Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Dolphins’ defense answers call in victory
X’S AND OMAR: Omar Kelly says the Dolphins are finding their new identity as they push around the Bills on both sides of the ball.
MIAMI GARDENS — Give some credit to the Miami Dolphins’ defense for Sunday’s 28-25 victory over Buffalo. The battleweary defense had an outstanding showing against the Bills, especially considering they lost Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones (shoulder), perhaps their best player, last week and were already without linebacker Koa Misi (back) and defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (calf ).
“Guys are playing with energy, effort, physicality,” said coach Adam Gase.
Bills running back LeSean McCoy entered the game second in the NFL in rushing yards (587) and yards per carry (5.6). He left the game in the fourth quarter after aggravating a hamstring injury, ending with 11 yards on eight carries.
Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had four receptions for 93 yards, but that was buoyed by his 67-yard reception.
Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor was sacked four times. Defensive end Cameron Wake, who seems to be rounding into his four-time Pro Bowl form, had 1.5 sacks to raise his season total to 3.0, tied with fellow end Andre Branch and just behind teamleader Ndamukong Suh (3.5 sacks), who had one sack and three quarterback hits.
The Dolphins’ defense also held Buffalo to 3 of 13 (23 percent) on third downs and held Taylor to 50 percent (14 of 28) on completions. It’s a remarkable two-game defensive turnaround that started last week against Pittsburgh.
Now the Dolphins, who have a bye week before hosting the New York Jets on Nov. 6, are so confident they’re even talking a little trash. The Bills, the NFL’s rushing leader at 166 yards per game entering this week’s games, were held to 67 yards rushing.
“I’m excited about somebody coming in here and saying they’re going to run the ball down our throat,” Wake said.
Inactives
The Dolphins’ seven inactive players were cornerback Xavien Howard (knee), tight ends Jordan Cameron (concussion) and Dion Sims (concussion), cornerback Bene Benwikere, defensive tackle Julius Warmsley, defensive end Terrence Fede and defensive tackle Nick Williams. ...
Tight ends MarQueis Gray and Dominique Jones didn’t have a reception but seemed to do well blocking. The Dolphins used offensive tackle Sam Young quite often in blocking situations. ...
Defensive end Mario Williams was used at defensive tackle in the game’s final series, perhaps lending an additional playing time option since his time has been reduced at end. ...
Safety Michael Thomas, running back Arian Foster and wide receiver Kenny Stills kneeled on one knee during the national anthem, as they’ve done all season. ...
Stills ended with five receptions for 100 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Penalties hurt
The Dolphins were penalized a seasonhigh 13 times for a season-high 116 yards. The offensive line led the way.
Center Mike Pouncey had a holding call on first-and-10 from the Bills’ 20 that turned into a first-and-20 from the Bills’ 30. The Dolphins settled for a 36-yard field goal four plays later.
In the second quarter, left guard Laremy Tunsil was flagged for holding on first-and-10 from the Bills’ 11, wiping out a 6-yard gain. That turned into first-and-20 from the Buffalo 21, and four plays later they converted a 33-yard field goal.
Special teams miscues
Special teams errors are adding up. Punter Matt Darr had a punt blocked, which came after Kenyan Drake had a holding penalty that gave the Bills a do-over. The Dolphins have had two field goal attempts blocked and a punt blocked.
The Dolphins also had a false start on an extra point in the fourth quarter, but Franks had no problem giving the Dolphins a 21-17 lead. ...