Orchard Park, NY (WGR550) - The Buffalo Bills began the season 3-0 for the second straight year after a 31-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Here are my Arrows Up and Down from the contest, starting Up once again:
ARROW UP
TE Dalton Kincaid
Kincaid was targeted early by quarterback Josh Allen, scoring the first touchdown for the Bills and finishing with 5 catches for 66 yards and the score.
RB James Cook
Cook finished the contest with 108 yards, averaged 5.7 yards per run, and found the end zone again. It was the seventh straight regular season game he scored a touchdown, tying the franchise record.
LB Terrel Bernard
Once again Bernard found the football in a critical situation, coming up with, essentially, the game-sealing interception with 3:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with seven tackles, including one for a loss, the pick, and a pass breakup.
QB Josh Allen
Allen had very good overall numbers, finishing 22-of-28 passing (78.5%) for 213 yards and three touchdowns.
Running game
The Bills ran for a total of 157 yards, and averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
TE Jackson Hawes’ first NFL touchdown
With 12:00 remaining in the second quarter and the Bills facing a first and goal from the Miami five yard line, Allen scrambled and eventually flicked the ball to the rookie tight end who scored his first NFL touchdown.
Two 3-and-outs to start the second half
With the score tied at halftime, the Bills defense did a great job of getting the ball back to their offense, stopping Miami to a pair of 3-and-out series’ to begin the second half. The Dolphins totaled four yards on those six plays.
First half offense
The Bills were dominant on offense in the first half. Miami had no answers. Buffalo averaged 6.9 yards per play through the first two quarters.
Third down offense
The Bills were very good on third down in the game, converting 6-of-11 opportunities (54.5%).
Penalties
The Bills were only penalized three times for 35 yards in the game.
Red zone offense
Buffalo had the ball inside the Miami 20-yard line four times and scored three touchdowns (75%).
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ARROW DOWN
Third down defense
Once again third down defense popped up as an issue for the Bills. Miami faced some very long third down situations, but were able to convert, especially late in the first half. Overall, the Dolphins finished 10-for-15 (66.7%) on third downs for the game.
Cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Christian Benford
Both Bills outside corners struggled to stay with Miami receivers in space, especially on critical downs. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for ten catches and two scores.
Pass rush
The Bills did not sack Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at all in the contest, and they were only credited with five total QB hurries.
DEs Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa
The two Bills ends combined for two total tackles (one each) and no QB hurries.
Opening kickoff coverage
The Dolphins returned the opening kickoff to the Bills 47 yards line, giving them a terrific drive start. They scored a touchdown at the end of that drive.
No vertical passing game
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Bills attempted one pass over ten yards. There was no threat down the field in the passing game.
Not challenging Tyreek Hill’s catch
On the very first drive the Dolphins completed a 3rd and 4 from the Bills 41 via a Tyreek Hill catch. But replay showed he may have bobbled it before getting both feet down inbounds. Sean McDermott didn’t challenge the play. Miami got a first down and scored the game’s first touchdown seven plays later.
Red zone defense
The Dolphins converted all three of their trips inside the Bills 20 yard line into touchdowns.
No points/missed field goal with a chance to go up two scores
The Bills were starting to roll, leading 14-7 and had a 1st and 10 at the Miami 16 yard line. From there, they ran for two yards, ran for no gain, were sacked, and them missed a field goal. No points to show for it. Miami tied the game on their next possession.
