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Takeaways: Red zone conversions power Buffalo Bills to win over Miami Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills handled their business against the Miami Dolphins, eventually winning 26-11 over their AFC East rival. It was not pretty, but the second half proved the difference and Buffalo put away Miami.

Necco Wafers: Brian Daboll’s first-half playcalling

On 3rd & 10 in the first quarter, Daboll called a QB draw and Buffalo picked up a single yard. They were bailed out by a long Tyler Bass kick. Second-and-long runs dominated the first 15 minutes. The first drive resulted in a 3rd & 5 and three-and-out before the second drive, where Devin Singletary gained six yards before Josh Allen’s long run on third down. On 3rd & 1 during the second quarter, the Bills brought in Reggie Gilliam to lead block for an off-tackle run that went nowhere.

Reese’s: Ed Oliver finally has a nice day

Oliver was in the backfield all day. He had a tackle for a loss, forcing a third-and-long and later on the drive, a knifing pressure forced a quick Tagovailoa incompletion on third down to end the drive. He was in on the third-down run stop that forced Miami’s first field goal. He had a sack taken off the board in the fourth quarter because of a Jerry Hughes offsides call. It would be really great if this was an every-week thing.

Twix bars: Seven straight over Miami

It’s never happened before, but the Bills have won seven straight over the Dolphins now. Awesome.

Take five: Bills convert red zone opportunities

Something we looked at over the bye week was Buffalo’s inability to score in the red zone. They made sure to take care of that this week. Four trips inside the red zone and three touchdowns was really nice to see. They scored with Josh Allen’s legs and two from his arm.

Miami nuts and bolts

  • DaVante Parker: five catches, 68 yards in the first half, but was held to just two catches and 17 yards in the second half.
  • Miami had a nice first half but couldn’t get any points.