GAMEDAY Open Thread/Live Blog: Dolphins vs. Bills | Week 7
The Miami Dolphins nearly got their first win of the season last week against the Washington Redskins, but ultimately failed to finish the job as a two-point conversion to take the lead turned out to be too much for the team to handle. Now, the 0-5 Dolphins will have veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick back under center as they try to take down the 4-1 Bills on the road.
Miami's coaching staff seems to be flip-flopping a lot on the quarterback situation. It was not that long ago that Brian Flores insisted that Josh Rosen would start the remainder of the season, and now Fitzpatrick is back after Rosen got benched against Washington. That turned out to be the right move (or wrong depending on point of view) as he almost led the team to a comeback victory.
As of now, the only team keeping the Dolphins from the number one overall pick in 2020 and the quarterback of their choice is the Cincinnati Bengals. Them, and the Dolphins themselves, of course. The players are still going to give it all they have to pull out a win this season.
And we will be right here live-blogging and discussing MIAvsBUF here in our weekly GAMEDAY Open Thread. Dive into the conversation — it's easy — by simply going to the top of the site and in the bottom right-hand corner of the Dolphin Maven logo, click the follow button.
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INACTIVES
Analysis: No Xavien Howard for the second game in a row, and now Daniel Kilgore and Reshad Jones are out as well. Buffalo QB Josh Allen is really good at running with the football, so unless the linebackers are ready to be spies, there are a lot of runs in their future. The players definitely don't want to lose anymore, but they have their work cut out for them today.
1st Quarter
Just three plays in, Dolphins DTs Christian Wilkins has been ejected from the game for throwing a punch. This season is clearly taking its toll on the players.
The Buffalo Bills get on the board first. Although Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker stepped up on this drive to force the Bills to kick a field goal. It should be noted, however, that McMillan got beat badly in the passing game earlier. He is a run-stopper, that's his role.
Bills 3 - Dolphins 0
Miami's first offensive drive once again displays the lack of ability and execution on the offensive line. However, Mark Walton is showing some serious talent running the ball, putting a 19 yard run out there. Maybe he could be the new Jay Ajayi?
Dolphins defense again bends but doesn't break. Heads up plays by Bobby McCain and Jomal Wiltz. Field goal made by Buffalo.
Bills 6 - Dolphins 0
Beautiful pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Preston Williams for 34 yards. Dude still has big playmaking ability, he just has to make sure he keeps his hands on the football, that's all.
2nd Quarter
And the first play of the second quarter results in a 3-yard run by RB Kalen Ballage. Dolphins about to take the lead against the Bills on the road. Usually, it's Buffalo doing the bullying, but Miami's physicality is actually giving them problems.
Dolphins 7 - Bills 6
INJURY: CB Ken Webster down, possible arm/shoulder injury.
Defense is holding for the most part. Bills haven't gotten into the endzone, but they are kicking field goals.
Bills 9 - Dolphins 7
Preston Williams, Albert Wilson, and DeVante Parker. Those three are being serious targets for Ryan Fitzpatrick, Parker just scored a touchdown to give the Dolphins back the lead. Miami just might win this one after all.
Dolphins 14 - Bills 9
Vince Biegel with an awesome sack on Josh Allen. This Dolphins team has heard all the talk of tanking and it seems they've had enough. Bullying the bullies that are the Bills.
Two minute warning has the Bills defense playing aggressively, but the Dolphins aren't laying down either. Miami will also get the ball to start the half.
3rd Quarter
The Bills left the field with boos raining down on them from a sellout crowd. Miami looks like they have a great chance to win unless Buffalo suddenly stops shooting themselves in the foot.
Mike Gesicki has stepped up these past couple of games. Maybe it's too early to call him a bust.
Fake field goal for a first down! Dolphins going for it all today!
And the coolness was short lived. Ryan Fitzpatrick throws an interception on the very next play. Door is still open for Buffalo to make a comeback.
4th Quarter
INJURY: OG Shaq Calhoun is questionable to return with an illness. One has to wonder what is ailing him.
The Bills have taken the lead back on a pass from Josh Allen to John Brown. They then went for two, and converted.
Bills 17 - Dolphins 14
And now the Dolphins can't execute as Preston Williams fumbles on an easy catch. Bills looking to put the game away from here.
More than likely, that Cole Beasley touchdown should do it.
Bills 24 - Dolphins 14
Dolphins aren't going down without a fight. Mike Gesicki is stepping up today, and Ryan Fitzpatrick runs in for a touchdown to close the gap with 1:45 to go.
Bills 24 - Dolphins 21
And almost immediately, the point gap is widened again. Miami attempted an onside kick...and Micah Hyde recovered it and ran it in for a Bills touchdown.
Bills 31 - Dolphins 21
And the game ends with a holding call against Miami that is declined. Such is the way of all things.
