Buffalo Bills’ Dominate the Miami Dolphins’ in Home Opener, Win 29-10

It was a celebration in Buffalo before the game even began.

The fans were still riled up about the sale of the team from earlier in the week and they were so thankful that it would be staying in the area for generations to come.

A pregame tribute to Ralph Wilson Jr. got the fans going even more, as they rallied together to honor the memory of their late owner. Moving words were spoken by Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, who ended his speech with a chant of “Squish the Fish” to the delight of the hometown faithful. At the end of the speech Mary Wilson, the widow of Mr. Wilson and current controlling owner of the team until the NFL approves the sale, was given a ring of honor in memory of Ralph for everything he meant to the city. His name on the Wall of Fame was also turned from its black colored font to that of gold.

The results on the football field made it that much sweeter.

Buffalo defeated the Miami Dolphins 29-10 in their home opener, to start the season 2-0 while also taking sole possesion of first place in the AFC East.

The emotions felt by the crowd transferred over to the players on the field.

“It was getting crazy two days ago”, quarterback EJ Manuel stated after the game. “It pumps us up even more”.

The Bills jumped out to a 6-0 lead by the end of the first quarter off of two field goal conversions by kicker Dan Carpenter. The defense was playing inspired football and gave the offense the ball in great field position throughout the entire quarter. That trend would continue into the second quarter, as the offense still couldn’t turn their chances into touchdowns. They would get one more field goal before halftime, and took a 9-0 lead into the locker-room.

The third quarter would be a more back and forth affair between the two teams. On their first possession, the Dolphins would march down the field and finally get their first points of the game, with a Caleb Sturgis 34 yard field goal splitting the uprights to make it 9-3.

On the ensuing kickoff CJ Spiller would answer immediately with an electrifying 102-yard touchdown return of his own to put the Bills ahead 16-3. That would be matched after a Dolphins long drive with an incredible one-handed catch by Mike Wallace in the back of the end zone to get Miami right back in it at 16-10. The Bills and wide out Sammy Watkins would answer that score on their very next drive, making it 23-10. It was the first touchdown of Watkins young career.

It also was the last meaningful score of the game as the fourth quarter was mostly Bills defense and Carpenter field goals. The hometown crowd would be heading home with a victory to celebrate.

“I felt it at 6:30 this morning” Bills running back CJ Spiller said when asked about if he could feel the emotion in the crowd. “On my way to the house from the hotel. Seeing the fans, they were already coming in, picking out their parking spots”.

“They showed how they were the best ones in the league”.

Cornerback Corey Graham also felt the crowd. The Buffalo native was making his first start in Buffalo for his hometown team.

“It was unreal today. The crowd gave us so much energy today. We felt them the whole game. They never let up. It was unbelievable, I never in a million years dreamed that it would be that special”.

Five Quick Slants

1. What a gameplan by the Bills to get their number one pick Sammy Watkins involved. After a so-so first week, the rookie exploded for 8 receptions and 117 yards to go along with his first NFL touchdown. He was also targeted a team high 11 times. The offense did a great job of moving him around the formation, and giving him routes he would excel on. It’s all about getting this guy the ball in space, and Buffalo did that multiple times on crossing patterns and underneath routes. It was a very promising game from the young star.

2. The running backs had some trouble getting going in this one again. Take away a 47-yard run by Spiller and the group gained just 56 yards on 27 carries. This is a trend that cannot continue. They were ok, but the Bills heavily rely on the running game to set up the rest of their offense. The short fields helped today, but the backs have to get it going if they want to continue to have success on the offensive side of the ball.

3. The defensive line made things difficult for quarterback Ryan Tannehill all day. Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, and Jerry Hughes all recorded sacks (with Stefan Charles also adding another one late in the game). The best part about their game was that they were not only applying pressure, they were breaking up passes too. The defensive line for Buffalo had to knock down at least three passes right at the line of scrimmage. Great work from everyone on this unit.

4. How about the play of rookie right tackle Seantrel Henderson? I touched on how tough of a game he was going to have in my pregame write up and boy did he prove me wrong. He shut down defensive end Cameron Wake for the entire game. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself but could Henderson turn out to be the best steal of the draft? The seventh round pick continues to impress me each game. Bills did a great job of bookending their offensive line with two young tackles with high ceilings that will be starting for years to come.

5. The Buffalo Bills have Dolphin’s head coach Joe Philbin’s and Ryan Tannehill’s number. The coach/quarterback duo is now 0-3 against the Bills.

Stats to Like

Watkins stat line (8 catches, 117 yards and 1 touchdown)

What more is there to say? The guy was a stud out there today.

Stats to Dislike

16 % Red Zone Efficiency for the Bills

It didn’t matter in the end for this one but usually when you go 1 for 6 in terms of converting red zone chances into touchdowns you are going to lose some games. Not a lot of creative play calling happening once they enter the zone. There are times the coaching staff is just too conservative. Ask former coaches Dick Jauron and Chan Gailey; settling for field goals do not win games.

Game MVP

Buffalo’s 12^th Man

There were a few players deserving of this one but in the end I’m giving this one to the fans. They deserved it and this Sunday really did turn out to be a great celebration for them. They’ll be back in full force next week as their team attempts to go 3-0 for the first time since 2011.

On Tap for Next Week

The Bills get to play another one in front of their fans as the San Diego Chargers come to town next Sunday. Kickoff at Ralph Wilson Stadium will be at 1:00 PM (eastern).

Bottomline

What is there to complain about? Sure the Bills missed some touchdowns out there today, but when your team comes out on top how can you be that mad? It was another solid game plan by the offense, who didn’t ask for Manuel to do too much out there. The defense is at the top of its game right now. Could you imagine how good they would be with a healthy Kiko Alonso? Overall, this was a solid game from all three phases and one that the players and fans alike can be happy with for a week.