Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - I was all set to come in on Monday and start the show by saying that was one of the greatest regular season wins in the history of the Buffalo Bills.
The defense was missing half of their starters going into the game. During the game, more players were going down with heat-related issues. There were some self-inflicted mistakes. There were some questionable penalty calls.
Despite all of that I was confident the Bills were about to get a game-winning field goal from Tyler Bass, and then the clock ran out on the Bills.
In terms of the big picture perspective, this game changed nothing for me.
I still think the Bills will win the division and are a Super Bowl contender. Going into the game, I felt Miami was the second-best team in the division, and would be good enough to make the playoffs.
I still feel that way.
I didn't think I could love Josh Allen any more than I did, but after this game, my love for him has grown. Allen didn't play a perfect game, but he did everything in his power to carry the Bills to a victory on a day when it felt like so many factors were going against them. Allen and the offense knew they had to carry the load with all of the injuries on defense.
But then think about what happened to the offense during the game. Already down starting center Mitch Morse, who was inactive, right guard Ryan Bates and right tackle Spencer Brown both had to leave. A number of skill position players, including Stefon Diggs, Isaiah McKenzie and Dawson Knox, were on and off the field due to cramping.
It reached a point where offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey wouldn't know which personnel would be available on a play-to-play basis.
Allen also had no running game to help him out. Zack Moss did have a 43-yard run, but the other 14 carries from Bills running backs totaled just 19 yards. Allen was the most effective runner.
The Bills quarterback was also under a great deal of pressure, as the Dolphins used a blitz-heavy approach. Miami was credited with 10 quarterback hits in its win.
Buffalo should have won the game, but you don't get credit for "should have won" games.
Don't panic just because the Bills are now behind the Dolphins in the division. They trailed the New England Patriots by a game late last season too.
The key now is to try and get as many of the injured players back for a tough game in Baltimore against the Ravens on Sunday.
