By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills didn’t just end the 2018 season on a high note, they ended it on an extremely high note.
The Bills (6-10) hammered their divisional rival, the Miami Dolphins (7-9), 42-17. Buffalo coughed up an early 14-0 lead, but continued their dominance on offense in the second half to squish the fish.
With that, here are five takeaways from the Bills win over the Dolphins:
Scrappy game
While there was nothing on the line in regard to either team making the playoffs, we saw a glimpse of the past Bills – Dolphins rivalry as things got chippy throughout the game. Things boiled over thanks to a former Bill, though. Linebacker Kiko Alonso took a lunge at quarterback Josh Allen when Allen had given himself up following a run. Madness ensued as the Bills stood up for their quarterback and teammate. A brawl saw Jordan Mills along with Miami’s Robert Quinn and Alonso get ejected. Zay Jones took a low lunge on Minak Fitzpatrick. Pushing and shoving was all over the place during the game, making it little more fun.
Josh Allen bounces back
Buffalo’s rookie quarterback ended the season on an even higher note than his team. Allen did it both with his arm and legs en route to the huge win which sent fans and the team into the offseason feeling good about his development.
Overall, Allen had 224 yards passing and 95 yards rushing. He did have an interception which turned into a pick-six, but Allen more than made up for it with five total touchdowns, three of which came in the air. Heck, even Allen’s completion percentage was pretty solid as he was 17-for-26 passing. Now Allen has to take everything he’s learned this season and put it in motion this offseason. It’s only just starting for his work.
Run defense still a concern
On a sour note, the Bills didn’t have their best stuff against the run at times. There were big holes for Miami running backs Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage. Miami averaged four yards per carry in the game. Drake also had a solid showing in the passing game as well with 52 yards on five catches, leading his team in receiving. The good news on the day for the Bills, though? The offense got so far ahead on the scoreboard that Miami couldn’t stick to the running attack. They had to pass, which led to two Tannehill interceptions by Tre’Davious White and Tremaine Edmunds.
Pass rush revived
For the first time since the last time the Bills played the Dolphins, Buffalo’s defensive line got a sack. Two games after that last meeting, Buffalo didn’t get a single sack. Then last week only Jordan Poyer notched one. In total, Buffalo took down Tannehill four times. Shaq Lawson added two sacks and Jerry Hughes added another. Edmunds added one from the linebacking core. The pass rush also helped assist the secondary in grabbing some turnovers. The whole package came together for the Bills, but overall this year, the Bills needed more from their pass rush and don’t be surprised if there’s a new piece there next year.
Goodbye, Kyle
Kyle Williams’ career is over. It went down in style.
Williams had a catch on the day, made an appearance on the goal line, and even had a tackle for loss from his actual position on defense. Signs were all over the stadium thanking him. The crowd chanted his name as the clock was winded down, and Williams even did a Cal Ripken Jr. type of victory lap after the game thanking fans.
Williams exited the game to an ovation as Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott pulled an extremely classy move by pulling him out of the game so he could receive a hand from fans, teammates and even opponents.
Very well conducted day in Orchard Park.