Former Dolphin Charles Clay had a great game against his former team (Getty).
Live Score
Buffalo Bills 14-13-0-14 — 41
Miami Dolphins 0-0-8-6 — 14
FINAL: Miami Falls Apart in Home Opener
The Bills destroyed the Dolphins in a gloomy home opener for Miami (Getty).
It was supposed to be a great day for the Dolphins, in their re-opening of a renovated Sun Life Stadium. It could not have gone worse.
The skies opened up for rain, and the Bills poured it on from every direction, winning 41-14. Buffalo was nearly perfect, gaining over 400 yards and not turning the ball over.
No other way to say it: Don’t think I’ve ever seen a more dismal home loss by Dolphins (and this covers more years than I want to admit).
Miami, on the heels of two close games to start the season, had a total meltdown. On offense, they were pushed around by the Bills. Tannehill was only sacked twice, but took vicious hits all game long, some leading to interceptions. Tannehill threw three of those, all in the first half, and didn’t lead the Dolphins to points until there was 5:39 remaining in the third quarter. The lone bright spot was Rishard Matthews, who recorded over 100 receiving yards for the second straight week.
For the Buffalo Bills, the win has to feel good after falling to the Patriots last week. The Bills are a real threat this season, as long as Tyrod Taylor stays healthy. Taylor was electric Sunday, completed 21/29 for 277 and three scores. Shady McCoy caught a TD but it was Karlos Williams that punished the Dolphins, rushing for 110 yards on just 12 carries.
If Miami (1-2) wants to forget about this home disaster, it won’t be hard. The Dolphins don’t play a home game for four weeks, and appear next in London to face the Jets. The Bills (2-1) will head home to face the Giants.
Dolphins Woke Up With Tannehill Touchdown
Former Clovis Wildcat @_RMatthews just caught a touchdown for the Miami Dolphins. 🙌 http://t.co/nrxE1CzarU
Down four scores in their own building, the Dolphins finally put a scoring drive together. Over six plays and 56 yards, Tannehill hit a streaking Rishard Matthews for 21 yards for the score. Jarvis Landry hauled in a short pass for the two-point conversion.
Dolphins seem to be going for 2. They need to go for 21.
HALFTIME: Bills Mauling Dolphins in Muggy Miami
Shady McCoy caught a TD pass in a dominant first half for Buffalo (Getty).
Miami’s home opener is supposed to be a party, like the city itself.
The first half has been more like a funeral.
As rain falls over Sun Life Stadium, the Bills are pounding the Dolphins, 24-0 at halftime. Buffalo has stayed aggressive, and Miami has had zero answer for multitalented QB Tyrod Taylor.
The Bills have 270 yards at the half. Have some pride! http://t.co/R7MAiSAgSs
The Bills have been picking on Miami CB Brice McCain, and the seventh-year pro has been getting torched all over the field. Sammy Watkins was electric before leaving with a calf injury, but Robert Woods and Percy Harvin have been shaking Miami’s defense all night.
Miami has looked awful on offense. Tannehill, who entered the game without throwing an interception in over 100 attempts, has thrown three in this first half. Those have resulted in three scores for the Bills, who look much more physical today.
Buffalo has 13 first downs. Miami is 0-6 on third down. We’ll see if they show up for the second half.
Preston Brown Struck Again Before Halftime
No words.
With the Dolphins driving for their first score before the half, the Bills made their biggest play of the game.
After Tannehill was hit hard while throwing, Preston Brown gathered the ball and returned it 44 yards. It’s Brown’s second INT of the half, and a devastating blow to the Dolphins. Tannehill had completed three nice passes on the drive, but a nice play by Brown has sucked away any momentum they were building.
Bills lead, 24-0.
Tannehill’s INT-less Streak Ends
Best field position, throw to best player on team (Landry), and it’s a pick. Nothing going right for Miami. Halftime can’t come soon enough.
It had to happen. It happened because we talk about it.
A pass to Jarvis Landry was popped up and intercepted by LB Preston Brown. That ends Tannehill’s streak of pass attempts without a pick at just over 120, a pretty impressive mark.
Buffalo was only able to capitalize with a field goal, extending the lead to 17.
T-Mobile Was Aggressive Early
After a tough game against the Patriots, Tyrod Taylor seemed ready to tee off against the Dolphins. He found former Dolphin Charles Clay early and often, and the Bills moved easily on their opening drive. Clay caught three passes on the drive, including a 25 yard play to finish the drive.
After a Dolphin punt, Taylor spread the love to Sammy Watkins, hitting him for 39 yards.
I might be crazy, but it appears the Bills have more playmakers than the #Dolphins.
Tyrod Taylor with the dimer to Sammy Watkins. #BUFvsMIA #Bills http://t.co/jaLF0R6J7m
Taylor found McCoy out of the backfield to finish the drive, and the Bills lead by two scores in the first nine minutes of action.
Preview: Dolphins Want to Rebound With Division Win
Lamar Miller and the Dolphins have struggled on the ground this season (Getty).
Both teams lost last week in close contests, but it’s the difference of opponent that tells the story. The Bills came up short against the Patriots, while a late penalty cost the Dolphins the game in a loss to Jacksonville.
For Miami, expect the team’s ground game to continue to struggle. The Dolphins have rushed for just 116 yards this season, the third-worst total in the NFL. Don’t expect that to change against a stout Buffalo defense, with or without Lamar Miller in the backfield.
Buffalo’s defense, called by coach Rex Ryan, will try to force Ryan Tannehill into making mistakes and throwing interceptions. Opponents have tried, but Tannehill has gone over 100 pass attempts without a pick. With their ground struggles, Tannehill’s progression has been a saving grace. Equipped with multiple weapons on the outsides, the fourth-year QB is on pace for his best season yet.