John Murphy: In the end, Dolphins were over-matched

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — And that’s why we love the NFL.

Because we can watch the over-matched Dolphins pull themselves together enough to make a game of it.

Unlike the Jets four days before.

The Bills 31-21 win over the Dolphins Thursday night was a convincing victory over a team fighting for its life at this early stage of the season.

“It’s hard to win in this league every week,” said linebacker Terrel Bernard. “To come out here on a Thursday, in a short week, and get it done feels good.”

The short week was only one of the problems facing the Bills going into the game. With two key defenders, Ed Oliver and Matt Milano, out with injuries, the team was short-staffed. Giving up 5.2 yards a carry and 10 of 15 third downs are also problems that must be addressed moving forward.

But they are 3-0, with some time off, and with Bernard to thank for their latest win.

His fourth quarter interception, with three minutes to go and Miami driving for the game tying touchdown, was the key play. Last year, the Bills were fifth in the NFL with 16 interceptions. Bernard’s pick Thursday was their first.

He intercepted a pass intended for Jaylen Waddle in the right flat.

“it’s a common route around the league,” according to Bernard. “I want to give a shout out to Al Holcomb, our linebackers coach, who put it on tape a few times. We worked on that play, and he basically told me if I see it, go.  I just saw it and broke on it.”

Tua Tagovailoa’s throw was hurried by pass rush pressure from fourth round draft pick Deone Walker. “Deone won quick and got a pressure and made him get the ball out quick,” Bernard said.

All part of the plan according to coach Sean McDermott.

“We always talk about rush and coverage working together, “McDermott said. “That won’t show up in the stat sheet perhaps.”

It’s that kind of cohesion that comes from the coach and his staff working together. It’s the kind of cohesion that Miami lacks with questions about its coaching future and a demoralizing 0-3 record.

But the Dolphins can still pose a challenge especially with their team speed. And it’s not just Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Malik Washington and De’Von Achane also contributed to the problems the Bills had keeping up.

The Bills got another strong game from running back James Cook, who’s on target for a 1200 yard season.

“The guy just attacks every time he touches the ball,” says Josh Allen. “He looks like he’s shot out of a cannon every time he touches it.”

The Dolphins were ready, but they just don’t have enough to stop Cook, or survive Bernard’s big play. They were gamers though.

And that’s why we love the NFL.