The Buffalo Bills' offense dominated in every way throughout the game and yet came away with only 21 points but the Bills' defense was so good yet again, it was enough for the win, the AFC East title, and the number two seed in the AFC playoffs that start next weekend. Once again it wasn't pretty but simply getting the win at the end of the day is all that matters and Buffalo did just that, 21 - 14.
The Dolphins are a good football and were 7 - 1 at home coming into this game, so if you expected the Bills to put up another 48 - 20 type of win, you were disappointed and should have expected differently. I have to admit, I wasn't feeling good after the third turnover but how many teams in the league can turn the ball over three times against an 11 - 5 team and still find a way to win?
The Bills' defense has been huge over the last three weeks and with how well they've played, they will have a shot in the playoffs. In past seasons, the biggest issue has been the defense not being able to hold up their end of the bargain and have collapsed in the playoffs. I don't think this year's version of the Bills' defense will succumb to that.
The Bills offense has to get better for the playoff run
This is getting kind of old but once again, the Bills offense was shooting themselves in the foot. Each of their first two drives started great with the Bills driving the field but ending in interceptions in the red zone. One of them with the Bills in the red zone. Buffalo needs to figure this out. The failed drives to open games could be their undoing in the playoffs.
With the defense playing as well as they are, if the Bills can get their offense together and build some rhythm, they will have a real chance of making a playoff run and playing on February 11th. Unfortunately, at this rate, I'm not sure the offense will get going. The one saving grace though, the offense has always played great in the playoffs, outside of last season's Bengals game.
Dalton Kincaid sets another Buffalo Bills record
Dalton Kincaid has put together a fantastic rookie season. Setting Bills' records for yards and receptions by a rookie tight end but also adding the most receptions by any rookie. Now he owns the Bills record for most receptions by any tight end in team history. It'll be fun watching his career over the next several years.
Kincaid recorded seven receptions for 84 yards on 8 targets. Dawson Knox is still under contract until 2026 and carries a dead cap hit of over $26 million this year and over $20 million next year, so he'll remain part of the offense alongside Kincaid for another season, at least. When the Bills hand the full-time role to Kincaid, he'll be a 100-plus reception guy every year.
Just when the team starts getting healthy, the injury bug bites again
The Buffalo Bills were finally getting healthy, with the return of A.J. Epenesa, DaQuan Jones, and Micah Hyde. The fanbase as a whole was feeling pretty good and the defense has been on point. Now the depth will be tested once again and that's not good right as the playoffs are starting next week.
Just in the second quarter Tyrel Dodson, Rasul Douglas, and Gabe Davis all went down with injuries. The extent of which we don't know yet but hopefully they can get back on the field and it's not serious. Davis' injury was a non-contact, which is rarely good.
Josh Allen responsible for three turnovers but pulled it out in the end
I feel like I've said this before....multiple times this season too. But Allen threw two interceptions and had a fumble, which has been an issue all season. This is part of his game that he has to figure out and start being smarter with the ball and making better decisions. That said, he got it done in the end and found a way.
The problem with that is it sounds simple enough right? Well, this has been the Josh Allen way his whole career, so I don't see this changing. I suppose it worked for Brett Favre, one of the most intercepted quarterbacks ever, yet the Packers were always a Super Bowl contender and even won one too. This team goes as far as Josh Allen can take them.
Special teams finally delivered a huge play
The offense was struggling to score points and the defense was holding their own to keep the Bills in it. Then came the special teams play of the season. Deonte Harty finally delivered the biggest play of the year to date with a 96-yard punt return for six. The play seemed to spark the team too.
The Bills forced a three and out on the Dolphins' next drive and Allen took Buffalo down the field, and this time hit Dawson Knox for a touchdown and the lead with just over seven minutes remaining. Harty delivered the play that saved this game, won the division title, and secured the number two seed in the AFC playoffs. This could be a season-defining play.