Tua Tagovailoa lost to Josh Allen

ORCHARD PARK, NY – The Miami Dolphins lost on Buffalo Bills 30-27, on Sunday at Highmark Stadium.

Tua Tagovailoa he went hand in hand Josh Allenbut Miami’s defense didn’t disappoint again.

The game ended with a 61-yard field goal by Buffalo’s Tyler Bass with five seconds left.

The Dolphins are 2-6 and dangerously close to making the playoffs.

The Bills’ record is 7-2 and they may soon secure the AFC East victory.

Miami is 1-13 in their last 14 regular season games against Buffalo.

Tua is 1-8 against Buffalo.

Allen is 12-2 against Miami.

Here are our instant grades for the Dolphins on the Bills

Quarterback

Tua Tagovailoa he was sacked after Aaron Brewer dropped what seemed like a decent snap. Tua had a nice stealth shovel pass to tight end Jonnu Smith. Tua threw a short pass to De’Von Achane, who took it for a 14-yard score and a 10-3 Miami lead. In the first half, an efficient Tua had a passer rating of 128.0. Tua climbed to the ground in the fourth quarter and dunked on fourth down.

Degree: B

Running back

Raheem Mostert changed the tune in the first quarter when he picked up Bills safety Taylor Rapp on third down after a good catch-and-run. Mostert made a key 14-yard run up the middle that helped Miami escape its own end zone. Mostert’s value, despite 1,000 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns last season, was still underrated in 2024.

De’Von Achane he converted a key third down near the Bills goal line. Achane is an extremely valuable receiving threat. In fact, Miami’s third-best receiver. Mostert was tripped on Miami’s first drive of the second half when the ball was knocked loose. The Dolphins have had seven losses in their last three games. And they lead the league in this category.

In the second half, defender Alec Ingold aggravated his calf injury.

Degree: B+

Wide receiver

In the first quarter Odell Beckham Jr. had his first catch for the Dolphins. Later in the first half he had a second one, in traffic. Beckham suffered a fumble in the fourth quarter, which was initially ruled a foul.

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will likely see fewer targets, especially deep ones, as Miami does everything it can to stay in games against teams like Buffalo.

Yes, everyone knows this will upset fantasy football owners. Oh, well.

In the third quarter, Hill made a spectacular catch down the sideline for a 28-yard gain. Later, Hill hit a 27-yard field goal over the middle from Tua, who passed on a slam.

Degree: B

Tight end

Durham Smythe had a false start. Smythe, filling in for the more frequently injured Julian Hill, was also involved in blocking when Raheem Mostert and Miami failed to score on their third series.

Tanner Conner had an offensive interference on a pass to Miami in Buffalo’s red zone. Jonnu Smith was once again involved in Miami’s transition plan.

Degree: C-

Offensive line

Austin Jackson had a false start. The Dolphins did a good job of running and pass blocking overall. Through three quarters, Miami allowed just one sack. Miami also surpassed 100 rushing yards. Miami offensive line coach Butch Barry did a good job once again in 2024.

Degree: B

Defensive line

Da’Shawn Hand had trouble losing. The Bills moved the ball efficiently.

Degree: C+

Linebackers/Edge

Anthony Walker started at center back Jordyn Brooks, probably because David Long has struggled in recent games. And Walker was active. Chop Robinson had Josh Allen pressuring him after running around Dion Dawkins. Later, Chop had another one. He was very active and had high motor skills.

Emmanuel Ogbah made an impressive seven-yard fumble recovery, forcing the Bills to punt. Ogbah is playing with a torn biceps.

Degree: C+

Defensive defenders

Corner Jalen Ramsey had an impressive interception of Josh Allen. He defended a slant near Miami’s goal line and picked off a jumper by Bills rookie Keon Coleman. Cam Smith was involved in several defensive penalties shortly before half-time.

Jordan Poyer and Kendall Fuller were the two closest defenders as Mack Hollins caught Josh Allen’s pass on fourth down for a 12-10 Bills lead. Marcus Maye later failed to tackle Bills kick returner Ray Davis on the Miami 42-yard line, allowing Ray Davis to score 63 yards for a 20-13 lead.

Former Bills linebacker Siran Neal was called after Allen held back on third down. Poyer received an unnecessary roughness penalty on Buffalo’s game-winning play.

Degree: C-

Special Teams

Jake Bailey had a poor punt return for 37 yards, and things got worse when the Bills returned it 29 yards. Jason Sanders made a 39-yard field goal to tie the score at 7. Sanders made a 23-yard field goal to give Miami a 13-12 lead.

Degree: C

Coaching

Mike McDaniel has a plan for how he plans to commit to the run, and once again, it was a smart plan. Miami’s defense, led by first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, falters too often late in games. Allen led touchdown drives that resulted in two third-quarter touchdown passes.

Degree: B

Joe Schad is a journalist writing about Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. He can be contacted at [email protected] and keep following him Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly show Dolphin Pulse Bulletin. Help support our work by subscribing today.