Frustrating. That's the word that describes this game and season for the Dolphins. Just when things are looking up, one crucial moment changes everything. This game was no different. The first one came right after halftime. After a sluggish 10-6 first half, the Dolphins had the ball to start the second half. Raheem Mostert knocked the ball out of his hands with them already in Buffalo territory, and the Bills recovered it. This kick-started the game, as both teams would score from every possession from that point to the end.
The most crucial moment in the game came with 54 seconds left. On third down, Josh Allen threw a deep ball to Keon Coleman, who was one-on-one against Cam Smith. Coleman was then hit by former Bills safety Jordan Poyer, which caused him to drop the pass. However, it was a helmet-to-helmet hit by Poyer, giving the Bills 15 yards and a fresh set of downs. That set up Tyler Bass (who had missed an extra point in this game) for a career-long 61-yard field goal. Bass not only made the kick, he drilled it convincingly, giving the Bills the win.
The Dolphins outgained the Bills, were even on turnover margin, and Tua only threw three incompletions, but once again, the acceptable margins proved to be the difference.
Achane Continues to Be The Focal Point Of The Offense
De'Von Achane truly is a specimen. Last season, he averaged a ridiculous 7.8 yards per carry on 103 carries. That number would never be sustainable, but he's still averaged 5.1 yards per carry this season when Tua's been healthy. Raheem Mostert still gets a good chunk of the backfield touches but got put in the doghouse after his fumble and ended up only playing 23% of snaps.
Achane has 37 receptions this season, more than Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, DK Metcalf, Jayden Reed, George Pickens, and several other very talented receivers. He doesn't only catch passes out of the backfield either; he consistently lines up in the slot and even out wide. His vision, speed, and ability to identify gaps make him a serious threat with the ball in his hands.
He's a unique talent, and the offense has flourished with him as the centerpiece. His snap share should only rise moving forward.
Receivers Still Struggling To Get Involved
Before the game, I mentioned how the Bills like to run two high safeties, which would keep Hill and Waddle in check. It did limit them to an extent, but Hill still made some big plays and ended with 80 receiving yards, albeit on only four receptions.
Hill was targeted five times, and Jaylen Waddle was only targeted twice, both in the fourth quarter. Jonnu Smith continued his resurgence with five catches on six targets, but is it possible he's taking away too much volume from the receivers? It could be how the Bills defended, but their defense did not play a particularly good game, and Waddle still only had two catches.
I'm all for getting tight ends involved, and maybe it's just a blimp, but Hill has yet to score since Week 1, and Waddle caught his first touchdown of the season in this game. They have to provide more threat if this team is going to win.
The Defense is Still Solid... Or is It?
On the one hand, the Dolphins' defense has put up solid numbers all season. They're still fourth in passing yards allowed and sixth in third-down defense. On the other hand, the defense has only looked good against poor offenses. The Bills scored 30 again, and the Cardinals scored 28 on nearly 400 yards of total offense.
The defense did come up with a big play, an interception near the end zone, but it came from Keon Coleman bobbling the pass more than anything. Some of the tackling on display was laughable; the Ray Davis touchdown is unacceptable. It came from a blitz, so the secondary was exposed, but Marcus Maye has to make a play there. Had Jevon Holland been healthy, he would have made that tackle.
Josh Allen and the Bills have one of the best offenses in the league, especially when they play in Buffalo, but the defense has to step up in the most crucial moments against the best teams. The Rams are next, and with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back, that offense is a force to be reckoned with.
Bet Recap from Preview
Dolphins +6 cashes as they cover for just the second time this season. I had a feeling the Dolphins would fight to keep it close, and they did, but it was just not enough for the win.
Up Next: Los Angeles Rams
The Dolphins must travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Monday Night Football, which is likely their last chance to save their season.
Final Score: Bills 30, Dolphins 27
Souza's Three Stars
1st Star- RB De'Von Achane (12 carries, 63 yards, 8 receptions, 58 yards, 2 TD)
2nd Star- CB Jalen Ramsey (1 tackle, 1 PD, 1 INT, 90.2 PFF Grade)
3rd Star- C Aaron Brewer (88.9 PFF Grade)
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