Miami’s 17-14 loss to the Bills on Sunday was a fitting end to any realistic playoff hopes for the Dolphins.
After one of the team’s most stirring wins of the season (in New York), the Dolphins had a letdown at home like they have so many times this season. The Dolphins are now 1-6 at home and 6-1 on the road. That adds up to mediocrity. The Jets could mathematically eliminate the Dolphins with a win in Pittsburgh Sunday.
Miami moved the ball well, but kicker Dan Carpenter missed all four of his field goal attempts. (They were all 48 yards or longer.) The Bills got another quietly efficient performance from Ryan Fitzpatrick, who threw for 223 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
This game was an indictment on the once-great Dolphins rushing attack. Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown combined for only 58 yards.
We have to give Chan Gailey, Fitzpatrick and all of the Bills a ton of credit for the way they have rallied this season. After an 0-7 start that included many three point losses to playoff teams, the Bills have rallied to get to 4-10.
With each win, Fitzpatrick pushes the Bills further down the first round of next April’s draft. Maybe the Bills won’t draft his replacement after all.