The Miami Dolphins were handed their sixth loss of the season on Sunday, as they were defeated by the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.
Mike McDaniel’s team struggled in all three phases and still had a chance to win it late. Instead, they became the only team in the AFC East to lose to Buffalo twice in 2023, as the New York Jets and New England Patriots both earned splits.
As we do after every game, let’s take a look at some of those who deserve credit and some who deserve criticism. for their performances against the Bills.
STUD(s): De'Von Achane and Jeff Wilson
Without Raheem Mostert, Miami leaned on rookie De’Von Achane and veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. in a split backfield. The two combined for 101 yards on 5.3 yards per attempt with the former Aggie scoring one of the team’s two touchdowns on the day.
DUD: QB Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa had another off day, completing just 62.9% for 173 yards and a touchdown. He also threw multiple interceptions, including one on the team’s final drive. He did have his receivers drop a few balls, but he needs to play better than he did on Sunday if they want to play more than one more game.
STUD: Miami's run defense
While Miami struggled to contain Josh Allen on the ground, they did a great job shutting down James Cook, Leonard Fournette and Ty Johnson. The trio rushed for just 61 yards on a dismal 2.9 yards per carry. As running the ball becomes more important this late in the season, it’s good to see the Dolphins front stop a strong group of runners.
DUD: Mike McDaniel's second-half gameplan
Miami had a on of success running the ball in the first half, rushing for 101 yards before the break. Then, after halftime, they ran the ball just three times for seven yards.
Now, Miami did eventually go down by seven points, and from then on, they didn’t run a single time. That can’t happen. McDaniel can’t abandon the thing that made them so successful.
