Miami Gardens, Fla. (WGR 550) - For the fourth-straight season, the Buffalo Bills are champions of the AFC. East.
In an epic regular season finale with the division on the line, the Buffalo Bills come back from a 14-7 halftime deficit to shut down the Miami Dolphins in the second half en route to a 21-14 win at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida.
The Dolphins received the opening kick and the Bills defense got off to a strong start. As Miami was looking deep for wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Bills cornerback Christian Benford got up to pick off quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to set the Bills offense up at their own 16-yard line.
Buffalo turned right around and got deep into Miami territory on their first offensive drive, but the momentum ended when Josh Allen's pass intended for Gabe Davis in the end zone was picked off by cornerback Eli Apple.
After forcing a Miami punt, the Bills offense went to work again, moving the ball down the field and into Dolphins territory. However, very similar to the drive before, an Allen pass on fourth down to the end zone was intercepted by safety DeShon Elliott.
Even though the Dolphins could not turn their first forced turnover into points on the scoreboard, they managed to make it hurt the Bills after the next turnover.
Miami ended up driving 11 plays and 80 yards to put up the first points of the game, as running back De’Von Achane broke free from 25 yards out to put the Dolphins ahead, 7-0.
The Bills answered right back with a seven-play, 75-yard drive resulting in a six-yard touchdown pass from Allen to wide receiver Trent Sherfield, who kept his feet inbounds as he reeled in a football that took a crazy ricochet at the line of scrimmage.
However, with a little more than four-and-a-half minutes remaining in the half, the Dolphins marched down the field and took the lead back, capped off with Tagovailoa connecting with Hill for a three-yard touchdown.
Buffalo had enough time just before halftime to try and even the score again, but their drive came just short of the end zone, as running back Ty Johnson was stopped at the Dolphins' one-yard line as time expired in the second quarter.
After an exchanging of punts to start the third quarter, the Bills looked to tie the game again with time ticking away after a long drive. However, on a third down passing play, Allen was sacked by Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, and also stripped of the football for another turnover.
Following a solid defensive stand on Miami's ensuing drive, the game was able to turn on a dime with one play, courtesy of Buffalo's special teams unit.
Despite a deep punt by Dolphins punter Jake Bailey, Bills returner Deonte Harty was able to find a gap and return the football 96 yards, tying the game with just under 14 minutes left in the game.
Another stout defensive stop led to a three-and-out and another Dolphins punt, setting the Bills up to take the lead for the first time on the evening.
It took the Bills just eight plays, spanning 74 yards in order for Allen to connest with tight end Dawson Knox for a five-yard touchdown to put Buffalo up, 21-14, with 7:16 remaining on the clock.
After another forced three-and-out by the Buffalo defense, the Bills offense was afforded an opportunity to close the game out by killing the clock and forcing Miami to burn their three timeouts. After a key 4th-and-1 conversion from Josh Allen earlier in the drive, a second 4th-and-1 "tush push" play was thwarted at the Dolphins' 37-yard line, allowing Miami one last chance to get the game-tying score.
However, the Bills defense sealed the game with an interception from safety Taylor Rapp, who dove to intercept Tagovailoa with 1:13 remaining on the clock at the Buffalo 22-yard line.
From there, the Bills were able to kneel out the clock to secure a fifth-straight win, and another AFC East title on the road.
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First Quarter:
- No Scoring Plays
Second Quarter:
- 7-0 MIAMI: Dolphins touchdown (8:51) - De'von Achane breaks free for a 25-yard rushing touchdown. (Jason Sanders' extra point attempt is good)
Drive Info: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:19
- 7-7 TIE: Bills touchdown (4:31) - Josh Allen's pass is reeled in by Trent Sherfield for a 6-yard touchdown catch. (Tyler Bass' extra point attempt is good)
Drive Info: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:20
- 14-7 MIAMI: Dolphins touchdown (1:43) - Tua Tagovailoa connects with Tyreek Hill for a 3-yard touchdown reception. (Jason Sanders' extra point attempt is good)
Drive Info: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:48
Third Quarter:
- No scoring plays
Fourth Quarter:
14-14 TIE: Bills touchdown (13:42) - Deonte Harty runs back a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown. (Tyler Bass' extra point attempt is good)
21-14 BUFFALO: Bills touchdown (7:16) - Josh Allen tosses a 5-yard touchdown pass to Dawson Knox. (Tyler Bass' extra point attempt is good)
Drive Info: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:52
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SKYWORKS EQUIPMENT RENTAL STATS OF THE GAME:
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What's next:
The Bills will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round on Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. EST on the official voice of the Bills - WGR Sports Radio 550.
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