If not for three pivotal moments, the Bills might have taken a hit to their record. While there haven’t been many nail-biting finishes for Buffalo this season, this Week 9 face-off against the Miami Dolphins was an exception. The game was neck-and-neck from start to finish, with no team gaining more than a one-possession advantage, a stark contrast from their Week 2 meeting.
Despite some tense moments, the Bills emerged victorious, pushing their record to 7-2 and comfortably leading the AFC East. They also secured the season series against Miami for the third year in a row.
Buffalo pulled off a close 30-27 win, showing just how challenging division games can be regardless of team records.
Several critical plays turned in the Bills’ favor, steering them to this win. Without any one of these key moments, we might be discussing an unexpected loss to Miami—but thankfully, that’s not the case.
Looking at the three turning points in Bills vs. Dolphins
Raheem Mostert’s early 3rd quarter fumble
The first half was a defensive standoff, with the Dolphins leading 10-6 at halftime and set to receive the second-half kickoff. Things were starting to look worrisome for the Bills. Although their defense had held up well, there was no certainty they’d make the necessary adjustments.
Early in the third quarter, Miami running back Raheem Mostert caught a 15-yard pass, putting the Dolphins in Buffalo territory. On the very next play, Mostert ran for seven yards, but cornerback Taron Johnson forced a fumble, which Kaiir Elam recovered, handing the ball back to Josh Allen.
Without this crucial turnover, the Dolphins were on track to extend their lead over the Bills.
Ray Davis’ breakaway touchdown
The Bills scored their first touchdown in the third quarter, when Josh Allen connected with Mack Hollins midway through. After Buffalo’s defense allowed a field goal and the Bills trailed by one, it only took the Bills two plays to reclaim the lead on a Ray Davis 63-yard touchdown reception.
After making two defenders miss, Allen threw a simple dumpoff throw to Davis on the sideline, who had clear field ahead of him and took it all the way. The Bills now lead 20-13 following a successful two-point convert.
Tyler Bass’ franchise record-setting game-winner
The game came down to Tyler Bass’s leg, which has been erratic this season. The Bills brought in competition for Bass a few weeks ago merely to put some pressure on him. This week, Bass is the most popular player in the building since he not only kicked the game-winning field goal, but he did so from 61 yards away.
His 61-yard game-winner set a franchise record and put the Bills up three points with five seconds remaining, thereby handing the Dolphins a sad loss.
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