Miami Dolphins Recap on Loss vs. Buffalo Bills

First Quarter: Ryan Tannehill started the game with an INT to Nickell Robey on his first pass attempt of the game, which was returned for a touchdown. The Dolphins began the game with Daniel Thomas at running back.

The Bills’ Fred Jackson went down with an apparent leg injury after being tripped out of bounds after a nice screen. He was able to return to the game quickly and added a rushing touchdown for the Bills on the next series, which put the game at 14-0.

Tannehill had the dolphins on the move with an eight-play drive late in the first quarter. It was negated by another INT, which is becoming a big problem for Miami in Tannehill’s young career.

Score After 1st: Buffalo Bills 14 – Miami Dolphins 0

Oct 20, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson celebrates scoring a touchdown agains the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter of a game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Second Quarter: Miami had a nice 6 play drive for a touchdown which was set up by a 30 yard run from Lamar Miller. The defense was able to force a 3 & out on the ensuing drive, but the Dolphins ended up punting right back to Buffalo. A Thad Lewis INT put the ball in Miami’s hands with great field position, however Caleb Sturgis missed the field goal (his only attempt of the day). The Bills drove down and added a field goal of their own.

On the final drive of the first half, the Dolphins were able to make it a one-possession game after a touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson, and thanks to a deep pass to Mike Wallace.

Score After 2nd: Buffalo Bills 17 – Miami Dolphins 14

Third Quarter: The Dolphins’ defense forced a 3 & out on the opening drive of the second half. Miami took the ball all the way down the field for a touchdown on an 11-play drive to take the lead. Tannehill found Brandon Gibson once again for his second score of the day (Tannehill’s third TD toss of the game). Buffalo marched right back down the field with their own 15-play drive, but only got a field goal out of it.

Score After 3rd: Miami Dolphins 21 – Buffalo Bill 20

Fourth Quarter: The Dolphins started the fourth quarter with a 3 & out, but the defense got the ball back for Miami. They weren’t able to do anything, however, and punted the ball back to the Bills.

When the Dolphins got the ball back, a sack-fumble by Mario Williams gave the Bills great field position. The Bills ran a little over 2 minutes off the clock before adding a field goal to take the lead 23-21. There were no points by either team in the first 13 minutes of the fourth quarter. The Dan Carpenter FG were the only points of the entire quarter.

Final Score: Buffalo Bills 23 – Miami Dolphins 21

Game Balls: 

Mario Williams earned 2 sacks in the fourth quarter, one of which caused a fumble that the Bills recovered. He showed up big time in the fourth quarter. The Bills won the game because of him

Brandon Gibson had just 5 catches on the day, but 2 of them went for touchdowns.

Fred Jackson had 49 yards receiving, and 36 yards rushing on the day, with 1 rushing TD.