Bills Bounce Back: Dominant Victory Over Dolphins Secures First Win of the Season

MIAMI, FL — The Buffalo Bills earned their first win of the season in a hard-fought 35-23 victory against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. After a disappointing loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, the Bills bounced back with a balanced offensive attack and key defensive plays, while the Dolphins looked to extend their early-season success but fell short.

The game kicked off with an explosive run from James Cook, who broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown, putting the Bills up 7-0 early in the first quarter. De’Von Achane quickly answered for the Dolphins with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game 7-7 to close out the quarter.

The second quarter proved to be action-packed as Taron Johnson intercepted a pass from Tua Tagovailoa and returned it 72 yards for a pick-six, giving Buffalo a 14-7 lead. However, the Dolphins responded with a touchdown strike from Tagovailoa to Odell Beckham Jr., a 22-yard connection, narrowing the deficit to 14-10. Marquez Valdes-Scantling then extended Buffalo’s lead again with a 45-yard touchdown reception from Josh Allen. Jason Sanders added a late 32-yard field goal for Miami, but Buffalo led 21-17 heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Valdes-Scantling continued his impact, rushing for a 15-yard touchdown to push Buffalo’s lead to 28-17. Miami stayed in the game thanks to Braxton Berrios, who caught a 41-yard bomb from Tagovailoa, making it 28-23 after a failed two-point conversion attempt.

The fourth quarter saw Buffalo cement their lead when Cook capped off a drive with a 9-yard touchdown run, giving the Bills a 35-23 cushion. The Dolphins couldn’t muster any more points, as the Bills defense shut down Miami’s late-game efforts, sealing Buffalo’s first win of the season.

Key Performers

The Bills were led by Josh Allen, who threw for 182 yards and 1 touchdown, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had 4 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown while also adding a 15-yard rushing touchdown. James Cook was a key factor in the ground game, totaling 184 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.

For the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa passed for 332 yards and 2 touchdowns but was plagued by 3 costly interceptions. Jaylen Waddle had 87 receiving yards and no touchdowns, while Odell Beckham Jr. contributed 67 receiving yards and a score. Braxton Berrios also made an impact with 41 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next

The Bills return home in Week 3 to host the Jacksonville Jaguars, looking to build on this win. Meanwhile, the Dolphins will head to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks, hoping to rebound after this loss.