Miami Gardens, FL — Buffalo Bills fans made their presence felt at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday night, leading to Bills coach Sean McDermott jokingly being asked if it felt like a home game. While it wasn’t, the Bills gave their traveling supporters plenty to cheer about in a commanding 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
James Cook had a standout performance, catching a touchdown pass and rushing for two more, as the Bills cruised to a win. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the game in the third quarter after suffering a concussion, a concerning development given his past history with head injuries.
Tagovailoa was injured after a collision with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin, slamming the back of his head on the turf. He was quickly ruled out with a concussion, leaving his future uncertain.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Bills quarterback Josh Allen. “This is the toughest part of football. Nothing but love and prayers for Tua and his family. He’ll need all the support he can get.”
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel remained cautious about Tagovailoa’s future, saying the team would know more after further evaluations on Friday.
“I’m just focused on my teammate, like the rest of the guys,” McDaniel said. “We’ll take it day by day.”
Allen, wearing a glove on his left hand after injuring it in the Bills’ opener, completed 13 of 19 passes for 139 yards. He continued his dominance over the Dolphins, improving to 12-2 against Miami, while the Bills have now beaten the Dolphins 14 times in 16 matchups since McDermott took over in 2017.
The Bills’ defense also shined, forcing three turnovers and limiting Miami’s high-powered offense to just a touchdown and a field goal despite missing key starters.
“Next man up,” McDermott said. “The guys worked hard, and when you work hard, good things happen.”
Cook contributed significantly to the offense, scoring three times in the first half—a 17-yard touchdown reception from Allen and rushing touchdowns of 1 and 49 yards. His three first-half touchdowns tied a franchise record.
“As long as they trust me, I’ll get in the end zone,” Cook said.
Allen’s left hand, injured after a daring hurdle over safety Budda Baker in the season opener, did not seem to affect his play. After the game, Allen reassured fans that his hand was fine, even flexing it for the crowd.
“Feels great,” Allen said with a smile.
Backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky entered the game late, as the Bills held a 21-point lead.
Miami struggled offensively, with star receiver Tyreek Hill held to just three catches for 24 yards. The Dolphins were hampered by early mistakes, with two turnovers by Tagovailoa leading to 10 Buffalo points. Ja’Marcus Ingram intercepted Tagovailoa on the first drive, while Christian Benford snagged another on a miscommunication between Tagovailoa and receiver Robbie Chosen.
Ingram’s second interception of the night came in the third quarter when Tagovailoa attempted to throw the ball away. Ingram returned the pick 31 yards for a touchdown, extending the Bills’ lead to 31-10.
Tagovailoa’s night ended shortly after when he scrambled for a first down and collided head-first with Hamlin. Players from both teams immediately called for trainers, and Tagovailoa was eventually helped off the field under his own power after throwing for 145 yards and a touchdown.
Skylar Thompson replaced Tagovailoa at quarterback following the injury.
McDaniel expressed his concern for his quarterback’s well-being. “I’m not worried about anything outside of my control. I’m just concerned for Tua as a person. We’ll know more when the time is right.”
Up Next:
Bills: Host Jacksonville on Monday, Sept. 23.
Dolphins: At Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 22.
