Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Recap - Fourth Quarter Run

The Buffalo Bills opened up their 2010 season with a home game versus their division rival, the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins looked like a playoff team against Buffalo this day. In the first half the Bills had less than 50 yards of total offense that is not going to cut it in the NFL, let alone CFL. The pre-game hype mentioned Bills rookie CJ Spiller, the speedster from Clemson, but he barely made an impression in his debut. At halftime the Dolphins led 10-3 and increased their lead to 13-3 by the start of the fourth quarter. The Bills offense was non-existent for three quarters. Buffalo’s running game didn’t show up and neither did their receivers. But in the fourth quarter the Bills finally arrived. QB Trent Edwards put together a string of offensive plays that ultimately led to a 4th and 11 with about 5 minutes to play. Had this been 2009 the Bills would have gambled and failed, but the 2010 version, with Head Coach Chan Gailey gambled and succeeded. Probably a coincidence. Wide Receiver Roscoe Parrish snuck in behind the Miami defence for a 31 yard touchdown reception which capped off a 10 play 80 yard drive taking up less than 5 minutes of the play clock. That play brought the deficit down to a field goal, 13-10. If it were not for Trent Edwards going 7 for 7, for 91 yards late in the game, his numbers would have Gailey considering benching him for next weeks’ game.

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With less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter the Dolphins had possession and only needed to move the chains to hold on to this win. Miami turned to their running game to eat up the clock and the Miami Running Backs including Ricky Williams, kept possession. With third down and 5 yards to go, the Bills defence stepped up and prevented the first down, which would have ultimately ended the game. The Bills defence was definitely present in week one, they kept the Bills within striking distance the entire way. With two minutes to play the Bills had the ball at their own one yard line. Any fan with tell you that to score in the NFL is difficult and to do it with time and distance against you is almost impossible. The Bills put forth a valiant effort in the fourth quarter but the lacklustre first three quarters cost the Bills the game. Miami missed a field goal and could easily have intercepted Edwards twice for two touchdown returns. The fact the Bills were even close is a testament to their underrated defence. All in all, the Bills have something to build on from this game. Edwards has shown that he can perform, Parrish and Lee Evans showed glimpses of talent and CJ Spiller provides hope for an offence lacking firepower. Trent Edwards completed one pass after that perfect drive and made some questionable plays late in the game, like refusing to throw the ball down the field. Next week will be no easier as the Bills have a date with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers and then a home game versus Tom Brady and the Patriots. An 0-3 start seems inevitable but you never know.

By Ranhvir Samra
ProFootball-fans.com Buffalo Bills Correspondent