Allen’s 3 TDs, Bernard’s Late INT Lift Bills Past Dolphins 31-21 in AFC East Clash

The Associated Press

Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes, James Cook rushed for over 100 yards, and Terrel Bernard came up with a late-game interception to secure a 31–21 victory for the Buffalo Bills over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. The win moved Buffalo to 3–0 and extended their dominance over their division rival, while Miami dropped to 0–3, sparking further scrutiny around head coach Mike McDaniel’s future.With under three minutes left and the Dolphins driving to tie the game, Bernard jumped a route intended for Jaylen Waddle, intercepting Tua Tagovailoa at Buffalo’s 15-yard line. The middle linebacker credited preparation and coaching. “It’s honestly something we’ve seen on tape,” Bernard said. “That’s one of their top concepts. I recognized it, broke on it, and made the play.” Rookie defensive tackle Deone Walker also played a key role by deflecting the pass at the line of scrimmage. Allen was once again efficient and effective, completing 22 of 28 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns. He now holds a 14–2 career record against Miami with 43 touchdown passes in those matchups. His scoring throws included a 20-yard strike to Dalton Kincaid, a 5-yard toss to rookie tight end Jackson Hawes, and a go-ahead 15-yard touchdown to Khalil Shakir in the fourth quarter. The latter came five plays after Miami’s Zach Sieler was flagged for roughing the punter on a 4th-and-7.

Running back James Cook powered Buffalo’s ground game with 108 yards and a 2-yard touchdown, becoming the first player to rush for over 100 yards against Miami in 36 games. He also tied a team record with a rushing touchdown in seven consecutive regular-season games, matching legends like Cookie Gilchrist and O.J. Simpson. Despite converting 10 of 15 third downs, the Dolphins made key mistakes late. Tagovailoa finished 23 of 34 for 146 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. “I wouldn’t say it was a bad read,” Tagovailoa said. “It was just a great play by Bernard.” Miami head coach Mike McDaniel declined to find positives in the performance: “I’m never proud of a loss. We came here to win. And I refuse to take moral victories.” Since leading the Dolphins to a playoff appearance in 2023, McDaniel’s record has dropped to 8–13.

The win marked Buffalo’s 13th straight regular-season home victory, two short of their franchise record. Allen also became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 301 total touchdowns from scrimmage, achieving the milestone in just 127 games—one game faster than Patrick Mahomes. The Bills will travel to Houston next week to face the Texans, while the Dolphins return home for a Monday night matchup against the New York Jets on September 29.