Buffalo Bills (7-2) – Miami Dolphins (2-6-: 30-27
At the end of a tense 4th quarter, the Bills had the opportunity to have the last word with 90 seconds to play. Despite, and thanks to, an aggressive Dolphins defense, Josh Allen gained just enough ground to put Tyler Bass away from a game-winning kick. Long distance. 61 yards transformed for a victory which concludes a successful 2nd half for Buffalo after a more than sluggish start.
Despite a clear improvement in attack, the Dolphins leave once again defeated, the 6th of the season. But by having jostled their rivals throughout the match, they can aim for the best for this month of November.
Slow motion attacks
Josh Allen (25/39, 235 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int) had not thrown an interception in his first seven games of the season. He has a second in two matches. It must be said that the quarterback is not really helped by his receiver, who is not very skillful in the action. Deprived of Amari Cooper injured in the wrist, Allen seemed very alone in the Buffalo attack. He worked a lot alone, like on a third long-distance attempt that he went for alone on the ground, or a touchdown after a 21-yard run that was ultimately refused. In the end the Bills returned to the locker room having scored no touchdowns despite 3 trips to the red zone and were content with 2 field goals.
The Floridians, without being brilliant, have the merit of being more realistic. They are well helped by their duo of runners, who in addition to wearing the leather are also the best receivers of the 1st half. Achane (12 races, 63 yards, 1 TD, 8 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD) also concludes a 97-yard drive following Jalen Ramsey's interception.
Shoulder to shoulder
Such a lack of realism couldn't last forever for the Bills. After the break, they scored three touchdowns in as many possessions. Mack Hollins first improves after a long series with a ball stolen by the defense. Rookie Ray Davis stands out with a 63-yard touchdown. And if Miami remains in contact once again thanks to Achane, it is Buffalo which takes control 6 minutes from time. Allen finding Quinton Morris remarkably.
A second act and a finale that we hoped for more after the first 30 minutes. Tagovailoa is starting to find his targets Hill and Waddle. And the Dolphins' attack shows a face not yet seen in 2024. The Hawaiian quarterback brings his team back up to speed by finding Waddle in the end zone.
But there is still time. A little too much. Well helped by an avoidable mistake from their former player Jordan Poyer, the Bills advance enough to put Tyler Bass in a position to snatch the victory. The kicker makes a masterful 61-yard kick which offers a narrow but valuable success for Buffalo which continues its march forward at the top of the division.
