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| Bills DE Mario Williams was relentless all game long in Buffalo's win over Miami. |
The Bills defense started the game off hot with a pick-six from cornerback Nickell Robey. The strong play continued with two straight three-and-outs forced. Miami was forced to punt, bringing in quarterback Thad Lewis to lead the way. Lewis manipulated the Dolphins defense throughout the drive using his two big tight ends, Scott Chandler and Lee Smith. Spiller pitched in moving the chains deep in Dolphins territory. Eventually, the drive was capped off with a three-yard burst from running back Fred Jackson. The lead was stretched to 14 with time running down in the first quarter. On the ensuing drive, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill worked his way into Bills territory. On a third-and-five, Tannehill took a shot to the end zone. Tannehill's touch pass for wide receiver Brian Hartline was left short into double coverage, resulting in an interception by safety Aaron Williams. The Bills took over from the shadows of their own end zone.
After a Moorman punt, the Dolphins needed to find a way to put points on the board. A strong run from running back Lamar Miller gave Miami 30-yards and the ball on Buffalo's 32. Just five plays later, Tannehill found tight end Charles Clay for a touchdown.
The momentum suddenly started building in favor of Miami.
Miami forced a three-and-out, only using 22 seconds of the game clock. The Dolphins surged back right before the half and cut the lead to three with an easy pitch and catch from Tannehill to wide receiver Brandon Gibson. Buffalo went into the locker room with a 17-14 lead.
The second half saw more of how Miami ended the first. Buffalo struggled to move the ball and Miami played smart and turnover free. After another three-and-out, Miami took advantage. Converting three third-downs on their longest drive of the game, Tannehill capitalized yet again with Brand Gibson for their first lead of the afternoon.
Trailing 21-17, Buffalo later responded with a 20-yard chip shot from kicker Dan Carpenter.
The following dive was all about the Bills defense. Defensive end Mario Williams came up with a huge sack on second-down, beating the tackle and absolutely punishing Tannehill for it. On the following play, line backer Kiko Alonso sniffed out a Miami throw, dragging down running back Daniel Thomas for a loss. Forced to punt, Miami pinned Buffalo inside their own 20. The upcoming drive had a similar feel to the first drive in overtime last week against Cincinnati. Unfortunately it ended in a three-and-out, forcing another Moorman punt.
Miami faced a long second down with 2:56 remaining in the fourth. Instead of running the clock, Tannehill dropped back and was quickly met by Mario Williams, resulting in a strip that was recovered by Bills defensive end Kyle Williams. Williams was unable to jump up to advance the ball after the recovery. Buffalo took over with 2:48 on Miami's 34. The smart running by running backs Tashard Choice and Fred Jackson moved the ball effectively down the field, setting up a chance for 31-yard field goal with under a minute to play. With no timeouts left, the Dolphins couldn't ice Bills kicker Dan Carpenter who nailed it right down the middle.
The former Dolphin stole a win from his former team as Tannehill's hail marry was not answered with no time remaining.
Bills 24 Dolphins 21 FINAL
The eight game winless road loss in AFC East has ended, head coach Doug Marrone picks up his first division win and Thad Lewis earns his first career win as a starter.
The Bills move to 3-4 on the season, while the Dolphins remain winless in the AFC East and drop to 3-3 overall.
Three stars for the Bills in week seven:
1. Mario Williams- 3 TKLS, 2 TFL, 2 SACK, 1 FF
2. Fred Jackson- 11 CAR, 36 YDS, TD, 4 REC, 49 YDS
3. Dan Carpenter- 3/3 FG, 2/2 XP
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