Bills' defensive woes plus 3 more quick reactions from win over Dolphins

The Bills secured a hard-fought 31-21 win over the Dolphins, overcoming missed opportunities and late-game tension to stay atop the AFC East.

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) runs against the Miami Dolphins. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills squeaked out a win at home against the Dolphins, and despite the double-figure margin, it was much closer than that

It took until the final minutes for the Bills to put the proverbial nail in the coffin.

The offense looked unstoppable at times, but then struggled to extend the lead beyond one score. Most of the offensive inconsistencies occurred in the second half. All in all, the Bills racked up 360 yards of offense and still put up 31 points.

Let's get into the initial reactions to the Bills' 31-21 win against the Dolphins.

Bills' defense still a work in progress

First of all, getting Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht back in a few weeks should help, and the experience of the rookies will continue to grow. Also, there is the coming return of first-round rookie Max Hairston.

RELATED: Bills' All-Pro DB returns to face Dolphins on TNF, veteran WR healthy scratch again

The Bills' defense allowed only 276 yards, but third downs were a big problem, which we'll get into later. Fortunately, Terrel Bernard made the big play with the interception that all but sealed the win.

Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (8) intercepts the ball against Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) in the fourth quarter | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Bills' offense struggled with consistency

Josh Allen and the Bills' offense had opportunities to put this game away, but couldn't capitalize on them. Early in the first half, they could have gone up ten points, but kicker Matt Prater badly missed the field goal attempt.

When the Bills' defense made stops, the offense was unable to extend its lead. Can we point to a short week as part of the reason, maybe, but the Dolphins' defense isn't good, and the Bills should have been able to steamroll them.

Bills lacking on third down

Third downs were a massive issue all game. The Dolphins converted 10 of 15 first downs, and the Bills consistently put the Dolphins into third-down situations. The Dolphins also converted a fourth down.

Despite the double-digit win and lopsided stats, this game was always a one-score game throughout until the Bills finally extended the lead, and ultimately the win.

James Cook could set records this season

Bills running back James Cook had another solid night, rushing for 108 yards on 19 carries and his fourth touchdown of the season.

RELATED: Bills' Pro Bowl RB joins team's record books with rushing TD Thursday night

He averaged 5.7 yards per carry in the contest, and after three games, he has amassed 284 yards rushing, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He is on pace for over 1,600 yards and more than 22 touchdowns. This doesn't include the numbers in the receiving game.

Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs against Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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