Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills have opened a season 3-0 for a second-straight year after a 31-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night at Highmark Stadium.
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 five catches for 66 yards and the score.
RB - James Cook
Cook finished the contest with 108 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per-run, and found the end zone once 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.
Bernard 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.
Jackson Hawes’ first NFL touchdown
With 12:00 remaining in the second quarter and the Bills facing a 1st-and-goal from the Miami 5-yard line, Allen scrambled and eventually flicked the ball to the rookie tight end, who scored his first NFL score.
Two three-and-outs to start the second half
With the score tied 14-14 at halftime, the Bills defense did a great job of getting the ball back to their offense, holding Miami to a pair of three-and-out series to begin the second half.
The Dolphins totaled just four yards on those six plays.
First half offense
The Bills were dominant on offense in the first half. Miami had no answers, as 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%).
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.
Tre’Davious White and Christian Benford
Both Bills outside cornerbacks struggled to stay with Miami receivers in space, especially on critical downs. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for 10 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 quarterback hurries.
Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa
The two defensive ends combined for just two total tackles (one each) and had no quarterback hurries.
Opening kickoff coverage
The Dolphins returned the opening kickoff to the Bills' 47-yard 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 10 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-yard line via a Tyreek Hill catch. Replay showed, though, he may have bobbled it before getting both feet down inbounds.
Head coach Sean McDermott didn’t challenge the play, and Miami got a first down. The Dolphins then 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.
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