Miami Dolphins Make Early Push Defeating the Buffalo Bills 24-10
Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quartet against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins (7-8) close out their 2012 home season (5-3) with a 24-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills (5-10) on Sunday.
"“It was big for us to play well today and to finish out our home schedule with a win,” Ryan Tannehill stated after victory."
Joe Philbin’s team’s success came from the aggressive attitude by first-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Reggie Bush. Mainly, field of possession became a major factor on the offensive side of the football as Miami received the football roughly at their own 40-yard line.
Tannehill known to show poise in the pocket, displayed his outside of the pocket mobility rushing for 44 yards off of six touches. In terms of his passing contribution, it was the traditional and consistent Ryan Tannehill numbers we have seen all season: 13-for-25 for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is pressured by Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (55) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
"“I am trying to make better decisions and not always looking to force the ball,” the first-year quarterback added. “I have got more comfortable as the season has gone on.”"
Bush, who I have been criticizing all week, was on the back end of those two throwing touchdowns by Tannehill. The seven-year back posted 107 all-purpose yards along with three touchdowns (rushing score included). Bush’s wing man, Lamar Miller,
The spotlight of the victory had to be the outstanding performance by Miami’s defense. Opposition urnovers have become little this season for the Dolphins, but today they came to conquer the Bill’s offense holding Ryan Fitzpatrick to 240 yards as well as sacking him twice (one from Cameron Wake) and forcing an interception.
"“Coach said we need to capitalize off of opponent’s mistakes and give our offense better field position,” safety Reshad Jones stated."
C.J. Spiller was the highlight of the Buffalo Bills’ day rushing for 138 yards off of 22 carries. His versatility and speed showed on his 62-yard run in the second quarter.
With a AFC Wildcard chance not in the mix after the Cincinnati Bengals outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-10, next week’s contest against the New England Patriots will be their final game of the 2012 season.