Quarterback Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a 31-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, marking the team’s third consecutive win. Allen orchestrated a key touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, connecting with wide receiver Khalil Shakir to give Buffalo a 28-21 lead. Linebacker Terrel Bernard secured the win with a late interception.
Tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes played significant roles in the game, each scoring a touchdown in the first half. On the opening series, Allen targeted Kincaid twice, including a nine-yard catch that set up another play where Kincaid scored after faking a block and diving into the end zone.
“We’d love to get everybody involved early. There were just some opportunities for him and he made the most of them,” Allen said about Kincaid.
Kincaid finished as Buffalo’s leading receiver with 66 yards on six catches, his first time leading since Week 17 of last season. He now has 13 receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns through three games.
Allen extended his streak of multiple passing touchdowns against Miami to eight games by delivering a shovel pass to rookie Jackson Hawes for his first career touchdown.
“I knew we had that play in, so I was kind of planning something,” Hawes shared. “But in the moment, my mind I don’t even know where it was. It was just this is amazing and just thought to go with the spike.”
Hawes also contributed as a blocker during the play and celebrated his score enthusiastically.
“I did give him a good lil’ pop,” Hawes laughed.
Although primarily used as a blocker so far this season, Hawes demonstrated his receiving skills as well.
“Us three (Kincaid, Knox) and Reggie at fullback, we’re a legitimate four-headed snake,” Hawes said.
On defense, Bernard’s preparation paid off when he intercepted Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa late in the game. The Bills had focused on Miami’s quick passing concept during practice that week.
“I want to give a shout-out to Al Holcomb, the linebacker’s coach. He put it on tape a few times,” Bernard said. “We’ve worked that play, our offense runs that play, and he basically told me if I see it, go.”
Bernard recognized Miami’s formation during their final drive and stepped in front of Jaylen Waddle for an interception.
“We’re in a three-deep zone and I just saw it and broke on it,” Bernard explained.
Bernard was active throughout the game with several tackles and credited team preparation for their strong finish defensively.
“Just building throughout the first few quarters and getting an understanding of what’s going on, I think it helps us play a little bit faster,” he said. “And once the second half rolls around, the fourth quarter rolls around, we feel like we have an idea of what’s going on. And that split second is what helps you make plays.”
The Bills reached several milestones with this win: they are now 3-0 for consecutive seasons; have improved their record against Miami to 10-1 since 2020; head coach Sean McDermott remains undefeated at home versus Miami; Josh Allen has set an NFL record for total touchdowns against one opponent through 15 games; James Cook III leads all NFL players in rushing touchdowns since early last year; Cook tied a franchise record by scoring in seven straight games; and Allen remains unbeaten (8-0) on Thursday Night Football.
