ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Thoughts on the
Miami Dolphins' 19-0
loss against the
Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
What it means: After a landmark win over the
New England Patriots last week, the Dolphins (8-7) were shut out for the first time this season and blew a golden opportunity by getting swept by Buffalo. The Bills treated this game like their Super Bowl and the Dolphins showed little urgency. Miami controlled their playoff fate entering the weekend but now may need some help in Week 17. A lot will depend on what the
Baltimore Ravens (8-6) and
San Diego Chargers (7-7) do in their 4 p.m. ET games.
Stock Watch: As far as stock down, Miami’s pass protection is becoming an issue again. The Dolphins allowed seven sacks to the Bills. At one point Miami starting quarterback
Ryan Tannehill was briefly knocked out of the game with a knee injury. Tannehill returned but he was pressured nearly the entire game. Miami has allowed 11 sacks in the past two games, and Tannehill is the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL this season.
There weren’t many players to provide a stock up. Miami cornerback
Nolan Carroll allowed some plays, but also had a sack and an interception.
No excuses: This was a no-excuse game for Miami. The Dolphins were playing against a Buffalo team without its starting quarterback (
EJ Manuel) and a starting receiver (
Steve Johnson). In addition, Buffalo rookie receiver
Robert Woods also got ejected after throwing a punch at Miami safety
Reshad Jones in the third quarter. Fellow rookie receiver
Marquise Goodwin injured his knee in the second quarter and didn’t return. Still, the Dolphins were not able to take advantage.
What’s next: The Dolphins will complete their 2013 regular-season schedule with a home game against the
New York Jets. Miami will be looking for the season sweep. The Dolphins beat the Jets 23-3 in New York on Dec. 1
