The Skinny:
It was a festive playoff atmosphere all week in Buffalo and it spilled into Ralph Wilson Stadium all afternoon long helping the Bills take early control of the Dolphins enroute to a 29-10 victory to push the Bills to the top of the AFC East with a 2-0 record. Sammy Watkins had a huge day despite battling his ongoing rib injury all day long. He caught 8 passes for 117 yards and his first NFL touchdown. C.J. Spiller broke open a close game in the third quarter when C.J. Spiller returned a kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. Dan Carpenter hit five field goals as the special teams had a huge game that included a blocked punt and fumble recovery and solid coverage. The defense had four sacks as they were in control most of the afternoon.
The Turning Point:
Spiller's Return TD: Miami was able to drive down for a field goal to open the second half and Spiller stopped their momentum with his 102 yard kick return for a score. Honorable mention to his 47 yard run that setup the Bills next touchdown after Miami pulled within six again.
The Big Drive:
Watkins First NFL TD: It was a six play, 77 yard drive right after Miami responded to Spiller's kick return with their only touchdown of the game to pull with 16-10. The big play was Spiller's 47 yard run.
Stat I Did Like:
Return Yards: They had a 153-64 yard edge on fumble, punt, and kickoff returns. That is why they won't the field positon battle.
Stat I Didn't Like:
Red Zone Efficiency: They got inside the 20 six times and came away with just one touchdown.
Quick Slants: - It was a playoff atmosphere at the Ralph as they honored Ralph Wilson and celebrated the fact that the future is secured for the franchise in Western New York. - The Ceremony to honor Ralph Wilson was touching. Wilson's name on the Wall of Fame was turned gold. Jim Kelly got a 2 minute standing ovation when he came out to talk about Mr. Wilson. Kelly and Thurman Thomas gave Mary Wilson Ralph's Hall of Fame ring. - Governor Cuomo was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the $130 Million renovations to the stadium. - The Dolphins won the toss but deferred which was likely smart considering how loud the crowd was before the game started.
Key Matchup Results:
The winners of the battles highlighted in our preview article: WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Brent Grimes: Winner: Watkins. He wasn't with Grimes much but Watkins had a huge game for the Bills. DE Mario Williams vs. RT Ja'Wuan James: Winner: Williams.. He had a sack and some good pressure throughout. RT Seantrel Henderson vs. DE Cameron Wake: Winner: Henderson.. Did Wake play? Henderson did very well against him and sprung Spiller's 47 yard run. LB Brandon Spikes vs. RBs Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller: Winner: Spikes. Moreno got hurt and the Dolphins were playing from behind so they became one dimensional.
Keys To The Game Results:
How the keys highlighted in our preview article turned out: 1. Quick Start: Success! Miami was held off the scoreboard in the first half as the Bills built a 9-0 lead. A TD would have helped but the start was quick enough. 2. Pressure Tannehill: Success! They got constant pressure for much of the game and had four sacks. 3. Play Disciplined: Success! There were a couple of defensive holding calls but for the most part penalties didn't cost them.
My Take:
Everything was setup for a perfect day at Ralph Wilson Stadium. While the NFL has had a horrid week there was one little area of the huge league map that was having a fantastic week. The future was secured by the Pegulas and they were honoring the patriarch of the franchise in what was a playoff atmosphere. The players knew it was a special day and were not going to let the euphoria of the past 10 days come to a sudden halt. This Bills team seems very focused as it would have been easy to let outside excitement allow them to letdown. They were ready to play and because that they are one of the early season surprise teams in the league after two short weeks.
What's Ahead:
The Bills try to keep things going as they remain at home to welcome the San Diego Chargers in from the West Coast for a 1pm start next Sunday.
Gameballs
C.J. Spiller - Had 69 yards rushing and the huge 102 yard kick return for a score.
Sammy Watkins - 117 yards receiving on eight catches and his first NFL touchdown. He became the first Bills rookie receiver to have a 100 yard receiving game since 2004.
Nigel Bradham - Was all over the place and did some hard hitting. He was in on seven tackles.
Corey Graham - Had a huge pass breakup saving a touchdown and was solid in corner all day long. He had 10 tackles.
Dan Carpenter - He actually did miss a kick but it's ok since he hit six other field goals.
Goats
None - Perfect day and a perfect game.
Player Of The Week
C.J. Spiller - Could have given it to Watkins but Spiller made two huge plays after Miami tried to crawl back into the game.
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Positional Breakdown and Grades
