The Skinny:
Dan Carpenter missed 4 field goals for Miami including a 48 yarder late in the 4th quarter to allow the Bills to hold on for a 17-14 win. The loss ends Miami's postseason hopes. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw touchdown passes to David Nelson and Stevie Johnson and finished with 223 yards passing. The Bills opened up a 10 point lead before Miami tried to rally in the fourth quarter. They got the ball back in the final seconds but couldn't get past their 35 yard line. The defense held Miami's rushing attack to just 65 yards.
The Turning Point:
It would probably be the fourth missed field goal. Miami had the momentum and were looking to send the game to overtime when Carpenter missed a 48 yard field goal with 1:48 to go. The Dolphins would get the ball back but didn't have enough time to maneuver into field goal range.
The Big Drive:
It would be the Bills second drive in the third quarter. They went 86 yards in 11 plays in a drive that took 6:25 off the clock and gave the Bills their 10 point lead back late in the quarter. Fitzpatrick hit Naaman Roosevelt for a 24 yard reception on a third and three play. He also hit Johnson for six yards to convert another third and three. He also caught an 18 yard pass and then capped it off with a 15 yard touchdown reception.
Stat of the Game:
Miami's Rushing Yards: Miami came into the game looking to run on the Bills 32nd ranked run defense. They were held to just 65 yards on 19 carries.
What You Don't See On The Stat Sheet:
The dominance of Kyle Williams in the middle of the 3-4 defense.
Quick Slants:
- Nelson became the third Bill rookie receiver to have touchdown receptions in three straight games.
- It was the first time since 1970 that a Bills opponent missed four FGs in a game.
- Fitzpatrick now has 23 touchdown receptions, eight most in team history and he sat the first two games.
- The Bills beat a team with a winning record for the first time this year.
My Take:
The Bills continue to battle hard and refuse to give up and it has shown as they are now 4-2 in the 2nd half of the season. It does give them promise for the future as they have bought in to the Chan Gailey scheme and appear like they may actually turn the corner with a solid offseason by the front office.
What's Ahead:
The Bills look to continue on their spoiler run but it won't be easy against the big bad Patriots as the Bills look to end a 14 game losing streak against New England which is the longest active streak in the NFL.
No Gameday grades this week only! They will return next week.
