The Miami Dolphins entered their primetime showdown in Buffalo looking for a spark to turn around a winless start. For three quarters, they went toe-to-toe with their division rivals, trading blows with a Bills team that has dominated the series in recent years. But when the game hung in the balance, it was Miami’s miscues — and Buffalo’s execution — that decided the outcome.
The game was knotted at 21–21 as the fourth quarter began, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Buffalo struck first when Josh Allen connected with Khalil Shakir on a 15-yard touchdown with just over seven minutes to play, seizing momentum in front of a roaring home crowd.
Miami still had a chance to respond, but disaster struck. With just over three minutes left, Tua Tagovailoa forced a throw into traffic and was intercepted by linebacker Terrel Bernard. The turnover all but ended the Dolphins’ comeback hopes. A late field goal by Matt Prater with 22 seconds remaining sealed the 31–21 Bills victory.
Key Performances
Buffalo’s stars shined brightest down the stretch.
Josh Allen was efficient, completing 22 of 28 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back James Cook added 108 rushing yards and a short-yardage touchdown, tying a franchise record with his seventh straight game finding the end zone.
Miami had flashes of brilliance but couldn’t sustain them.
Tua Tagovailoa threw for 146 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on scoring plays. But Tagovailoa’s late interception proved decisive.
On special teams, a roughing-the-kicker penalty on Zach Sieler extended a crucial Buffalo drive, which ultimately led to the go-ahead touchdown.
Where It Went Wrong
The Dolphins didn’t lack effort, but they lacked discipline at the worst times. Critical penalties reset Buffalo drives. Defensive lapses in key moments allowed Allen to dictate tempo. And Miami’s inability to close out possessions — whether by mistake or missed opportunity — proved fatal.
Buffalo’s dominance in the rivalry also loomed large. The Bills have now won 14 of the last 15 matchups against Miami, including the postseason, underscoring the gulf between the two teams when it matters most.
The loss drops Miami to 0–3, their first such start since 2019, putting them in a precarious early-season hole. Head coach Mike McDaniel faces mounting pressure to find answers quickly, as the margin for error in a competitive AFC is rapidly shrinking.
For Buffalo, the win moves them to 3–0 and further cements their control of the division. With Allen and Cook in rhythm, the Bills look poised for another deep run.
For three quarters, the Dolphins played with grit and belief. But in the NFL, games are often decided by execution in the final minutes. Buffalo delivered when it counted most. Miami, once again, did not — and until they fix that pattern, their climb back into AFC relevance will remain uphill.
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