ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Here are my five takeaways from the Buffalo Bills’ 30-27 victory against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Highmark Stadium:
1. The story of this game was standing tall in the face of adversity, right down to the winning points.
The outcome was decided by a 61-yard Tyler Bass field goal with five seconds left. Hardly a chip shot; the longest in franchise history, as a matter of fact. Massive pressure for a kicker whose career has been under tremendous scrutiny and doubt since he missed a 54-yard field goal late in a divisional-round playoff loss against Kansas City last January. Emotions pouring out everywhere in the stadium, especially along the Buffalo sideline.
There were more calls for the Bills to replace Bass after a rough training camp and early season. Even on Sunday, only days after the Bills released kicker Lucas Havrisik from their practice squad, he missed an extra point and had a second go in after hitting an upright, bringing questions about his Bills future to the forefront again.
Not exactly an ideal foundation of confidence to ask Bass to go out and win the game. But Sean McDermott had liked what Bass showed during pre-game warmup kicks to turn to him in a critical situation.
“Man, what a story, T-Bass hitting a franchise-record kick,” McDermott said. “I just think, overall, here’s a young man that has gone through a lot of things. The journey that he’s been on week to week, you, the questions that have asked of him, of me. I think it’s a great example of mental toughness, of perseverance, resilience. We brought a player in here to compete with him and he didn’t back down. You know, this game is as much mental as it is physical.”
“So proud of him, so happy for him, got emotional in my little post-game speech,” Josh Allen said. “Just the trials and tribulations he’s been through out this year, obviously missing one early in the day, hitting the pole on another, you know. He could have easily put it in the tank. And a 61-yard field goal to win a game against a division rival, that’s what stories are made of and I love him, I respect him so much, everybody in that locker room is so happy for him and he’s our guy.”
How important was the kick for Bass personally?
“Man, it means everything,” he said. “Very emotional. Haven’t really processed it yet. But just putting in a lot of work, man, and just was focused on right here, right now, the present. … You’re going to go through ups and downs, but just continue to put your best foot forward.”
2. The Bills faced more adversity resulting from a familiar issue: starting slow.
Once again, they played down to the competition. The 7-2 Bills already routed the 2-6 Dolphins in September. They trailed, 10-3, in the second quarter and 10-6 at halftime.
Buffalo’s offense couldn’t find answers for the Dolphins’ pass rush, which had Allen on the run through most of the game. They only sacked him once, but had three QB hits and generally kept him off his mark.
3. And more resilience. The Bills entered the game with injury issues, including the absences of receiver Amari Cooper and cornerback Christian Benford.
Once again, they leaned heavily on their depth. Kahlil Shakir led the team with six receptions on seven targets for 50 yards and 14 yards. Mack Hollins came through with five catches on five targets for 30 yards and a touchdown. Rookie running back Ray Davis connected with Allen for a 63-yard touchdown that gave the Bills a 20-13 lead late in the third quarter. Fullback Quintin Morris caught a two-yard touchdown pass, which Allen threw while being hit hard by a defender, to give the Bills a 27-20 advantage with 6:18 left in the fourth quarter.
Outside of Bass’ winning field goal, the next most important play of the game came at the start of the third quarter. The Dolphins were driving into Buffalo territory, and had a first down at the Bills 48. Raheem Mostert ran off right tackle for seven yards and Taron Johnson stripped him of the ball. Kaiir Elam — who had his shoulder popped out, then popped back in by the athletic training staff before returning to the field — recovered at Bills’ 36. That sets up an Allen touchdown pass to Hollins. Bass’ missed extra point gave the Bills a12-10 and a big shift of momentum to their favor with 7:20 left in the third quarter.
4. Let’s give Tua Tagovailoa credit for playing exceptionally well in his second game back from a concussion he suffered against the Bills when the teams met in September.
He missed only three of the 28 passes he attempted, finishing with 231 yards, a pair of touchdowns and a passer rating of 124.9.
Talk about overcoming adversity!
Tagovailoa showed, for the second week in a row, that he makes the Dolphins’ offense better. He showed tremendous poise, accuracy and decision-making.
There are many people who fear for Tagovailoa’s health, and rightfully so. He has had multiple diagnosed concussions as a pro and had one at Alabama.
He has been defiant in his desire to keep playing a game from which observers (including former NFL players and coach) believe he should retire.
Of course, as the Dolphins’ post season continues to fade further into the abyss, it’s hard to see Tagovailoa and his team finding much traction the rest of the way.
5. The Bills are finishing what could be considered one of the softer stretches of the schedule.
They face the Colts next Sunday at Indianapolis before taking on the unbeaten Chiefs at home the following week. After that, the Bills get a much-needed bye before facing San Francisco at Highmark. Then, they take to the road for games against the Rams and the Lions.
The Chiefs, 49ers, Rams and Lions games figure to go a long way toward defining whether the Bills have what it takes to be a serious postseason contender. Because after that, the Bills should be able to coast to the finish with three straight AFC East encounters — the Patriots and Jets at home, and the Pats on the road in the season-finale.