The Buffalo Bills secured a hard-fought 31-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins in a Thursday night clash, improving their record to 3-0 while leaving the Dolphins winless at 0-3. While the Bills celebrated their third consecutive win, questions lingered about the future of Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, despite the team's improved performance.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns in the first two quarters. Josh Allen, quarterback for the Bills, had another strong performance, completing 22 of 28 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing Patrick Mahomes to achieve a significant NFL milestone. James Cook powered the Bills' rushing attack, accumulating 108 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa led the Dolphins' offense, throwing for 146 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw a crucial interception late in the game. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle each contributed touchdowns for Miami, but the Dolphins' offense struggled to consistently move the ball against the Bills’ improved defense.
Despite the loss, the Dolphins displayed encouraging signs, particularly on defense, which significantly reduced the number of points allowed compared to earlier games this season. However, the late interception proved costly, sealing the victory for the Bills.
The Bills' victory wasn't without its flaws. While their offense was efficient, it lacked the dominance displayed in previous games. The team also struggled with third-down defense, allowing the Dolphins to convert a high percentage of third-down attempts. This raised concerns that will require attention in upcoming weeks.
For the Dolphins, the game offered a glimmer of hope amidst their early season struggles. Their improved defensive performance and flashes of offensive brilliance provide some evidence of progress. While the loss raised further questions about McDaniel's position, the competitive nature of the game demonstrated that the Dolphins are far from conceding the season. Their upcoming matchup against the New York Jets will serve as another critical test.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6642981/2025/09/18/dolphins-bills-score-result-takeaways-thursday-night-football/
