The Buffalo Bills didn’t necessarily dominate the Miami Dolphins like they were expected to in Week 3 on Thursday Night Football, but when all was said and done, they still pulled out a 31-21 victory to move to 3-0 on the season. Without linebacker Terrel Bernard’s crucial interception, though, it’s fair to wonder if the Bills would have won this game.
With the score being 28-21 late in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins‘ offense was driving down the field, only for Bernard to step in and intercept Tua Tagovailoa on the Bills‘ own 17-yard line. Bernard’s heads-up play saved the day, and after the game, he credited linebackers coach Al Holcomb for preparing him to make that big play.
Terrel Bernard Dishes on Game-Saving Interception
For the first half of this game, things went as expected for the Bills. Their offense had no problem moving the ball, and their defense did well to prevent Tagovailoa from getting in any sort of rhythm. And yet, after Matt Prater badly missed a field goal late in the second quarter, the Dolphins drove down the field and scored a game-tying touchdown, sending the game into halftime tied at 14.
While Buffalo scored immediately in the third quarter, Miami’s defense made some adjustments that ultimately slowed Josh Allen and company down. The Dolphins would tie the game again early in the fourth quarter, only for the Bills to respond with another touchdown after defensive tackle Zach Sieler extended their drive with a foolish roughing the punter penalty.
Still, Miami had a shot to score another game-tying touchdown, and they appeared on track to do so until Bernard picked off Tagovailoa. There’s no doubt it was a great play from Bernard, as he immediately jumped Tagovailoa’s pass, which was intended for Jaylen Waddle, but he opted to credit Holcomb for reviewing this specific play concept with him extensively, as it gave him the confidence to jump the passing lane and make the play of the game.
“It’s something that we had seen on tape, it’s a common route around the league,” Bernard said when speaking to reporters. “I want to give a shoutout to Al Holcomb, the linebackers coach. He put it on tape a few times, we’ve worked that play, our offense runs that play, and he basically told me if I see it, go … Just saw it and broke on it.”
Bills Set to Enjoy Long Weekend Before Focusing on Week 4
GettyTerrel Bernard of the Buffalo Bills after an interception
Winning on a short week is never easy, and while the Dolphins have endured a miserable start to the season, they came to play on Thursday night. The Bills didn’t play their best game, but at the end of the day, they did what they needed to do in order to come out on top and win their third contest of the season.
Now, the team will enjoy some time off, as they can kick back and watch the rest of the action across the league over the weekend. When Buffalo does return to action, it will begin preparing to take on another team that is currently winless, the New Orleans Saints. Kickoff for that contest is scheduled for Sep. 28 at 1 p.m. ET, and once again, the Bills will be heavily favored to come out on top.
Terrel Bernard Reveals Coach’s Message That Helped Seal Bills Win