Buffalo Rumblings
The Bills were cookin’ in South Beach!
The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 season has been written. So let’s add some “illustrations!” If you’re new to Plays That Defined, this isn’t a highlight recap, but rather a cathartic retelling of the past season, chapter by chapter.
Don’t vote for your favorite play necessarily, vote for the one that best represents that game’s narrative. I’ll recap the game to refresh your memory, but don’t feel locked in by my narrative.
The Bills had squeaked out a victory over the Arizona Cardinals to kick off the season and were now tasked with heading to Florida to take on the Miami Dolphins. With both teams winning in Week 1, the showdown looked to set the tone for the AFC East.
The Dolphins’ offense struggled to finish, turning the ball over three times. As a result, it wasn’t a big stats day for the Bills’ offense as they were able to sit back and pick up the pieces.
After Miami’s first drive ended with an interception by defensive back Ja’Marcus Ingram, Buffalo looked to take an early lead. Already in field goal range and facing fourth down, head coach Sean McDermott elected to roll the dice.
The Dolphins tried to bring the heat, but Josh Allen and the offense were well prepared with a blitz beater. James Cook got the easy catch and had room to bring it 17 yards to the house.
Miami was able to pull even with a score of their own and followed that up by stopping Buffalo’s offense with a three and out. The Dolphins hoped to get something going but an overthrow by Tua Tagovailoa fell into Christian Benford’s waiting hands.
The Bills’ defense didn’t always put together complete games in 2024. In Week 2, the defense shined though, shutting down the Dolphins one way or another on eight of 10 drives. Like Buffalo before them, Miami gambled on fourth down. The Bills’ pressure worked though, with Ed Oliver ending the drive with flair.
Stopped at midfield shortly before the half, the Dolphins’ gamble on the previous play set the Bills up with a chance to score again before the break. Buffalo had nearly four minutes of clock, but James Cook felt only one play was needed.
Down by two scores with plenty of time in the half, the Dolphins had a real chance at a come back. Once again the pressure got to Tagovailoa who lobbed a pass awkwardly upfield. Ja’Marcus Ingram had his second interception of the day and the first touchdown of his career.
