6 Takeaways from the Bills’ Gritty Week 3 Win Over the Dolphins

ORCHARD PARK — The Buffalo Bills survived a serious test from a feisty Miami Dolphins team, ultimately securing a hard-fought 31-21 victory. While it wasn’t always pretty, the win was a testament to the defense’s ability to force a turnover at the most opportune moment and the team’s resilience.

The AFC East battle at Highmark Stadium came down to a few key moments and standout performances. Here are six takeaways from the Bills’ Week 3 analysis, focusing on the players who made the biggest impact, good and bad.

1. Terrel Bernard’s Interception Sealed the Game

When it mattered most, linebacker Terrel Bernard made the play of the game. With the Dolphins driving for a potential tying score, Bernard perfectly read a pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa intended for Jaylen Waddle. Relying on instincts and film study, he stepped in front of the pass and secured the interception, all but sealing the win for Buffalo.

“It’s honestly something that we have seen on tape,” Bernard said, crediting his position coach for helping him prepare. “He basically told me if I see it, go.”

The play was a perfect example of what Coach Sean McDermott called “growth and development,” as the defense came through with a critical takeaway in the clutch.

2. Bad Teams Do Dumb Things

The Dolphins’ effort was admirable, but ultimately, they were undone by their own mistakes—the kind of errors that have plagued them in their 0-3 start to the season. The most glaring came in the fourth quarter with the score tied at 21-21. After forcing what should have been a punt, Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler inexplicably ran into punter Cameron Johnston, drawing a game-changing roughing the punter penalty. The 15-yard penalty gave the Bills a first down, which they converted into the go-ahead touchdown pass to Khalil Shakir.

While the game-sealing Tua Tagovailoa interception was more of a great play by Bernard than a “dumb” one, it was still a crucial mistake that a team trying to win on the road simply cannot afford.

3. A Laugher Got Uncomfortable

What looked like it could be a blowout in the first half quickly became a nail-biter. The Bills were up 14-7 and driving for a third straight touchdown when a questionable run call and a sack on Josh Allen stalled the drive. The ensuing missed field goal by Matt Prater gave the Dolphins the momentum they needed to drive down the field for a tying touchdown, turning a potentially easy win into a taut second-half battle.

Allen took the blame, saying he shouldn’t have taken a sack, but the poor play call was the true culprit that turned the game on a dime.

4. Third-Down Defense Was Abysmal

The Bills’ defense struggled mightily on third downs, a problem that has plagued the team in recent years. The Dolphins converted a staggering 10 of 15 third-down attempts and even went 1-for-1 on fourth down.

The Bills’ inability to get off the field was particularly evident at the end of the first half, where the Dolphins converted five straight third downs on a drive that resulted in a tying touchdown. Despite the turnovers, this unit will need to clean up its third-down execution if the Bills hope to make a deep playoff run.

5. Tre’Davious White Was a Blast from the Past

In his first major test since returning from injury, veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White proved he is back to his old self. White was all over the field, showing his veteran instincts in coverage and his willingness to tackle in run support. He finished the game with five tackles and a pass breakup, helping to limit Tua Tagovailoa to just 146 passing yards. His performance was a crucial bright spot for a defense that struggled at times.

6. Dalton Kincaid Was a Focal Point

Third-year tight end Dalton Kincaid was clearly a key part of the offensive game plan. He caught a 20-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive, and later had a 19-yard reception that nearly resulted in a second score. He finished with five catches for 66 yards, showing why he was a first-round pick. Although his night didn’t end perfectly after he committed a late holding penalty, he still proved to be a valuable weapon in the passing game.

The Bills are now 3-0 on the season and will look to build on this gritty win. The Dolphins fall to 0-3, left to wonder what could have been if not for a few costly, late-game mistakes.