early on; start fast, something we need to be better at as well. We take that challenge and look forward to doing it this Sunday."
Relive memorable Bills versus Dolphins games throughout the years.
3 - Hyde on pace for first Pro Bowl bid
Safety, Micah Hyde, has had a career year in his first season with the Bills. It appears he has a clear path to his first career Pro Bowl selection.
NFL Media senior analyst, Gil Brandt, came out with his 2018 Pro Bowl team. He had Hyde as the AFC's starting strong safety.
*Hyde is having a career year in his first season in Buffalo, posting five interceptions, 11 passes defended and 65 tackles thus far… One thing that stands out about the veteran: He gets the Bills' defense lined up correctly, which is especially important when you're relying on young players like rookie cornerback Tre'Davious White. *
Hyde's 65 tackles, 11 passes defended, and five interceptions are all career highs. Teams are 10-2 (3-1 w/Bills) when Hyde hauls in an INT. He's also started in all 13 games this year, which is the most he's tallied in a single season.
Through Week 13, Hyde was the vote-leader (99,431) in the AFC at strong safety. Pro Bowl voting is currently underway. Help Hyde get his first career selection!
"It just shows a lot of people respect what I've been able to do this year. At the end of the day, I just want to help this team win as much as possible on the field," said Hyde. "I had my own personal goals that I set, especially coming here and trying to be a leader. It's a blessing. I'm happy I'm getting respect from some people."
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