The Miami Dolphins battled all season to get back in the playoff mix after an 0-3 start, finally evening their record at 5-5 with two wins in a five day stretch.
On Sunday, they undid nearly all their good work with an unseemly fourth quarter in Buffalo.
The Bills outscored Miami 24-0 in the final frame to win 31-14 and put a major dent into any playoff hopes for the Dolphins. The outcome gave the cagey Perry Fewell his first win as Buffalo’s interim head coach.
Rian Lindell hit a 56-yard field goal to take the lead with just under four minutes left, then the Bills tacked on two quick touchdowns when Chad Henne did his best Jake Delhomme impression. (Henne threw three picks in the final four minutes after a nice game before then.)
The Dolphins ran the ball down Buffalo’s throats most of the day, but never led by more than a touchdown. Ricky Williams rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw an interception on a first-and-goal from the three-yard line early in the game. Might not want to get so fancy next time.
Give Fewell credit for making the decision to start Ryan Fitzpatrick two weeks ago. The Harvard grad has been more willing to throw deep balls to allow Terrell Owens and Lee Evans to make plays. (Owens caught a 51-yard touchdown.) Fitzpatrick also rushed for a 31-yard score. Really.
The Bills moved to 4-7 on the season. The Dolphins are at 5-6, and will host the Patriots next week with their season on the brink.
