Buffalo Bills Dominate Miami Dolphins 31-10 as Tua Tagovailoa Exits with Concussion

The Buffalo Bills secured a commanding 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, improving their record to 2-0 and further asserting their dominance in the AFC East. The Bills were powered by three first-half touchdown runs from James Cook and two pivotal interceptions by Ja’Marcus Ingram, including one returned for a touchdown.

While the Bills’ success was notable, the Dolphins faced a bigger issue than just the loss. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion late in the third quarter, adding uncertainty to the Dolphins’ season moving forward.

Buffalo Bills (2-0)

For most of Josh Allen’s career, he has been the primary source of rushing touchdowns for the Buffalo Bills. However, Thursday night saw a different story unfold as James Cook took center stage in the run game, delivering a career-high performance. Cook’s three touchdowns, which included a 49-yard untouched run, propelled the Bills to a decisive win over their division rival, the Miami Dolphins.

This victory was crucial for Buffalo, not only because it marked a 2-0 start to their season but also because it showed the team’s ability to diversify its offensive production. With Allen nursing a hand injury from Week 1, Cook stepped up and matched his total rushing touchdowns from the past two seasons combined.

Cook’s first touchdown came early in the game following an interception by Ja’Marcus Ingram. It was a 17-yard score that set the tone for Buffalo’s offensive dominance. He added a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and capped off his performance with a 49-yard sprint into the end zone, untouched by the Dolphins’ defense. According to ESPN, Cook is now one of just seven players since 2006 to have an untouched rushing touchdown of 49 yards or more. Cook finished the night with 78 rushing yards on 11 attempts, complemented by a reception.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has put an emphasis on running the ball effectively, allowing Allen to complete 13 of 19 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown without being the focal point of the ground game. The offense has shown early on this season that it can perform without relying solely on Allen, utilizing a new cast of receivers and a revitalized run game to achieve success.

Ja’Marcus Ingram’s Breakout Performance

Buffalo’s defensive success was highlighted by Ja’Marcus Ingram, an undrafted free agent from the University of Buffalo. Ingram delivered a standout performance, intercepting two passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His strong start to the season has been crucial for the Bills, especially with injuries plaguing their defensive unit. Coach Sean McDermott praised Ingram’s effort, acknowledging that he only played due to an injury to Dawuane Smoot in Week 1. However, his breakout performance against the Dolphins means Ingram could see more playing time moving forward.

Key Play: Allen’s 33-Yard Pass to Ty Johnson

One of the pivotal moments in the game came when Buffalo led 10-7. On third-and-12 from Miami’s 34-yard line, Allen scrambled and launched a 33-yard pass to running back Ty Johnson, setting up a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Cook. This play extended Buffalo’s lead and shifted the momentum entirely in their favor.

Dolphins Struggle with Tua Tagovailoa’s Concussion and Poor Play

For the Miami Dolphins, Thursday night was nothing short of a nightmare. The 31-10 loss marked their 10th defeat in the last 11 matchups against Buffalo, but more concerning was the concussion sustained by Tua Tagovailoa late in the third quarter. After taking a hit that left him on the ground for several minutes, Tagovailoa was able to walk off the field under his own power. However, his concussion history – with two previous incidents during the 2022 season – leaves the Dolphins in a difficult position as they assess his health moving forward.

Before his injury, Tagovailoa struggled throughout the game, throwing three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Ingram. His errant throws often targeted receivers he wasn’t familiar with, such as Grant DuBose and Robbie Chosen. The Dolphins’ offense sputtered, with their only bright spot being running back De’Von Achane, who ran for 96 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.

Miami will face a challenging decision regarding Tagovailoa’s availability for their Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. With just 10 days to recover, questions linger about whether the Dolphins will risk putting their franchise quarterback back on the field so soon after another head injury.

Looking Ahead for the Bills and Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, Sept. 23, looking to continue their early-season success and solidify their position as AFC East contenders. As for the Dolphins, they’ll visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 22. Whether Tagovailoa will be under center remains a major concern, and the team may have to rely on their run game, especially with Achane’s impressive showing, to carry them through if their quarterback isn’t ready.

Describe the Game in Two Words: Statement Win

Buffalo’s dominant victory over the Dolphins reaffirms their position as the team to beat in the AFC East, while Miami faces an uncertain future without their star quarterback.