The Buffalo Bills angrily reacted to their embarrassing loss to the New England Patriots last week by collectively stating, from coach Rex Ryan on down to the players, that the sad performance wasn’t indicative of what type of team they were. They backed up that talk on Sunday in Miami, as they rolled over a listless Dolphin squad, 41-14 to regain some of the momentum lost in that Patriot defeat. Tyrod Taylor, who looked squeamish at times trying to figure out Bill Belichick’s defense last week, carved up Miami’s secondary with a 21 of 29, 277 yard, 3 touchdown performance. Taylor spread the ball among his receivers, with Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin, Robert Woods, Charles Clay, LeSean McCoy and Chris Hogan all making plays. The rushing attack amassed 151 yards, with rookie Karlos Williams, who seems to be on a mission to become a featured back in the attack, leading the way with 110 yards on only 12 carries. He also scored a touchdown for the third consecutive game.
The defense, humbled by Tom Brady the previous week, bounced back with a dominant performance, harassing Miami’s supposed “franchise” quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, all afternoon. Although they had only a pair of sacks, by Stefan Charles and Marcell Dareus, they forced hurried throws all day. Tannehill, who broke Dan Marino’s team record for most consecutive passes thrown without an interception, had that streak emphatically stopped by the Bills, who picked him off 3 times. Linebacker Preston Brown had 2 of the thefts, including a stunning 43 yard pick six return. The stat line showed Jerry Hughes with only a single tackle, but he was a disruptive force all game long.
The Bills return home to face the New York Giants next week, their confidence now restored and their general all-around game now back on track. Hopefully both Ryan and the players have learned to do their talking on the field, rather than during the week leading up to the game, as they did prior to meeting New England.