The Skinny:
Miami scored 19 unanswered second half points to defeat the Bills 22-9 at Sun Life Stadium. The win puts Miami in sole possession of 2nd place in the AFC East and in all likelihood ends the Bills playoff hopes for a 15th consecutive year. The Bills were able to move the ball early but their red zone woes reared its ugly head once again as the team failed on both chances inside the Dolphins 20 yard line. Dan Carpenter hit his first three field goal attempts to give the Bills a 9-3 lead early in the third quarter before Miami took over. Ryan Tannehill threw two touchdown passes and Miami was the benefit of a questionable safety call to pull away in this game. Kyle Orton was called for intentional grounding in the end zone when he had Sammy Watkins about five yards away from the pass.
The Turning Point:
The Safety: Even though the free kick resulted in the Bills getting the ball back the ridiculous call seemed to shake the team and they never challenged seriously after that.
The Big Drive:
Miami's 3rd Qtr TD: They went 80 yards in 9 plays in 4:08 to the go ahead touchdown. Tannehill hit Gibson for the 6 yard touchdown pass that gave Miami a 10-9 lead that they would not relinquish. The big play was a 31 yard pass to Brian Hartline.
Stat I Did Like:
Turnover Ratio: They were +2 as they recovered two fumbles while not turning the ball over at all. It was one of those rather rare times when you don't win when winning the turnover battle.
Stat I Didn't Like:
Red Zone Offense: 0 for 2 after going 0 for 4 last week.
Quick Slants: -Fred Jackson was inactive after he aggravated his groin injury against Kansas City. Bryce Brown got the start over Boobie Dixon. -Mike Williams was active after sitting last week. - The first quarter saw back to back 14 play drives to field goals from both teams as it was 3-3 after a fast moving first quarter. - The Bills first two offensive series went for 31 plays and 152 yards but netted just two field goals. - The Bills were 6 of 8 on third downs in the first half but 0 for 2 in the red zone.
Key Matchup Results:
The winners of the battles highlighted in our preview article: RT Seantrel Henderson vs. DE Cameron Wake: Winner: Henderson. The Bills offensive line played there best game of the year and Henderson looked really good keeping Wake at way. WR Sammy Watkins vs. CB Brent Grimes: Winner: Grimes. Don't know if the injured groin was a factor but Watkins wasn't a factor thanks to Grimes. DE Mario Williams vs. RT Dallas Thomas: Winner: Williams. He had two sacks in kept Tannehill from getting too comfortable in the pocket. DE Jerry Hughes vs. LT Ju'Wuan James: Winner: Hughes. Forced a fumble and had good pressure in this game.
Keys To The Game Results:
How the keys highlighted in our preview article turned out: 1. Pressure Tannehill: Success! They had five sacks but he wasn't frazzled by the pressure. 2. Finish Drives! Failure! They had no touchdowns in the game and were 0 for 2 in the red zone. 3. Establish Running Game: Failure! They only had 65 yards on 19 carries.
My Take:
This is the fourth time in this excruciating 14 year playoff drought the Bills started off 5-3 and we convinced ourselves this time it would be different and that they would be challenging for a coveted spot in the playoffs. After this game it has become evident that they are destined for failure once again. The current issues are red zone failures and conservative play calling but the overall atmosphere is the problem. This team just does not know how to win and the long term future being secured did not give them any "Pegula Magic". The collapsed in this game like they have been collapsing for 14 years and the losing culture continues to have a stronghold on Western New York.
What's Ahead:
The Bills get 10 days off before facing the Jets for the second time in a month at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The last place Jets will be coming off a bye week.
Gameballs
Mario Williams - He had three and a half sacks as he took advantage of his matchup edge.
Chris Hogan - Had a career high seven catches for 74 yards.
Goats
Kyle Orton - His magic is gone as he didn't get anything going offensively as the Bills continued their touchdown drought.
Coaching Staff - They had no answers and they are coaching not to lose their jobs but that is exactly what they are doing.
Player Of The Week
Mario Williams - He was the best player on the field in a terrible performance.
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Positional Breakdown and Grades
