By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Bills didn’t make it easy on themselves in a game they were three-score favorites. But Buffalo got it done against the Miami Dolphins to improve to 5-1 on the year.
Here are five takeaways from the Bills’ 31-21 win over the Dolphins:
Offense is ugly early
The Bills offense had their chances early to make this game the one many expected it to be. Instead, the Bills continually settled for field goals in the first half, including two in the first quarter.
Buffalo’s offense put together drives of 54 yards, 45 yards and 49 yards which led to field goals. Instead of being up 21-14 after the first half, it was shocking 14-9 lead for the Dolphins. The Bills simply couldn’t sustain drives. Mostly relying on the pass, Josh Allen took care of the ball but didn’t complete passes nearly enough. Allen looked like his rookie season and was 6-for-15 passing for 90 yards in the first half.
That, plus six total penalties from the Bills in the opening half continually stalled Buffalo’s offense and allowed the Dolphins to stick around. Against better teams, that’s not going to be a winning formula.
Defense suspect early
One thing looked certain, the Bills missed linebacker Matt Milano at times. Practicing only in a limited capacity all week, Milano sat out the game with a hamstring injury and Maurice Alexander stepped into the void and he wasn’t nearly as successful. Thankfully he could return next week based on his limited practices this week. Quick look ahead: The Bills need him against the Eagles’ Zach Ertz.
Along with Alexander, Levi Wallace had one of his poorest games as a member of the Bills as he was continually beat and it appeared the Dolphins were targeting him. Ryan Fitzpatrick used that to put 14 points on the board in the first half, connecting with DeVante Parker for a score among his big plays. Fitzpatrick was 7-for-9 passing with 91 yards after the first half. Fitzpatrick had help from running back Mark Walton who added 39 rushing yards in the first half, too.
Buffalo’s plan was to not overlook the Dolphins, but it sure looked like they did.
Tre White saves the day
Without a doubt, the Bills’ best defender was Tre’Davious White thanks to his game-changing plays. Near the goal line, the Dolphins ran a fake field goal and punter Matt Haack lowered a shoulder on White and got the first down. That woke up White.
Two plays later, White jumped in front of a Fitzpatrick pass on the goal line and picked him off, ending their drive and giving the Bills the momentum for the rest of the game. That interception turned into a 14-point swing as Buffalo’s offense went down and scored on their ensuing drive. Later on, White then forced a fumble which was scooped up by defensive end Jerry Hughes.
Without White, the Bills might be 4-2 instead of 5-1.
Vet wideouts do their part
The signings of John Brown and Cole Beasley paid dividends for the Bills against the Dolphins. Quietly, Brown is one of the most productive receivers in the NFL this season. Entering the Bills’ bye last week, he had the 12th most receiving yards in the entire league and against the Dolphins, he added another 83 yards to that via five catches on six targets. That also included a touchdown which couldn’t have looked easier as he used his speed to easily beat the defender to the goal line on a seam route.
Beasley’s day didn’t start well. He also had six targets but only managed three catches. He had troubles with his hands in the first half which attributed him being held to only 16 yards. But when it came down to crunch time, Beasley shook that start off and scored with a quick shake move to extend Buffalo’s second half lead.
Overall, the two vets played a vital role in the Bills’ second-half turnaround.
Josh Allen, coaching staff turns it around
The Bills offense certainly turned things around after looking like a mess in the second half.
Josh Allen and Sean McDermott deserve credit for that. Allen, at one point, was 10-for-11 passing for 112 yards with his two touchdowns in the second half. He finished the day 16-for-26 passing for 202 yards. It’s been said before but we’ll say it again, the Bills’ have a gamer at QB. Looking at the full picture, many expected Allen’s first-career 300-yard passing day to come against the Dolphins. He wasn’t even close and that is a sign for concern. But a win is a win.
But the turnaround was a full team turnaround. Buffalo circled the wagons, a bit, and McDermott deserves credit. His team looked much, much better in the second half, in all three phases of the game. Adjustments are important, and the Bills adjusted well.