NFL Schedule, Part III: Dolphins To Face Bills In Toronto Debut

Bills To Face Dolphins In First Regular-Season Game In Toronto

DOLPHINS STILL A STRONG BRAND: Brandon said that by choosing the Dolphins, it is "clear the league wanted to send a team with strong name recognition" (TORONTO SUN, 4/16). Rogers Communications Vice Chair Phil Lind, whose company will serve as co-host of the game, said, "We're so, so pleased about it. I think it demonstrates the league's commitment to the Bills-in-Toronto series" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 4/16). The Dolphins last season played the Giants at Wembley Stadium in London, and Dolphins President & COO Bryan Wiedmeier said that the franchise is "behind the Bills' regionalization efforts and is glad to play another game outside" the U.S. (BUFFALO NEWS, 4/16).

READY FOR PRIMETIME PLAYERS? Despite not making the playoffs for eight seasons, the Bills are slated to host the Browns on ESPN's "MNF" on November 17. In Rochester, Sal Maiorana writes it "would seem the electric atmosphere at [Ralph Wilson Stadium] during last year's game against Dallas had something to do with the NFL giving the Bills ... a second chance to host a Monday nighter." Bills DE Chris Kelsay: "Obviously our fans who came to the game made it a special event last year. The NFL obviously recognized that and thought it would be a great venue to host another game" (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 4/16). However, in Miami, Jeff Darlington notes the Dolphins are not slated to play any primetime games this season. The team will play 14 games on Sundays at 1:00pm ET, which "often is considered the time slot for the least intriguing games" (MIAMI HERALD, 4/16).

Print This Article