Mario Williams strip sacks Ryan Tannehill to setup Buffalo’s game winning field goal. (Photo Credit: The Buffalo News)
It’s a situation that’s all too familiar. It’s late December, and the Bills are eliminated from playoff contention. It’s been too long since December 1999 when the Bills put together an impressive 11-5 record. So, what’s left to play for this season? How about spoiling the playoff hopes for the Miami Dolphins.
As it sits right now, the Dolphins are behind the Baltimore Ravens for the final AFC Wild Card spot. The Ravens hold the tie-breaker after beating the Dolphins 26-23 back in early October. I’m sure the folks in sunny San Diego would love another favor from western New York. Let’s remember, back in 2008 Buffalo beat Denver 30-23 to keep the Bolts playoff hopes alive. I remember reading posts on San Diego’s message board. Charger fans professed their appreciation for the Bills late December win over their conference rivals. Some fans even signed up for the Buffalo’s message board to leave their appreciation.
A Bills win today wouldn’t just be sweet for those still fighting to get into the playoffs, but for all the Bills fans who have an extreme distaste for their AFC East rivals. From Brian Cox flipping off Bills fans and leaving Rich/Ralph Wilson Stadium foaming at the mouth, to heart breaking conference losses. Miami has something to play for today. For Buffalo, keeping Miami at home for another year would be a great reason to win.
Yes, getting into the playoffs maybe number one on the Dolphins Christmas wish list. However, a loss today wouldn’t keep their stockings completely empty. Buffalo can give them tissues or Ben and Jerry’s ice cream to drown their Christmas sorrows in. Thad and the Bills managed to get the best of the Dolphins in South Beach with a 23-21 win in late October. The Dolphins former kicker, Dan Carpenter, kicked a game winning field goal. Buffalo’s defense picked off Ryan Tannehill twice, along 2 sacks, one of which caused a fumble that setup the Bills go ahead field goal.
It’s happened before this season, and hopefully it will happen again today. Thad will need to play strong, C.J. and Freddy will need to run the ball effectively, the defense will need to play physical and opportunistic, and they’re going to need to play error free. Today’s forecast calls for drizzle with temperatures in the upper 40s to mid 50s. Not completely uncomfortable for the warm weathered Dolphins, but any benefit the elements can play will help.
Here’s to hoping that today the Bills are the Grinch and steal Miami’s Christmas.