Instant Analysis: Buffalo Bills 34, Miami Dolphins 31
Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Dolphins’ loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sunday in their wild-card playoff game:
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist
Saying it was the best Dolphins playoff game in 20 years doesn’t do it justice. The Dolphins nearly pulled off their greatest upset in franchise history behind their defense, but some details like getting plays in and playing good situational football escaped them. A big almost.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist
Excellent effort by the Dolphins in their first playoff game since the 2016 season. Rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson played courageously, as did his teammates. The Dolphins absorbed the early body shots and a 17-0 deficit to make this one of the most memorable games in years. Nice job. They came up short, but good effort.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer
What an afternoon-turned-evening in western New York to see the Dolphins compete with the heavily favored Bills behind their third-string quarterback. The defense, while it did give up a lot to Josh Allen and Buffalo, forced key turnovers that gave the Dolphins a chance. The clock management issues cost Miami late.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor
The Dolphins had a number of players step up, but some awful dropped passes that hurt their young quarterback. Still, such a game effort from which to jump into the 2023 season.
Steve Svekis, Sports Senior Content Editor
What an incredible effort by so many players. However, it was ultimately marred by coach Mike McDaniel’s continuing difficulties managing the second half of games. In this case, all three timeouts torched to avoid delay of game flags. Such an ugly end of — incredibly — the second loss in a month in wintry Buffalo from which a ton of positives could be taken heading into next season.
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