Thursday night was an early season reality check for Dolphins fans. In what was an opportunity for the Dolphins to get that monkey off their back, finally, they fell flat on their faces. Josh Allen only threw for 139 passing yards on 19 attempts, but that was mainly because the Dolphins kept giving the Bills short fields with their turnovers.
The Dolphins did respond well by going down 0-7 with a ten-play 70-yard drive to tie the game up, but that's about where the positives end. Tua threw his second interception of the first quarter to set up a field goal for Tyler Bass. The Dolphins then went three and out, and the Bills went on an eight-play, 85-yard drive to make it 17-7.
With the pressure to keep the game tight, the Dolphins turned it over on downs when Ed Oliver got to Tua for the sack on 4th and short. James Cook then took it to the house on a 49-yard run on the first play of the Bills drive, and the game was essentially over before halftime. Buffalo's defense was stellar, and Miami's sloppy play continues to cost them in the biggest moments.
Tua, Tua, Tua
Tua's poor primetime record continues. He went 17/25 for only 145 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, including two horrid ones. The Bills defense pressured him to make some poor decisions. The third interception, in particular, is inexcusable and sealed the game for Buffalo.
However, Tua's most pressing concern is his health. In the fourth quarter, he scrambled for a first down and was hit by Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The hit was severe, and Tua immediately showed signs of a concussion, with involuntary movement in his arms. He was promptly pulled from the game. This is Tua's third concussion since joining the NFL, and there is currently no timeline for his return.
Coach Mike McDaniel has asked people to focus on Tua's health rather than his career after several media members suggested that Tua should consider retirement due to the reoccurring concussions. McDaniel said people should focus on Tua's immediate health instead of thinking about his future and potentially putting pressure on him to make a retirement decision. Skylar Thompson will fill in at QB in Tua's absence for the time being.
The Injury Bug Bites Again
Tua's concussion is obviously the most significant news, but Thursday night's injuries didn't stop there for the Dolphins. LT Terron Armstead went down with a shoulder injury, the extent of which is unknown. Armstead is the Phins' most reliable offensive lineman, and they'll have to look for potential solutions at LT. LG Robert Jones was also forced to leave the game due to injury and was replaced by Lester Cotton. An already shaky O-Line situation gets worse for the Phins.
In the backfield, Jeff Wilson Jr. left the game with an oblique injury, although it does not appear to be serious. This is on top of Raheem Mostert, who was ruled out before the game with a chest injury. The good news is that De'Von Achane showed no signs of his high ankle sprain from the previous week. Achane had a 62% snap share and scored the Phins' only touchdown of the game. He was the lone bright spot in an underwise, brutal night for Miami.
While Skylar Thompson is expected to be the starter while Tua is out, Mike McDaniel has stated that a quarterback will be added to the roster. This has led to some speculation from Dolphins fans, with some calling for a reunion with former Phins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is currently a free agent. Another rumor floating about is that the Dolphins may try to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, who worked with McDaniel when he was with the 49ers. It would be a wise move, but the Rams don't have much incentive to let him go.
Receivers Nullified
As I mentioned in the preview, the Bills have defended the deep ball well against the Dolphins in the past, and they did so again on Thursday night. Tyreek Hill was limited to just 24 yards on three catches, and Jaylen Waddle had a modest 41 yards on four receptions. Every other receiver combined totaled only two catches for eighteen yards.
Instead, the Dolphins tried to get the screen game going with Achane and Hill, but to no avail. Achane's counting stats look good, but most of his catches were after the game was effectively decided. Jonnu Smith saw an increased role from week one, going from a 28% snap share to 42% this week, and he impressed with six receptions for 53 yards. They'll hope this is a sign of things to come for Smith, as Skylar Thompson will need more options to draw attention away from Hill and Waddle.
Credit to the Bills defense, which did an outstanding job defending the pass. With Tua out, the Dolphins will have to change the offense. Achane and Mostert could see an increased workload as the focus shifted to the ground game.
Bet Recap from Preview
Easy cash for Bills +2.5, although it was not the close game I thought it would be. Josh Allen also fails to throw for at least two touchdowns in a game against the Dolphins for the first time in his career. I think over 1.5 was the correct read, but the implosion from the Dolphins and the game script didn't lend itself to Allen having to throw the ball.
Up Next: Seattle Seahawks
A trip to Lumen Field awaits the Dolphins, and there will be many questions about the team. What is the extent of Tua's concussion? Are these reoccurring concussions affecting his long-term health? What about the Offensive Line? Luckily for the Dolphins, they'll have an extra few days to get answers to some of these questions, as they don't play until next Sunday.
Final Score: Bills 31, Dolphins 10
Souza's Three Stars
1st Star- James Cook (11 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs, 1 reception, 17 yards, 1 TD)
2nd Star- Ja'Marcus Ingram (2 INTs, 1 TD, 2 PD)
3rd Star- De'Von Achane (22 carries, 96 yards, 7 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD)
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