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Bills Blowout Dolphins 41-14
As Complete A Team Win As We Have Seen In Years.
by Steve Saslow
The Skinny:
The Bills scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and never looked back as they dominated throughout in a 41-14 victory over Miami to move into a second place tie with the Jets in the AFC East. Tyrod Taylor completed 21 of 29 passes for 277 yards and threw touchdown passes to Charles Clay, LeSean McCoy, and Chris Hogan in the rout. Preston Brown intercepted two passes and returned one 43 yards for a touchdown late in the first half to help the Bills build a 27-0 halftime lead. Karlos Williams added an exclamation point on the win with a 41 yard touchdown run late in the game. Dan Carpenter hit field goals from 26 and 51 yards out but did miss a 54 yard field goal. The Bills pressured Ryan Tannehill all day and forced him to throw three interceptions and rookie Ronald Darby got his second pick of the year.
The Breaking Point:
This is usually the turning point but in this game we will go with the breaking point. With the Bills leading 17-0, the Dolphins were driving for a possible score that could have given them life. The Bills perfectly timed a blitz from Bacarri Rambo and Tannehill rushed a throw right into the hands of Brown who returned it for a touchdown that for all intent and purposes put the game away before halftime.
The Big Drive:
Let's go with the first drive that set the tone for the blowout. After the defense forced a three and out the Bills went 77 yards in five plays, all passes, all completions. Clay caught three of them for 58 yards including a beautiful catch and run for 25 yards and the touchdown. He made at least three players miss on the play.
Stat I Did Like:
The Final Score: They simply dominated the game.
Stat I Didn't Like:
None: They controlled this game throughout.
Quick Slants:
- Warren Buffett, who owns the Buffalo News, was on the sidelines before the game wearing a Suh jersey complete with shoulder pads.
- Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish fame performed the National Anthem. He is a diehard Dolphins fan even referencing them in his hit song "I only want to be with you".
- Today's captains included former Dolphins Dan Carpenter, Richie Incognito, and Charles Clay.
Key Matchup Results:
The winners of the battles highlighted in our preview article:
RB LeSean McCoy vs. LB Jelani Jenkins: Winner: Jenkins. McCoy really didn't do much likely because he was banged up. His understudy Williams did really well though.
RT Seantrel Henderson vs. DE Cameron Wake: Winner: Henderson. Didn't hear from Wake at all.
DE Mario Williams vs. RT Ja'Wuan James: Winner: Williams. Again no sacks but he did his job and dominated the line of scrimmage.
CB Stephon Gilmore vs. WR Jarvis Landry: Winner: Gilmore. Landry had eight catches for 67 yards but didn't make much of a difference.
Keys To The Game Results:
How the keys highlighted in our preview article turned out:
1. Pocket Presence: Success! Taylor was in complete control from the start and looked at ease in the pocket. It helped he had lots of time to throw.
2. Pressure Tannehill: Success! They teed off on him after getting a big lead and they forced him to throw three interceptions, all in the first half.
3. Run The Ball: Success! Williams gave them their first 100 yard day in over a year.
My Take:
This blowout win was a statement game for the Bills. It proved that they are a good football team, maybe a very good football team. They just aren't on the same level as the Patriots. Is that something to be ashamed of? The Bills can use this game as a jumping off point with the tough three game stretch to start the season behind them.
What's Ahead:
The Bills head back to Orchard Park to play the Giants. They are the second team to they are playing this year coming off of extra rest as they got their first win of the year on Thursday night at home against Washington.
Gameballs
Preston Brown - 2 interception and a touchdown just a huge performance.
Tyrod Taylor - 21 of 29 for 277 yards and three touchdowns he was in complete command of the game.
Charles Clay - 5 catches for 82 yards and an early scene setting touchdown in his return to Miami.
Karlos Williams - He now has touchdowns in three straight games and has his first career 100 yard game. Finished with 110 yards on just 12 carries.
Greg Roman - Great offensive gameplan. They were able to do what they wanted, when they wanted to.
Goats
None - As complete a team win as we have seen in a long time.
Player Of The Week
Tyrod Taylor - Nice way to play in the first road start of his career.
 Positional Breakdown and Grades
NFL.com Gamebook
Dolphins Game Preview
Gameday Homepage
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