The game started with Buffalo getting the ball, they were forced to punt on two unsuccessful runs by James Cook and an incomplete pass on 3rd and 6. The Dolphins were forced to punt right back however, as a fumble by Tua Tagovailoa and an incompletion on 3rd down were not able to move the chains. Rasul Douglas played tight man coverage on the intended pass to Hill, he forced Miami to punt. Return man Brandon Coverington had a nice return to get Buffalo already into Miami territory.
Josh Allen and company were able to move the chains once, but a big tackle for loss by veteran Calais Campbell forced the Bills to take 3. Miami bounced back with a field goal of their own, they had a long sustained drive using the quick passing game and run game. Raheem Mostert and Jonnu Smith were featured heavily on this drive. Miami could not convert a 3rd and 1, as former practice squad man Eli Ankou stuffed a run up the middle, Raheem Mostert could go nowhere.
The score was 3-3 and the Bills looked like they were in prime position to score the game’s first touchdown. The Bills were driving, they were running the ball at will against the Dolphins. James Cook was racking up yards. The Bills were deep in Dolphin territory, Josh Allen threw a quick slant to rookie Keon Coleman. Coleman dropped the ball, it went right through his hands up in the air. Jalen Ramsey took advantage of the situation, he brought the interception in with one hand. The Dolphins took over on their own 3 yard line.
The next drive was the best drive of the Dolphins season, it was the longest drive for the Dolphins offense since 2015. The Dolphins ran the ball every single play until their touchdown pass to Devon Achane. Both Achane and Mostert were running hard, taking advantage of big gaps in the defense from great blocking on the offensive line. Once the Dolphins were in the Bills red zone, they threw a well executed screen pass to Devon Achane who walked into the endzone. The Dolphins went up 10-3.
The Bills took over with only 3 minutes remaining, they moved the chains with a Mack Hollins flat route, he was wide open from the offensive motion. They kept driving from Dolphin self inflicted wounds, Cam Smith and Marcus Maye were called for defensive holding and pass interference respectively. On 3rd and 12, Josh Allen evaded the blitz and took off for a 14 yard rush to move the chains to the Dolphins 11 yard line. The Bills were then called with back to back offensive holding calls, putting them on their 31 yard line. Two incompletions made it 3rd and 30, Allen was forced to throw the ball away. Tyler Bass made the long 49 yard field goal, and that would do it for the half. Miami led 10-6 going into halftime.
The second half was completely different for Miami, they started off the second half driving through the run game. The tide shifted when Raheem Mostert fumbled the ball, it was recovered by Kaiir Elam, and the Bills scored a touchdown. Josh Allen connected with Mack Hollins for the touchdown on the 1 yard line, it was fourth and goal.
The Dolphins responded with a field goal, but the Bills wouldn’t stop scoring. The Bills scored a touchdown thanks to the run after catch ability of Ray Davis, he scored a 63 yard touchdown on a check down pass from Josh Allen.
The next drive was precise and surgical for the Dolphins. Their biggest play of the drive was a 27 yard seam throw to Tyreek Hill, Tua beat cover 3 and Tyreek sat right in the seam, it was great communication. They then cashed in on a 8 yard run by Devon Achane, the score was tied back up at 20.
Josh Allen won the day for the Bills, he could not be stopped by the Miami defense. He drove down to the 2 yard line, and on 2nd and goal made one of the most impressive throws of the year. He worked the play action bootleg, and while getting tackled, flicked the ball forward to Quinton Morris for the touchdown. It was mind blowing to see, the fact he could even get the ball off was unreal.
The score was now 27-20 and the stage was set, can Tua Tagovailoa lead his team to the endzone and tie the score up? The answer is yes, the Dolphins offense was brilliant once again. It started with a 12 yard rush up the middle for Devon Achane, and then Tua found Tyreek Hill for a gain of 19. Later in the drive it was 3rd and 7, and Tua connected with Jaylen Waddle to move the chains. Coverage was decent, but Waddle separated enough on an out route and Tua put it right on his chest, first down. Later on 2nd and goal on the 7, Tua created a play in the pocket and found an open Waddle once again, this time for a touchdown. Excellent play out of a tough pocket for Tagovailoa, the Dolphins took their extra point and tied the game up at 27-27.
The Bills did what they always do though, give their team a chance to beat the Fins. Josh Allen did just enough to get his team a chance to take a game winning field goal. The biggest play on the drive was on 3rd and 9, as Allen threw it deep intended for Keon Coleman. Cam Smith played excellent defense on him, but Jordan Poyer came in late and initiated helmet to helmet impact, drawing a Buffalo flag. Poyer has had a rough year, and came over to Miami from Buffalo, it is poetic that he was the one to give the Bills the opportunity to win the game.
A few players later the Bills picked up 11 yards, which was enough for Bills kicker Tyler Bass to drill a 61 yard field goal. Buffalo won 30-27.
There are many thoughts I have about this game, but all are already fairly obvious. This Dolphins defense plays piss poor football against good quarterbacks. The last two weeks, the Dolphins offense has been elite. They have been operating the offense at an extremely high end, and the defense has completely choked those games away. They have allowed 58 points in two weeks, and have given up two walk off field goals. If they cannot put it together, create more turnovers, and get off the field on 3rd downs, it will continue to be a long season.
Josh Allen continues to shine vs the Dolphins, he was outstanding today. He made plays with his legs when needed as well, and continues to show why he is considered a top quarterback in the NFL. The Dolphins now move to 2-6, while the Bills record moves to 7-2.