Archives for December 23, 2013

‘Nothing to play for? Don’t tell coach Doug Marrone whose team put a big hurt into Miami’s playoff hopes with a dominant performance and now has a chance to finish the season on a three-game win streak next week at New England. Buffalo hadn’t been home since Nov. 17 and gave 54,000 loyal fans sitting in the cold and rain a lot to cheer for.’

‘”I’m very proud of this team,” Bills’ head coach Doug Marrone said. “They worked hard all week again. We talked to them about (getting) two wins in a row, which we haven’t done (this season). I’m excited about that. We have to finish strong.”‘

‘The Bills will get better on the road with time, especially if Manuel and Marrone work out. Until then, they’re likely to be in a battle to make the playoffs each season, giving each game extra meaning. It’s also a further indictment of a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in 14 seasons selling one extra-important home game a season to Toronto in an effort to make a few bucks.’

‘Effort, effort, effort. The Bills had not won back-to-back games all season and they accomplished that feat in dominating fashion. The Bills were the better-coached team on Sunday and the end result reflects a great game plan by Marrone and his staff. A lot to feel good about the team moving forward, regardless of what happens next week in Foxborough.’

‘However, most of the praise will go to defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. He didn’t back off against Miami and continued to bring the pressure. That made life miserable for Ryan Tannehill, who was sacked seven times. The defense is a much different unit than it was in past years. Why? Pettine. Sure, the Bills have added some pieces over the past couple of years. But it’s Pettine’s scheme that has made this defense a much better unit.’

‘”It’s a nice consolation, I guess, to where we are,” said Williams, a defensive tackle. “You can see (Sunday) what we could potentially do on defense with some really good players. Early in the game, guys were winning battles up front on a base rush and once Miami started protecting against that, we started calling more outside blitzes. It was a good combination of both.”‘

‘”You suffer the consequences, roll along with them and do the best you can,” Dareus said. “It feels like a win to me and we needed it bad. We pulled it out and I’m so excited. Coach (Doug Marrone) is excited. We respect each other, me and Marrone. We don’t have any differences and I don’t have anything against the team. Just things happen and you have to deal with it and move forward.”‘

‘n one particular blitz package that kept getting home, Pettine brought strong safety DaNorris Searcy and linebacker Kiko Alonso right up into the line before the snap — six of the best Buffalo pass rushers all on their marks. Ready, set, go.’

Miami Dolphins suffer crushing blow to playoff hopes with loss to Buffalo Bills (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline has a rough day in loss to Buffalo Bills (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins can’t stop Buffalo Bills’ running attack in loss (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins allow Buffalo Bills to trample over playoff hopes (Miami Herald)

Tough debut for Miami Dolphins backup quarterback Matt Moore (Miami Herald)

Keys to the game (Miami Herald)

Quarter-by quarter analysis (Miami Herald)

Grading the Miami Dolphins against the Buffalo Bills (Miami Herald)

Photo gallery (Miami Herald)

Dolphins can’t slow running of the Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins can’t slow running of the Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Offensive line remains source of Dolphins’ offensive problems (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The silver lining? Dolphins still very much alive entering Week 17 (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

How did Sunday crumble? Ask a laughing Buffalo (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill (knee) says he’ll be OK for next week’s Jets game (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins LBs were awful vs. Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Things we learned in the Dolphins’ 19-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Things we learned in the Dolphins’ 19-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Miami Dolphins report card: Could it possibly be any worse? (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Photo gallery (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Miami Dolphins allow seven sacks, gain just 103 yards in 19-0 loss at Buffalo that damages playoff hopes (Palm Beach Post)

Buffalo Bills’ 19-play, nine-minute drive a back-breaker for Miami Dolphins (Palm Beach Post)

Miami Dolphins don’t perform like a playoff team, but they still have a chance (Palm Beach Post)

Miami Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill briefly knocked out of game after sixth of seven sacks (Palm Beach Post)

Greg Stoda’s six quick takes from Miami Dolphins 19-0 loss to Buffalo Bills (Palm Beach Post)

Instant analysis: Buffalo Bills 19, Miami Dolphins 0 (Palm Beach Post)

The Dolphins lose control of their destiny (El Nuevo Herald)

Bills 19, Dolphins 0: Takeaways & observations (Fox Sports Florida)

Despite Crushing Loss, Playoffs Still in Reach for Dolphins (WTVJ-TV)

Tough Loss In Buffalo For The Dolphins (MiamiDolphins.com)

Fields’ Leg A Busy One; Other Notes (MiamiDolphins.com)

Dolphins-Bills Postgame Notes (MiamiDolphins.com)

Three Observations From The Loss To Buffalo (MiamiDolphins.com)

Photo gallery (MiamiDolphins.com)

Photo gallery (BuffaloBills.com)

Photo gallery (Buffalo News)

Photo gallery (Rochester D&C)

Photo gallery (WGRZ-TV)

‘Fred Jackson had 111 yards rushing and scored on a 9-yard run, while the Bills limited the Dolphins to a season-low 103 yards and six first downs. The Bills (6-9) closed their home schedule with seven sacks for 56 this season, breaking their previous high of 50 during a 14-game season in 1964.’

‘”It’s a bittersweet deal,” defensive tackle Kyle Williams said. “It’s a nice consolation for where we are. I think you’ve seen today potentially what we can do.”‘

‘Goodwin was hurt late in the first quarter on Sunday. He fell awkwardly while being tackled into the Dolphins’ sideline by linebacker Koa Misi for a 3-yard loss on an end-around. Goodwin walked slowly off the field. He then spent several minutes on the Bills’ sideline before being escorted to the locker room.’

‘It happened following running back Fred Jackson’s run on a second-and-10 from the Bills 18. Woods and Jones got tangled up to the right of the play and eventually wrestled each other to the ground.’

‘The Bills will be without three starters, including receiver Stevie Johnson and safety Aaron Williams.’

‘Fred Jackson ran for 111 yards with a touchdown, Dan Carpenter kicked four field goals and the Buffalo defense came up with a season-high seven sacks in the Bills’ 19-0 triumph over the Dolphins on Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’