2024 NFL season, Week 2: What We Learned from Bills' win over Dolphins on Thursday night
The shorthanded Bills defense delivered a gutsy performance despite missing key players like cornerback Taron Johnson, linebacker Matt Milano, and losing Terrel Bernard early in the game. Against a potent Miami offense on a hot and humid night, the Bills excelled, intercepting Tua Tagovailoa three times and stopping Miami on fourth down three more times. It was a team effort, with players like Cam Lewis, filling in for Johnson, bouncing back after early struggles, and Ja'Marcus Ingram recording his first two career interceptions, including a pick-six. Dorian Williams made a crucial third-down stop, followed by Ed Oliver sacking Tagovailoa to end another Dolphins drive. Impressively, Buffalo's defense forced the ball away from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, limiting them to a combined seven catches for 65 yards. When Tagovailoa left with a concussion, Buffalo was firmly in control, up 31-10.
Before his injury, Tagovailoa had a rough outing, throwing three interceptions, the last of which was returned for a touchdown. His receivers, Grant DuBose and Robbie Chosen, were partly at fault for two of the picks, but the pick-six was a result of Tagovailoa making a poor throw under pressure. Injuries to offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Robert Jones compounded the Dolphins' struggles. Though De'Von Achane, playing despite being a game-time decision, was a bright spot with 29 touches and an impressive performance, the Dolphins' offense never found its rhythm, with penalties and missed fourth downs stalling multiple drives. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s play-calling seemed off at times, and now the focus shifts to Tagovailoa's health, especially given his concussion history.
On the offensive side for the Bills, running back James Cook set the tone early in his hometown of Miami, scoring three first-half touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) and amassing 95 yards on 12 touches. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson also contributed to the ground game, with Johnson setting up one of Cook’s touchdowns with a 33-yard catch and run. The Bills' offensive line created plenty of space for Cook, allowing Josh Allen to manage the game efficiently without having to carry the offense. Allen, nursing a hand injury, attempted just 19 passes, completing 13 for 139 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. His reduced role was a rarity, but the Bills' dominant run game and stout defense allowed them to cruise to a comfortable divisional win.
The Dolphins' defense, meanwhile, struggled for the second consecutive week. Despite some context—three of Buffalo’s first-half possessions began in Miami territory—the Dolphins were pushed around at the line of scrimmage, barely laying a hand on Cook during his three touchdowns. Josh Allen had ample time to operate when needed, and Miami’s pass rush was non-existent in the first half. After Tagovailoa’s pick-six and subsequent injury, the Dolphins couldn’t mount another second-half comeback. The pressure is now on Miami’s defense to tighten up, especially if Skylar Thompson has to replace Tagovailoa moving forward.
**Next Gen stat of the game**: On his 49-yard touchdown run, James Cook reached a career-high top speed of 20.99 mph, gaining +42 rushing yards over expected.
**NFL Research**: Since Tua Tagovailoa became the Dolphins' starter under Mike McDaniel in 2022, the team has gone 20-13, including Thursday’s loss. Without Tagovailoa, they are 1-4.
2024 NFL season, Week 2: What We Learned from Bills' win over Dolphins on Thursday night
Before his injury, Tagovailoa had a rough outing, throwing three interceptions, the last of which was returned for a touchdown. His receivers, Grant DuBose and Robbie Chosen, were partly at fault for two of the picks, but the pick-six was a result of Tagovailoa making a poor throw under pressure. Injuries to offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Robert Jones compounded the Dolphins' struggles. Though De'Von Achane, playing despite being a game-time decision, was a bright spot with 29 touches and an impressive performance, the Dolphins' offense never found its rhythm, with penalties and missed fourth downs stalling multiple drives. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s play-calling seemed off at times, and now the focus shifts to Tagovailoa's health, especially given his concussion history.
On the offensive side for the Bills, running back James Cook set the tone early in his hometown of Miami, scoring three first-half touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) and amassing 95 yards on 12 touches. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson also contributed to the ground game, with Johnson setting up one of Cook’s touchdowns with a 33-yard catch and run. The Bills' offensive line created plenty of space for Cook, allowing Josh Allen to manage the game efficiently without having to carry the offense. Allen, nursing a hand injury, attempted just 19 passes, completing 13 for 139 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. His reduced role was a rarity, but the Bills' dominant run game and stout defense allowed them to cruise to a comfortable divisional win.
The Dolphins' defense, meanwhile, struggled for the second consecutive week. Despite some context—three of Buffalo’s first-half possessions began in Miami territory—the Dolphins were pushed around at the line of scrimmage, barely laying a hand on Cook during his three touchdowns. Josh Allen had ample time to operate when needed, and Miami’s pass rush was non-existent in the first half. After Tagovailoa’s pick-six and subsequent injury, the Dolphins couldn’t mount another second-half comeback. The pressure is now on Miami’s defense to tighten up, especially if Skylar Thompson has to replace Tagovailoa moving forward.
**Next Gen stat of the game**: On his 49-yard touchdown run, James Cook reached a career-high top speed of 20.99 mph, gaining +42 rushing yards over expected.
**NFL Research**: Since Tua Tagovailoa became the Dolphins' starter under Mike McDaniel in 2022, the team has gone 20-13, including Thursday’s loss. Without Tagovailoa, they are 1-4.
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