Bryant McKinnie: Bills knew cadence

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins veteran left tackle Bryant McKinnie has a theory that the Buffalo Bills' defense was onto Miami's snap count most of the game. In fact, McKinnie's hunch is so strong that he approached his team's coaching staff about it this week.

According to McKinnie, the Bills' knowledge of Miami's snap count contributed to Buffalo's 19-0 shutout win over the Dolphins that included seven sacks by the Bills.

"They were getting [a jump]. I feel like they were getting a rhythm with our cadence," McKinnie said after practice Tuesday. "Me being around, I knew some things that we can do to help counter that. So I definitely brought that to my offensive line coach."

There have been discussions among media and fans in South Florida for several weeks about the Dolphins' predictable cadence. However, Miami's coaching staff recently denied there was a snap-count issue when asked about it.

Tuesday was the first time a Dolphins player mentioned that a predictable snap count could have contributed to the Dolphins' offensive struggles. The Dolphins set a new franchise record this year with 58 sacks allowed.

McKinnie said he didn't mention his suggestions to Dolphins offensive line coach Jim Turner until after Sunday's game. But the 12-year veteran said the coaching staff appeared open to changes.

"Oh definitely, because it will work," McKinnie said. "It will keep the defenders honest. It was something that's worked for me before, so it will work here."
The Dolphins (8-7) will host the New York Jets (7-8) in a game with playoff implications. The Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens (8-7), San Diego Chargers (8-7) and Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8) are fighting for the final wild card in the AFC.


(espn.com)