Bills ground to halt by Dolphins’ Ajayi
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — An hour after the game, Jay Ajayi returned to the field, basking in a newfound spotlight even as he stood in gathering shadows. There were handshakes, hugs, interviews and photos with fans, and his grin grew wider when he took a selfie, capturing a moment he could not quite believe.
“It’s crazy to imagine it’s happening so fast like this,” Ajayi said.
He’s becoming a household name even before fans learn how to pronounce it. Ajayi tied a league record by surpassing 200 yards rushing for the second game in a row yesterday, helping the Miami Dolphins rally past the visiting Buffalo Bills, 28-25.
Led by Ajayi, the Dolphins (3-4) have run their way back to relevance with consecutive wins they can savor during an upcoming bye week.
As for the Bills (4-3), they must regroup from their first loss in five games, and injuries to three top players. Buffalo will play host to the AFC East-leading Patriots (6-1) on Sunday in Orchard Park, N.Y.
The Pats only loss this season was a 16-0 setback to the Bills in Foxboro with star quarterback Tom Brady serving a four-game suspension, top backup Jimmy Garoppolo out due to a shoulder injury and rookie third-stringer Jacoby Bissett at the helm despite an injured throwing hand.
Now, the Bills might be a little banged up in key spots.
Bills running back LeSean McCoy, who went into the weekend second in the NFL for rushing yards, left in the third quarter after he aggravated a left hamstring injury, and he totaled only 11 yards in eight carries. The injury is especially worrisome because McCoy was plagued by trouble with the same hamstring last season.
“It’s not one of those major issues like last year when I was in deep, deep pain,” McCoy said. “This is something that just takes time. I think a full week of practicing and taking my steps, and it should be fine.”
Buffalo receiver Marquise Goodwin was hurt on an incompletion late in the game and went into the concussion protocol. The Bills were already without injured wideouts Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods.
Buffalo’s walking wounded wasn’t limited to the offensive of the ball. Defensive back Aaron Williams was hurt as a result of the day’s most violent collision. He missed the second half with a head and neck injury and went to a hospital for an MRI before flying back to Buffalo with the team. Williams missed most of last season because of a neck injury that required surgery.
Ajayi rushed for 214 yards in 29 carries after totaling 204 yards a week earlier. Ajayi tied the record for consecutive 200-yard games held by O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams.